Our Favorite Wedding Ideas that Helped Us Celebrate Love In a Global Pandemic

The past two years have been the most difficult thing that many of us have had to live through. From not being able to see loved ones on holidays and celebrations to the pain and sadness of losing those closest to you and the fear of catching the disease yourself. As with many global issues, we have changed our lives to find happiness amidst all the negative emotions surrounding us. One of those joyful moments is finding a way to bring people together to celebrate weddings! As we wrap up the year, we wanted to look back on some of the best COVID-friendly wedding ideas we saw in 2020 and 2021.

 

Micro-Weddings and Minimonies

We all know getting large groups of people together is frowned upon in the time of COVID. Instead of having a big wedding, micro-weddings and minimonies allowed many couples to celebrate with an intimate gathering with just a few of their close friends or family members. And of course, fur babies are always a fun addition to the party!

Photography by Katherine Mei
See more of this real wedding here!

 

Zoom Streaming

Obviously, if you restrict your guest list to an intimate wedding, many of the family members you might want to share your day with don't get to attend it. However, some of our couples thought of a unique way around that. While only bringing a few people together in person, weddings were also shared via Zoom, which proved to be a safe and effective way to share their big day with everyone they love!

 

Backyard Celebrations

In addition to downsizing, a lot of couples relocated their weddings to outdoor venues for a safer option. Backyards were a prime choice for many of our brides and grooms. Not only is a backyard a nostalgic place for you and your spouse, but it also allows you to determine the capacity!

Photography by Courtney Sinclair Photography
See more of this real wedding here!

 

Garden Party

In a similar vein, people moved their weddings to gardens. There is something uplifting and optimistic about getting married in a beautiful garden. Typically, they have lots of room, so it's easy for your guests to spread out and feel comfortable while they watch the beginning of the rest of your lives.

Photography by Alison Mae Photography
See more of this real wedding here!

 

Fun Rescheduling Stationery

A lot of people had to reschedule their weddings due to COVID, so that allowed couples and stationery designers to have fun with the way they redesigned their weddings. One of our couples created a funny new save-the-date and included a fun brand of alcohol on their new wedding day to lighten the mood!

Photography by Mika LH Photography
See more of this real wedding here!

 

Social Distancing Signage

As we learned during the pandemic, staying away from people is the best way to keep yourself safe. We saw couples create some unique signage to use as décor at their weddings but also to inform people to remain socially distanced. Combining this and a larger or outdoor venue allows guests to feel safe from beginning to end!

Photography by Stoneking Photography
See more of this real wedding here!

 

Exciting Elopements

Instead of rescheduling or downsizing, we saw many couples opt to elope on the original date of their wedding! There is nothing more intimate and romantic than being married with only you, your spouse and an officiant present. Many think that elopements have to be somewhere exotic or different, but there are plenty of stunning locations across the Midwest to say "I do."

Photography by Tylee Shay Photography
See more of this elopement here!

 

Celebrating on Your Own

As we know, many plans were canceled during COVID. Weddings either changed dates completely or the number of guests downsized. Some, however, still found a way to honor their original date by themselves. This couple visited their venue on their original wedding day to take photos, do a mock first dance and pass love letters to each other!

Photography by Capturing Simplicity
See more of this real wedding here!

 

Party Favors and Ceremony Gifts

In an attempt to keep guests masked and safe, couples began to give out masks and hand sanitizers before their ceremony or at their reception. Some even set up sanitizing stations for their guests to visit to make everyone feel comfortable. Plus, it can double for a cute décor item!

Photography by Abbey Grim Photography
See more of this real wedding here!

 

Car Parades

One of our couples found another way to include all their loved ones in a safe way. Besides having custom bridal party masks for all the groomsmen and bridesmaids, Karolina and Matt took a cruise around their neighborhood to safely see friends and family that didn't make the intimate wedding guest list.

Photography by R. E. M. Video and Photography
See more of this real wedding here!

 

COVID piñata

Perhaps our favorite and most unique idea was what Maggie and Keegan decided to do on their special day. A piñata at a wedding is always a fun idea, but a piñata representing a COVID-19 germ is even more fun to beat up on! 

Photography by Beth Waterman Photography
See more of this real wedding here!
 

 

 

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