Wow, we’re still wondering when we’ll wake up from this horrible nightmare that is 2020. As little as 30 days ago, couples were still saying ‘I Do’ without worrying about coronavirus contingencies – and now, weddings planned for the rest of the year remain a question mark. Whether you’re postponing to a future date [hopefully] untouched by COVID-19 or have decided to cancel the wedding you had planned in favor of a ceremony for just the two of you, remember your love hasn’t been cancelled. Not for a long shot!
At the end of the day, of course there’s so much to love about a big day full of people – the more, the merrier, right? But the most special moments are the first look, the exchange of vows, the first kiss once you’re pronounced partners for life, and the first dance after you become husband and wife, husband and husband, or wife and wife: and those looks only require the two of you. That’s why we’re all for carrying on with the same date and throwing a big party to celebrate with your family and friends later on when it’s safe for everyone.
And as luck would have it, our Style Me Pretty Shop Collection doesn’t need an audience to shine. In fact, for couples who have decided to get married in their backyards or elope in the mountains, the scale of the event might be smaller, given the circumstances, but the occasion doesn’t have to be any less monumental. With small touches like taper candles and festive tea lights, tassel garlands and toasting flutes, you can keep things just between you, while also turning up the formality of the fete. Remember, you can always ‘save another date’ for the future, but if you can’t wait to make things official, then definitely still have your day. You’ll look back on the photos from this historical time – even if they’re iPhone snaps or Polaroids – and smile, because you made it through, and you did it your way.
Before you pull the plug on your OG plan, take a peek at some of the below SMP items. You might never have contemplated eloping before, but if the #coronabride tales on Instagram are tugging on your heart strings, well, then, you might want to let go of that never… Especially with these inspiring, just-for-you-two touches.
While you might not have a Maid of Honor and/or Best Man around to help with a hanky hand-off, you’ll still want to be prepared for the water works that will occur // no matter how small your wedding is! A something blue-hued handkerchief works perfectly, because even a micro-wedding can have its fair share of tradition. And actually, if you do want to invite a small group of guests to share in your day (virtually), we suggest sending some plush tissues to your tribe. FaceTiming the ceremony is a surefire way to get those tears rolling from the sidelines,
Granted, you might not have a typical escort table at your winnowed down wedding, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still have a beautiful LOVE-fest welcome table – fancied up with throwback snaps of you and your new spouse (yes, let’s not forget, you might not have had your dream wedding, but you still got married to the man or woman of your dreams!), the soft glow of tea lights for ambiance, and a champagne bucket filled to the brim with celebratory bubbly.
Social distancing and large gathering bans definitely make the photo booth situation null and void, but if you’re exchanging vows – even without friends and family around, you have to commemorate the occasion. You can do it a few ways, too: with a quote banner, because truly, during corona times, being together is a beautiful place to be; with a love hoop above your sweetheart table (even if it’s just your kitchen table, dressed up with some extra sparkle via romantic taper candles and toasting coupes); or with a bead and tassel garland, which can serve as a great entranceway for you to join your reception for two.
Don’t get us wrong, we know that it’s much easier said than done to go with Plan Z, when Plan A seemed absolutely, positively perfect – and then an outbreak ensued. But if you’ve had to become nimble with your nuptials, know that we’re right there with you and will help in any way we can! For sweet, easy adds to your intimate affair, if that’s the way you’re leaning, shop the Style Me Pretty Collection exclusively on site now. Or start stocking up for the happier times ahead!
Danielle Halibey is a writer, editor, and publicist living in New Jersey. She has been immersed in the world of weddings since planning her own whimsical, romantic affair in 2014. And isn’t that what they always say, “those who can’t do, teach?” Well, once her nuptials were over, she still had stuff in the ‘I Do’ industry to do. She writes regularly for top wedding blogs including Style Me Pretty and Wedding Chicks, and has garnered millions of press impressions for brands in the wedding space: fashion, beauty, wedding talent+tastemakers and more.
