How to Plan Your Post-Lockdown Wedding

by James P. Outreach & PR Executive

For many people here in the UK, 2020 has been a year of cancellations and scrapped plans. For those who were set to tie the knot this year, disappointment was rife. According to Bridebook, around 64 per cent of UK weddings have been affected by Covid-19 and the pandemic has cost the global wedding industry £87.5bn. The industry, which has been growing in size over recent years, appears to be in serious danger, and the couples who had everything planned for a 2020 wedding have faced losses in funds as well as dismay at their romantic plans being cancelled.

For most, it’s time to turn to Plan B. After all, most weddings have been postponed to 2021 (17.2 per cent) or to later in the year (29.3 per cent) rather than cancelled all together, so it’s time for the second wave of planning to get underway. However, with many would-be-weds losing large deposits and 20 per cent of the UK’s population seeing ‘severe financial impacts’ from Covid-19, it’s time to start considering how to re-plan weddings on a budget.

In 2019, the average UK wedding cost £17,674, but for many couples, this will no longer be possible. This may sound disheartening, but there will certainly be silver linings. During lockdown many people have reconnected with what’s most important to them, and as a result, we are likely to see more intimate and unique weddings becoming the norm.

With this in mind, here are the top tips for re-planning your wedding on a budget for 2021.

1. Consider something smaller

Owing to the lockdown measures, which have been in place since March, we’ve become more accustomed to socialising in much smaller groups. After this, who knows whether we’ll be able to see 300 plus people at a wedding anymore, and what’s more, will we want to? Small and intimate weddings will be the way forward in 2021. As well as being safer and more personal, this will be a great relief on your personal finances.

2. Choose a UK venue

Many couples were set to jet off on holiday to tie the knot this year, but with all-but-essential travel cancelled and group gatherings banned, these wedding plans have taken a double blow. To cut back on costs and avoid further disappointment, you should re-plan your wedding a little closer to home. Not only will this reduce the cost for you, but it’ll also save your wedding guests money and negate any travel anxiety. Plus, there’s always the belated honeymoon if you want to catch some sun!

3. Go on an antiques shopping spree

Wedding dresses and wedding jewellery always make up a big chunk of the overall cost. Of course, the bride will still want to look her absolute best, but that can still be achieved at a fraction of the price. Opting for antique jewellery and even an antique wedding dress will be cheaper and more environmentally friendly, while also adding even more romance and character to your big day. If you opt for antique jewellery and you really want to get your money’s worth, you’ll get more carat for your pound if you opt for antique diamonds.

4. Choose an out of season date or a weekday

In 2019, Business Insider revealed that the most popular months were June, September, and October, and by choosing a sought-after month, you’re more likely to rack up a higher price tag. Instead, choose an off-season date and enjoy your romantic day without worrying too much about the expense. According to Hitched, the cheapest months to book a wedding in are December, January, February, or March. Likewise, getting hitched on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday will save you far more money than deciding to tie the knot on the weekend.

5. Ask for some helping hands

The final tip that will save you funds as well as making your special day even more personal and unique, is calling upon some talented friends. Instead of spending lots of money hiring musicians, DJs, and photographers, why not consider what is already available? Call upon some favours and get some of your talented friends involved in the wedding. Not only will this work well for your budget, but it will keep your wedding feeling special. You’re bound to know a keen amateur baker who would love to create a cake for your romantic day!

2020 may have been ‘cancelled’ but your wedding doesn’t have to be! There are many ways in which you can create a better wedding than ever next year (or this autumn) and bring all your loved ones together in celebration after spending so long apart.