3 Ways You Can Still Have Your (Wedding) Cake and Eat It Too -- During COVID 19

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Bottom Line: The Coronavirus altered most everything we do normally, which makes for creative, innovative and memorable ways of saying “I Do”. As a wedding hair and makeup stylist, I love to see my brides comfortable and gorgeous on their big day and I’ve also been actively thinking about the shift I’ve been seeing even amongst my clients. Here are some tips I’ve thought of based on what I’ve been hearing personally (because there’s more to a wedding than just looking good). So maintain 6 ft distancing, sanitize your hands, and enjoy your big day with those you ACTUALLY wanted there in the first place!

With many couples left having to change wedding plans drastically and unexpectedly, some are turning to truly tight knit gatherings; in fact, you can read stories about people who have decided to follow this trend to create some fantastic small ceremonies.
 
These “micro weddings” consist of 50 people or less and hold true to long standing traditions. Vow exchanges, speeches, dancing, eating and the like are still done, just on a small scale. For those looking for something even more low-key (shout out to the introverts) and intimate, they can have a “minimony”.
 
Minimonies differ from a micro wedding in that it's usually 10 people or less with the entire event whittled down to a couple of key moments. It can be paired with a traditional wedding  potentially held or later down the line (similar to a six month or one year in the future reception for those who couldn’t make it) or left as is. If an ordained minister is present, it can also be considered truly official.
 
Want something EVEN smaller, more intimate and even more adventurous? Some couples are turning to eloping. You can sneak away, just the two of you, to an ordained minister, courthouse or a legal marrying party, and have your ceremony  in about as low-key a manner as possible.
 
Use whatever you would’ve spent on the big day to travel locally in style, and enjoy your new life together that way. Lastly, there is always the option to postpone (and that’s ok!) for a better date in the future.
 
If you do choose to move forward with the set date in any of the updated fashions, here are some tips to ensure everyone stays safe, enjoys themselves, and makes memories:
 
1 - DON’T spend on less important items. Too many times, needless amounts of money are spent on wedding things that matter very little, if at all. Do you remember exactly what 3-course meal was at the last wedding you attended? Have you kept all of the Save The Dates you’ve ever received? Did you take home those flower petals that were tossed on the ground and stepped on 18 minutes later? Didn’t think so.
 
2 - DO spend on the most important things. Usually, there are only 2-3 items/services/etc. that make most weddings amazing. Talk to your soon-to-be spouse and agree on what those couple things are. You’d be AMAZED what a decent looking, well-tailored suit/dress, great photographer, makeup, and creative decor will do for you.
 
3 - HAVE SAFE FUN! After you comply with whatever the CDC states for your wedding day (providing hand sanitizer, social distancing, 50> people, etc), HAVE FUN. Enjoy yourself, your new spouse, and the company of the people you love and care about the most! Honestly, is there anything else you really need?
 
If you’re faithfully moving forward with your date and your loved one, these tips will ensure it’s one to remember.
 
And oh yeah, congrats on getting married! Happy Planning
 
About Lauren Gibbs: Lauren is a Boulder-based Colorado bridal hair and makeup artist with over 20 years of experience serving brides across the state. She loves seeing people look best on their big day and aims to make the experience enjoyable and give brides one less thing to worry about on their big day. 

Photography: https://www.thefollens.com/
Hair and Makeup: www.coloradobridalco.com