In a year filled with unexpected changes, few events have faced more disruption than weddings. After investing countless hours and resources into planning a dream day, having to delay it due to a global pandemic feels incredibly disheartening.
However, with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, it’s clear that many couples are right to reconsider their wedding plans. With thousands of lives lost and millions affected by the virus, holding a large wedding at this time could be seen as irresponsible. Whether you’ve decided to push your celebration to 2021 or opted for a small gathering with health precautions, it’s crucial to prioritize everyone’s safety. Perhaps you even joined the ranks of couples who chose to marry virtually — congratulations on navigating this new world of online weddings!
Yet, some couples are still moving forward with their large weddings, seemingly unaware of the risks involved. For instance, a wedding in Maine resulted in seven deaths and 177 COVID-19 cases. Similarly, Jo Ellen Smith, who attended a wedding in Texas, ended up contracting the virus along with multiple guests, which prompted her to regret her decision to attend. Instances like these highlight the real dangers posed by hosting large gatherings during this time.
If the message is unclear, let me be straightforward: don’t be that person who jeopardizes the health of loved ones for the sake of a wedding. Instead, take a page from my sister, Sarah Carter, a talented musician based in New York, who made the difficult but responsible choice to postpone her September wedding.
Sarah faced a tough decision: pursue the wedding of her dreams or prioritize the health of her loved ones. Ultimately, she chose to delay, which reflects her caring nature and understanding of the current situation. “With COVID affecting my fiancé’s family and my father’s health issues, we knew we had to prevent any potential risks,” Sarah shared with me. “We couldn’t bear the thought of our special day leading to harm.”
Rather than having a small wedding with restrictions, Sarah and her fiancé, Mark Thompson, decided to reschedule. “We wanted to celebrate in a way that felt true to our vision. We love to dance and be with our family, and the thought of not being able to hug loved ones just didn’t sit right with us,” she explained.
Letting go of her wedding plans was challenging for Sarah, who had envisioned a year filled with joy. Instead, the couple faced anxiety over job security and health concerns, which overshadowed their engagement bliss. “It felt unfair that the time we were supposed to cherish was filled with worry,” she remarked.
Support from family and friends has been crucial for them during this period. While many have expressed gratitude for the couple’s decision to postpone, it’s been tough for Sarah to manage feelings of isolation. Having been part of numerous weddings as a bridesmaid, she found it particularly hard to delay her own.
“People have told us that at least we have each other, but that doesn’t capture the depth of what planning a wedding means,” she noted. As of now, Sarah and Mark are looking at June next year for their vows, but she remains cautious. “If circumstances change, we might still need to adapt or postpone again. It’s all very unpredictable.”
For anyone considering getting married during these challenging times, Sarah emphasizes the importance of adjusting expectations. “You can still gather safely within state guidelines. Just remember, this year might not look like your dream wedding, but love isn’t canceled,” she advises. “You could even have a small ceremony now and celebrate big later. Double the fun!”
If my wonderful sister can make the right choice by postponing her wedding, then you can too. Please don’t treat your wedding as an essential event during this pandemic. If you do choose to marry this year, keep it intimate and safe.
Summary
Postponing your wedding during the pandemic is not just responsible; it can also be a thoughtful decision. Couples should prioritize the health and safety of their loved ones above all. By rescheduling, couples like Sarah and Mark are choosing to celebrate love in a way that respects current health guidelines. Embrace the possibility of a smaller wedding now and a larger celebration later — love will always find a way.
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