Advice for Planning a Wedding during a Pandemic: 2022 and Beyond

It’s 2022, and I’m sure none of us thought we’d still be talking about this by this point, but here we are. Check out this updated advice for planning a wedding during a pandemic.

Many of us tackle tasks (and contact professionals) on a day-to-day basis, but there is something inherently different about planning a wedding. First, you’re likely jumping into a world that might feel a bit foreign to you, particularly because your wedding very well might be the first large-scale event you’ve ever planned. Second, the professionals you may opt to contact to offer assistance are likely not a group you typically turn to in your everyday life. Finally, there are a host of details and timelines that can have a big impact, especially in light of the past few years, and that can be tricky to navigate. Even with all of this in mind, you can plan your wedding and plan it well!

To help you jump into wedding planning with the same joy you have been feeling since you got engaged, we thought we would share the state of weddings in 2022 (and 2023). Let’s dive in, friends!

Let’s take a look back at 2021…

As you start to think about planning your wedding, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that 2021 was not a normal year for the wedding industry (or anyone, really). Many couples who had carefully planned to have a 2020 celebration were forced to embrace a 2021 celebration as a result of the pandemic. When you add those who got engaged during 2020 and hoped to celebrate with their guests in 2021 to the mix, you had a recipe for a very, very busy year.

How busy, you ask?

Many wedding professionals carefully plan their work calendars. Just like anyone else, they plan for vacations, time spent with family, and time to reset and rest. While some people don’t mind working three weddings each weekend, there are others who prefer to work one wedding each weekend. And when a weekend is busy (whatever that means for that pro!), there’s often a series of days off in the not-so-distant future to look forward to. The problem (or great fortune, depending on how you want to view it!) is that 2021 did not include days off.

Basically, the workload was at least doubled — if not tripled — for every wedding professional.

What does this mean for you?

Wedding professionals are eager to keep working, but they’re also tired (aren’t we all?). Their emails have a backlog, their proposals might arrive a little later than intended, and many are revising how many weddings they want to complete each year. So, it’s important to contact the vendors you want to work with early — and then give them a lot of grace as they work to respond to you (they will!).

Above all, please be kind.

Is it still possible to plan a wedding for 2022?

If you just got engaged at the end of 2021 or you’ve been engaged for a while and are now contemplating planning a 2022 wedding during this stage of the pandemic, there are four things to keep in mind.

1. The wedding industry is not back to normal.

Like many other industries, the wedding industry is still trying to find its footing again after a slow 2020 and a non-stop 2021. While it’s been the norm to plan a wedding in 6-12 months in the past, the current climate is making the timelines of before tricky. Many vendors are (and have been) booked for the year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find openings.

2. Have an open mind.

If the year in which you get married holds more importance than a specific season, day, or date, you will likely have much more luck with hosting your wedding in 2022. Rather than presenting specifics to your photographer or venue during your initial emails, think about leading with something like, “What 2022 dates do you have open?”

3. Be ready to book.

If your dream team does have an opening for 2022, there is no time to waste. Couples are picking up available dates fast, so there is (unfortunately) not much time to pause and consider your options.

4. Size down.

The larger the wedding, the more details there are to plan. So, consider hosting an intimate wedding. Include just your closest family members and friends in lieu of the 200-300 person fete you once dreamed about. A smaller wedding will allow you a lot more flexibility. You’ll have more potential options for unique venues, like restaurants and boutique event spaces– options a couple planning a big ballroom soiree simply can’t consider. You also might realize you don’t need as many details, which can reduce your spending as well. DIY might come into play far more easily (thus cutting down the vendors that need to have availability).

5. When all else fails, look to 2023.

Yes, you might have a longer engagement. But, there’s also a far better chance you can make the celebration you’re envisioning a true thing that actually happens.

Planning a wedding for 2023?

We understand a longer engagement might not have been something you thought you needed (or wanted). But it can be something to embrace in a big way! Here are four reasons to sway your thought process.

1. There are more openings (but not a lot more).

Yes, 2023 is also expected to be busy. But, there are definitely still open dates! That means that while you should still have an open mind, you very well might be able to host a wedding during your dream season. And, that alone might be worth that wait!

2. You have time.

While this doesn’t mean you should rest on your laurels, you do have time to do your due diligence. Use this time wisely. Research wedding professionals and wait for their responses. Chat through everything with your loved ones who are helping to advise you along the way. And most importantly, read your contracts carefully before signing.

3. You can save.

Your wedding budget is one of the most important factors. Having time to save for your wedding is always a win. You might even find you have enough time to save for your wedding and your honeymoon.

4. You can savor the season.

If you choose to get married in 2022, you’re going to be jumping into an obstacle course. It certainly isn’t impossible but you will likely encounter more challenges and added stress. In contrast, a 2023 wedding will allow you to embrace your engagement season — go on dates; allow your friends and family to celebrate you at an engagement party; dream, set goals, and take action for your future. As much as you want to be married, this season is special too.

#1 Tip for Wedding Planning During a Pandemic: Be Kind

No matter the state of the wedding industry, planning your celebration is supposed to be fun. So, jump into things with a whole lot of kindness as you encounter wedding professionals. Chances are they are eager but also a little tired. Whether it’s in 2022 or 2023, your wedding day will be unique and special, especially if you plan with an open mind.

Are you planning a 2022 wedding, or are you looking ahead to 2023? What have you experienced so far? Let’s keep chatting in our community!

Check out more Coronavirus planning resources on The Budget Savvy Bride.