This article is part of our Planning a Wedding in a Pandemic: Covid-19 series.
If you find yourself in a planning limbo and is feeling unsure if you should postpone your wedding, hear from these couples who have made the decision to delay their celebrations.
We reached out to them to find out how the decision was arrived at and how they are managing the planning as well as some tips on what has helped them navigate through this uncertain time. (Spoiler alert: Sometimes a negative thing can turn out to be a blessing in disguise!)
Note that the interviews were conducted before the announcement of increased capacity limits on 23 Sep 2020.
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Postponing a Wedding – What Would a Wedding Planner Do?
Jamie, a Wedding Planner and Reagan who works in Human Resource were supposed to tie the knot on 9th May 2020. They have since postponed their wedding date to 10th April 2021.
1. Describe your plans for your wedding day pre-COVID-19.
We were planning on an outdoor ceremony and dinner at Panamericana, overlooking the South China Sea with family and close friends.
2. Use a word to describe your feelings when the pandemic struck.
F**k.
3. How did the plan change?
We had discussions to host an intimate solemnization just for immediate family and the bridal entourage but when the government announced the Circuit Breaker, the decision was made for us to postpone the wedding.
Selecting the new date was made easier as it was the only month our photographer could make it! 😅
4. How did you overcome the feelings you experienced when the plan changed?
Leading up to the wedding, the COVID-19 period struck. Amidst planning our own wedding, I had to assist with other couples on their preparation. It somewhat made my journey easier as I am more knowledgeable on what can and cannot be done in the current situation and helping others to get through it, I felt our situation wasn’t half as bad. (Our marital home completed renovation just before the Circuit Breaker, most of our guests were located in Singapore so we didn’t have to worry too much about travel bans and all our vendors were very understanding and flexible)
5. Were there any wedding professionals who helped you along the way?
Our vendors were all very understanding about our situation. When we talked about having the intimate solemnization, many gave us preferential rates so we can better manage our finances and when we made the decision to postpone, they all were supportive so there wasn’t any hiccups and unforeseen additional expenses.
6. Any tips for groom/bride-to-be who are facing the same situation?
Stay calm and talk to your vendors. As they are in the industry, they will be more knowledgeable about the situation and the dos and don’ts. At the end of the day, they are on your side and are all trying to help you make your special day special amidst this unique situation.
7. Given the decision you’ve made ultimately, would you have wish you had done it in a different way?
It felt like we were given a second chance at planning our wedding! Things that seemed important previously now didn’t, so we are regrouping and are making the wedding more “us”!
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Postponing a Wedding Turned Out to Be a Blessing in Disguise
Winifred, founder of Winifred Kriste Cake and Glenn, Film Director and Co-founder of Reckn were also set to get hitched on 9th May 2020. Their new wedding date is indefinite for now.
1. Describe your plans for your wedding day pre-COVID-19.
We wanted it as simple as possible (or we thought it was simple pre-COVID-19), with our close friends and relatives, just a full day of celebration – a morning Gate Crash and a wedding dinner for about 100+ pax.
2. Use a word to describe your feelings when the pandemic struck.
Initially it really felt like a bummer because it was so close to the Circuit Breaker, we were 95% done with our wedding prep and ready to just execute everything when the day comes. We made DIY wedding favours and name place cards for our guests – it was like so much prep was done, you were just waiting for the final show, but it didn’t happen.
3. How did the plan change?
We initially put house hunting aside to focus on the wedding and wanted to continue with it only after the wedding is done. But since the wedding is postponed, we put all our focus on house hunting, especially during Phase 2 and we have gotten a resale flat! We are really happy now to have found our nest, which we both think it is so much more important than throwing a huge scale wedding which is just a one-day event. Looking back, we are thankful that the wedding didn’t happen first.
4. How did you overcome the feelings you experienced when the plan changed?
It was really easy with a partner who is aligned with your values and what you think – we both agree that the house is more important for the both of us, there wasn’t any need to feel sad that the wedding is postponed as long as we are by each other’s side. Right now, given our upcoming nest, we are just happy even with a solemnisation with our nearest and dearest and do not think there is a need to throw a banquet or sorts.
5. Were there any wedding professionals who helped you along the way?
We had our friends from Bloc Memoire help us with our little pre-wedding shoot and we cannot be happier with it! Other than that, our friends have been really helpful in volunteering to plan for the wedding day itinerary. Other than that, Glenn and I are very hands on people!
6. Any tips for groom/bride-to-be who are facing the same situation?
I think, it is important to think that things happen for a reason. Instead of feeling bumped that things didn’t go your way – try trusting the process and believing that you are exactly where you need to be, and better days are ahead!
7. Given the decision you’ve made ultimately, would you have wish you had done it in a different way?
To be honest, I am happier with the decision we made after the pandemic struck, it has made us take a step back and rethink what is truly important to us. We became happier with simpler and lesser things.
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Celebrating Love Is Unchanged
Cheng Yuan and Huang Min, both Bankers have initially set their wedding to be on the auspicious date of 10th Oct 2020. In order to keep to their original plans, they have postponed their wedding to 19th Sep 2021.
1. Describe your plans for your wedding day pre-COVID-19.
Our initial plan was to hold a simple and intimate wedding ceremony, with relatives and close friends. The actual wedding date was planned to be held on 10 Oct 2020 at the Garden Studio @ Andaz. The actual day will start off with an outdoor solemnization, followed by a simple tea ceremony and subsequently the wedding lunch.
2. Use a word to describe your feelings when the pandemic struck.
Lost.
3. How did the plan change?
With the heightened safe distancing measures and limitation on guest size to maximum of 20 in Jul 2020, we were not positive that things will revert to normalcy by Oct 2020 and decided to postpone actual wedding day to 19 Sep 2021. The sequence of events will remain largely unchanged for the time being.
4. How did you overcome the feelings you experienced when the plan changed?
Trust that every cloud has a silver lining. We actually find relief that we decided to go ahead with postponement and not getting panicky over any potential last-minute changes should we stick to the initial date. In fact, we have more time to research on vendors that best cater to our preference. It is also important to communicate and come to a consensus as a couple to build that mutual support.
5. Were there any wedding professionals who helped you along the way?
Our sister-in-law who is a wedding planner has been providing us with advices and options when we were at crossroads. She has given us recommendations for vendors whom she has worked with in the past. And above all, we also managed to tap on her network and get some perks from vendors 😊
6. Any tips for groom/bride-to-be who are facing the same situation?
Stay composed and positive, communicate with one another, and make sure all decisions are mutually agreed upon. List down the pros and cons of every choices available and while it’s inevitable that every decision comes with a trade-off, go with what works best for the both of you.
7. Given the decision you’ve made ultimately, would you have wish you had done it in a different way?
No. We have given it some serious thought before making this decision so no regrets!
We hope hearing from these couples have given you some comfort and guidance in what to do next. No matter what situation you find yourself in, always trust in the timing because sometimes it can lead you to something even better!
If you ever need any help, always know that the wedding professionals and community are here for you.
Have a question? Drop us a message here!