Planning your wedding is one of the most wonderfully exciting times of your life. However, given the terrible crisis we are all facing, wedding planning may feel stressful and confusing. With so many weddings being postponed, my heart has been aching for engaged couples during this uncertain season. I’m here to remind you that while events and gatherings have been cancelled, hope and love have not. It’s ok to still dream about your wedding day and plan all the details that will mean so much to you and your fiance. In fact, I encourage it! What could be more hopeful and joyful than planning a wedding to the love of your life? I’ve gathered some ideas of wedding planning you can still do, even while quarantined, to keep your hope and heart alive.

IF YOU’RE JUST BEGINNING TO PLAN…

• Pin your perfect day. Let the daydreaming begin! Head to Pinterest and start saving images you love to help you plan the look and feel of your perfect day. 

• Gather your guest list. Make sure to get input from both of your families as to who should be invited to join you on your special day.

• Tour wedding venues virtually. Many venues are offering virtual tours and appointments during this time, including some of my favorite NJ wedding venues such as Bear Brook Valley! Check out your top venues’ Instagram photos, blog posts, and websites to get a great idea of how your own wedding will be.

• Set up video chats with the vendors you love. Start talking to priority potential vendors such as wedding photographers and florists. I personally love setting up a video chat with my potential couples when we can’t meet in person!

• Plan who will be in your wedding party and brainstorm cute ways to “propose” to them! Even if you have to ask them virtually, there are so many sweet, fun ways to do so over FaceTime or video chat. You can even send a bridesmaid proposal box from Etsy!

IF YOUR DATE IS SET…

• Check some fun things off your to do list. Now that you likely have some extra time at home, get caught up on your wedding planning to do list. Focus on some of the fun tasks, like choosing your flowers, looking at bridesmaids dresses through an online shop like BHLDN, or perusing invitation suite designs.

• Follow up with your vendors. Check in with any vendors you already have booked such as your venue, caterer, or wedding planner. Make sure you’re caught up on anything they need from you and consider setting up time to talk about your ideas!

• Get inspired on social media. We all need hope now more than ever. Keep pinning your favorite wedding images that inspire you, follow all your current and potential vendors on Instagram, and check out wedding hashtags for even more wedding day inspo! My personal favorite hashtags to follow are #weddinginspo and #bridetobe.

• Connect with your loved ones. This is the perfect time to get a group chat going with your family or bridesmaids! Consider setting up a weekly video call with your girls – not only to talk wedding planning, but to serve as a virtual social hour with some laughs and a glass of your favorite wine.

IF YOUR WEDDING IS COMING UP SOON…

I understand how worried and upset you must be feeling. I wrote some advice and ideas especially for you and you can find it here.

NO MATTER WHAT…

Remember that you are so loved and supported. Not only by your wonderful fiance, but by your family and friends. It’s absolutely ok to feel frustrated and unsure when trying to plan your wedding during the coronavirus crisis. Take a deep breath and a step back and picture the love and joy you will feel when your special day finally arrives. How amazing it will be to finally be with your loved ones, celebrating the beginning of forever with your true love. 

And in the meantime, whether you’re quarantining with your fiance or staying close via FaceTime, try to enjoy this unique and extra time with him. Honestly, the brightest silver lining of this crisis for me is getting to spend lots of quality time with my husband and kids. My husband and I are enjoying some fun date nights in such as movie night, wine night, board games, cooking together, and just being playful all together. 

My prayers and heart are with you and your loved ones during this challenging season.I’m more than happy to make time for a virtual coffee date to talk about your wedding plans. Reach out to me anytime at hello@myraroman.com.

Myra Roman is a New Jersey wedding photographer and destination wedding photographer who loves capturing beautiful moments and turning them into lasting memories. Myra is now interviewing couples for weddings in 2020 and 2021! View her website for more information or follow her on Instagram!