Trying to Plan a 2021 Wedding or Event on Lockdown? Here are some tips for booking vendors remotely…

If you are a couple who got engaged and is looking to plan your wedding in 2021 (or even at the end of of 2020), it can feel daunting to start planning your wedding in the current climate.  It can be hard to focus on the joy of your wedding day ahead when things are hard now. But, I’ve found that when things are hard, it’s so good for me to focus on joyful times ahead. Just think…after all this social distancing, your family and friends are going to be SO EXCITED to GATHER TOGETHER and eat, drink, dance, and celebrate the night away.  

If you are currently socially distanced at home and working on planning your wedding, here are some tips on how you can book vendors:

Photo by Natalie Bray Studios

1) If you have decided which geographic area you want to get married in, start by looking at planners in that area!  A wedding planner is crucial right now (and I’m not just saying that because I am one…). Good wedding planners know how to find good vendors, guide you through the decision-making process, and most importantly (especially in this current climate), how to navigate unexpected situations with peace, joy, and flexibility.  You’ll be spending a lot of time with your planner, so be sure and set-up a FaceTime or Zoom meeting with them (or a good phone call) so you can get a feel for their personality. If you feel like it’s a good fit, sign on with them to start the process.

2) The hardest thing to book without seeing in person is typically the venue.  Here are some helpful hints:

• If you have seen the venue in person before and you know you want to get married there, then great!  Set-up a meeting with the venue site manager and get to know all the information regarding the venue.  If all looks good, sign and move forward! 
• If you haven’t seen the venue before, take a look at their website.  Then google about weddings at the venue. Take a look at various images (not just the ones on their website) - Instagram, Pinterest, and wedding blogs can be great resources.  
• Set-Up a FaceTime Tour of the Venue with a site manager!  Several venues are offering video tours so couples can “see” everything from the comfort of home.
• Ask your planner!  Planners have inside info and know key elements about venues that may not be listed, such as how easy they are to work with, how strict they are on certain requirements, what it actually costs to produce a wedding in the space, etc. 
• Even if you haven’t seen the venue in person before, if you are able to: 1) See images online and are excited about the space, 2) Get a video tour from the venue, 3) talk with an experienced planner who knows the venue well and is able to give you an “insider opinion” about the space…then I would recommend booking and moving forward! ​

Photos by Natalie Bray Studios

Of course, if you aren’t comfortable moving forward without seeing a venue in person, wait.  You don’t want to sign any contracts you aren’t comfortable with.  

3) As you’re considering various vendors, there are several you can book without meeting in person.  With all of these people, setting up a phone or video consultation can be really helpful. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with these people on your big day, so take the time to make sure your personalities check out and that your questions are answered.  Without meeting in person, you can book your:

• Photographer
• Band (or DJ)
• Videographer
• Officiate
• Hair and Makeup Team 
• Transportation Services
• and more!  Work with your planner to identify the other vendors you may need.

4) As you’re working with your planner, you can also start booking:

• Lighting
• Flowers
• Rentals
• Linens
• And all the other fun design elements!

Most vendors have great portfolios online so you can start creating mood boards and curating your wedding design.  While an in-person meeting is always super helpful when brainstorming design, you can always get started with the process and start making deposits to reserve your favorite inventory.  Most design companies don’t require you to “lock-in” your items once you make a deposit, and are pretty flexible if you decide to make changes once you visit the showroom. Of course, any changes are subject to availability of items. Every vendor will vary - so be sure and read contracts before signing them so you’re fully aware of the flexibility regarding changes during the process.

Photo by Natalie Bray Studios

In conclusion, don’t feel like you need to put your wedding planning action items on hold.  If you and your fiancé are stuck at home, this is actually a perfect time to brainstorm, plan, and get excited for your big day!  Remember…Coronavirus can’t cancel love. So friends, plan away!