Updated: Oct. 31, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 30, 2023
Amidst the plethora of canceled plans this year, wedding postponements seem to be one of the most disheartening. After investing so much time and effort into organizing a day that’s meant to be monumental, the unexpected challenges of a global pandemic can leave couples feeling lost.
Yet, it’s clear that postponing weddings is a responsible decision in these unprecedented times. With thousands of lives lost to COVID-19 and millions affected by the virus, hosting a large wedding feels irresponsible. Whether you’ve decided to reschedule your ceremony for 2024, or opted for a small gathering with safety measures, it’s important to prioritize health and safety. Perhaps you’ve even experienced a virtual wedding this year—congratulations on embracing the new era of online ceremonies!
Despite the understanding that large gatherings aren’t feasible right now, some couples are still moving forward with their big celebrations, seemingly disregarding the associated risks. For example, a wedding in Maine resulted in seven deaths and 177 COVID-19 cases. Similarly, after a Texas wedding in June, a guest contracted the virus, leading to widespread infections among attendees, including a young child.
The message is clear: don’t be the couple that risks the health of loved ones for an extravagant wedding during these times. Instead, take a cue from my sister, Laura Carter, a talented musician from New York City, who made the difficult yet wise decision to postpone her wedding for the safety of everyone involved.
Laura faced a tough decision when the pandemic arose—follow through with her long-anticipated wedding or delay it to protect her guests. She chose the latter. “My fiancé’s family had been affected by COVID, and my dad had health issues leading up to the wedding,” she shared. “We couldn’t bear the thought of our special day causing harm to anyone.”
Rather than opting for a micro wedding, Laura and her fiancé, Tom Smith, decided to postpone their celebration to ensure they could fully realize their vision for the day. “We both enjoy celebrating with our friends and family, and the idea of not being able to hug them or dance felt wrong,” she explained.
Letting go of the plans she had eagerly anticipated was challenging for Laura. The year she envisioned was instead filled with anxiety about health and job security, overshadowing the joy of wedding planning. She noted that many people expressed gratitude for prioritizing safety, reminding her that their love remains paramount, even if the wedding day is delayed.
Currently, Laura plans to exchange vows with Tom in June of next year but is aware that plans may need to change again. As her sister, I’m a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepare to be one of the Maids of Honor. I want to support Laura during this emotional time, knowing how meaningful this experience is for her.
“It’s hard to predict what the future holds,” Laura admitted. “If the situation worsens, we might have to consider a smaller celebration or postpone again. It feels a bit unstable right now, but we’re trying to stay flexible.”
For those hoping to tie the knot during these challenging times, Laura offers valuable advice: embrace a smaller gathering and let go of what you can’t control. “You can gather safely according to state guidelines and ask guests to quarantine or get tested. Adjust your expectations; your dream wedding might not look like what you envisioned, but that doesn’t mean love is on hold,” she advised. “Consider having a small wedding now and a larger celebration later—double the fun!”
If my incredible sister can prioritize safety by postponing her wedding, you can too. Remember, a large gathering isn’t an emergency. If you choose to marry this year, keep it small and safe. If not, it’s okay to take a pause and prioritize health.
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Summary:
Postponing your wedding during the pandemic is a responsible choice that prioritizes the health and safety of your loved ones. This article highlights the importance of making thoughtful decisions about weddings in light of COVID-19 and shares personal experiences that emphasize love over lavish celebrations.