Self care whilst wedding planning for 2021 couples
By Lake District Country Hotels.
Header image Jack Aldridge Photography – wedding inspiration feature here
It’s been wonderful this weekend to see weddings going ahead again, and we’re feeling really positive for the summer now. Just to have celebrations back is EVERYTHING – and the joy from couples and photographers on our insta is REAL! We have everything crossed for the summer months returning (safely) back to normal. Here at English Wedding we’ve learned that flexibility is key. Being able to make changes at short notice is essential – despite the roadmap out of lockdown stating that by June 21st the number of guests allowed at wedding ceremonies will be unlimited, it’s important to remain open-minded that this could change depending on how the pandemic plays out in the upcoming months.
Weddings can be stressful to organise and plan, especially when it is uncertain if the ceremony you intend to have will be possible. With this said, we’ve put together a survival guide for couples who plan to get married in 2021, including how they can look after their mental health, how they can get ahead of the game when continuing to plan for their big day, and what they must do if they do need to change their date.
Being flexible with your wedding date
Although weddings can currently continue under COVID-19 rules, the size is limited. There is hope that by June 21st restrictions on the size of events will be abolished, however, if you’re concerned that this might not happen according to plan, then speak to your venue provider. Due to it remaining an unprecedented time, many wedding venues and suppliers are being flexible in terms of rearranging dates at no extra cost. If this isn’t the case, however, and your venue considers a postponement as a cancellation, then consider having your wedding somewhere special to make up for it, like scenic wedding venues in Cumbria and the Lake District.
It’s advised you take out wedding insurance if you haven’t done so already. That way, in the event that your wedding venue has to close due to the tightening of restrictions, you’ll be covered. (Check with your insurance provider first, and read online reviews – some have paid out for Covid cancellations; some haven’t. Read the small print!) Furthermore, check with your venue if you can reschedule for a different date, discussing options later in the year or next year, then check with all of your other vendors to see if this will be possible, before you confirm new dates! Check your new provisional date with your most important guests – after all, you don’t want your best friend or a close family member unable to make it and have to change the date again or sacrifice them not being there! Plan for additional costs in the event that fees change based on the season.
Once you have another date in mind for when you might need to change the ceremony to, let your guests know well in advance.
Prioritise your mental health
Feeling stressed and sad over one of the most important days of your life being cancelled or delayed is completely understandable. If it is affecting your daily life and routine, talk to someone and reach out for help. Mental health is important, and just as important as your physical health – we’re lucky to live in a world where the conversation about mental health is open, positive and helpful. So many of us have struggled over the last year – you’re absolutely not alone. With the pressure and worry of wedding planning and postponements, as well as COVID-19 continuing to have everything up in the air, it’s understandable you’ll feel down – according to Mind, the mental health charity, one in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year.
Remember to set yourself as a priority
In moments of crisis it’s important to take a step back and remove yourself from stressors. Take time out of your day to do things that make you happy. Now that social restrictions are beginning to ease, it is the perfect time to go back to doing something you have missed. When you’re down, it’s too easy to slip into a lethargic routine that is a breeding ground for negativity and sadness. Maintain your appearance as you normally would, eat well, keep in touch with the people in your life who make you smile, and get outside for fresh air when you feel up to it.
Make use of sport and leisure facilities now that they have reopened and book a slot at the gym or at a fitness class. With this said, it’s also important to remember not to make yourself feel bad if you don’t always feel up for exercise every now and then. Don’t pressure yourself to be productive this whole time. If you don’t feel up to it, practising meditation and mindfulness with the guidance of apps on your smartphone can help, such as Headspace and Calm. Sometimes a simple walk around your neighbourhood can literally be the breath of fresh air you need to keep going.
Other than keeping a regular sleeping pattern, take time to try out some new healthy meals and cooking recipes. A healthy gut is a healthy body, which can help contribute to a healthy mind!
Don’t hide away – video call people to open up and speak to those closest to you about how you’re feeling, including your partner. Be there for each other during this difficult time. If you feel like things are getting on top of you, seek professional help from your GP. If you’re employed and you have a BUPA policy through work, now’s the time to use it!
Think ahead
If your wedding does end up being postponed due to the tightening of restrictions, then use this time to think of creative ways to make your day even better than what you had in mind. For example, you could research online for wedding inspiration and create your own invites with arts and crafts, a colourful bohemian blanket aisle for the quirky couples, or your own floral centrepieces. A quick look on Pinterest reveals a plethora of decorations you could make.
One of the main perks of this is that you will have something that is unique and personal to you at your wedding that you wouldn’t have originally if it wasn’t postponed. Try to be positive about how you can improve your wedding setting without spending loads of money.
As the pandemic continues to affect our everyday lives in 2021, it can be a frustrating time for couples who are wanting to confirm for definite when to host their special day. However, you can take control and plan your wedding for an alternative date without risking the health of yourself or your loved ones.
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