Love in Lockdown: What to think about if you plan to marry during the pandemic

There are many reasons why you may be considering marrying during the next few months when government restrictions will still be in place.

You may not want to wait or put your lives on hold for a wide range of reasons and decide the only answer is to ‘bite the bullet and do it.’

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The Venue

If you have already booked your wedding venue, speak with the manager to see what options there are available to you regarding using a different or smaller space for your guests. If that is not possible, ask them for suggestions on how the room could be made to feel more intimate. Discuss with them the amount of time you need the rooms or venue for – with fewer guests and limitations on the day’s itinerary you may need the space for less time that originally planned.

If you are yet to decide on a wedding venue, do consider those that have smaller spaces that you will feel comfortable in and which will suit your more intimate occasion. At Woolverstone Hall, we have several rooms which meet this need, with exquisitely decorated interiors and eye-catching features such as ornate ceilings, marble fireplaces and elegant chandeliers.

The Location

Keep in mind the location of your venue, does it have great outdoor space where your guests can roam and relax safely? With fewer guests you will have plenty of time to capture those all-important, special shots. Do ensure the venue will allow you access to the areas you want to use as a backdrop for your photographs. At Woolverstone Hall we have some exceptional spaces both inside and out that are firm favourites with our happy couples. Our rear lawn boasts views over the River Orwell, which makes for a truly unforgettable photograph at sunset.

Make the most of every opportunity, for those special shared moments with your guests. If your wedding is to take place during the darker months of the year, consider having socially distanced fun with your guests with sparklers in the open air – another fantastic opportunity for the photographer – just make sure you have a sand bucket handy for the used sparklers.

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Flowers and Decorations

When it comes to flowers and decorating your wedding venue, have a chat with your florist or wedding planner. They will have already curated some memorable Covid friendly weddings and will have ideas to share. One suggestion is to have the reception tables decorated with flower bouquets which can be given to guests at the end of the day. If you are having a church wedding service have one stunning flower arrangement which can be transported to your reception venue as a statement piece.

Food and Drink

The food and drink you choose for your wedding breakfast can be more elaborate and special as your caterers will have more opportunity to be creative with fewer numbers to serve. At Woolverstone Hall, we allow you to provide your own wine and drinks, so you may decide to make sure there are enough bottles remaining to give to guests as wedding favours.

At The End of The Day

A lovely tradition which is coming back into vogue is for the bride and groom to leave at the end of the evening with the guests outside to wave them off. Wedding cars with tasteful signs saying ‘Just Married’ with silver tins tied to the bumper make a statement ending to your special day with your friends and family waving you off as you start married life together. 

As you can see, a small and intimate wedding can be extra special and unique.

Maybe there is a silver lining there, or a particularly special honeymoon to be booked with the money saved – once Covid 19 regulations allow of course!

If you love the freedom we can offer you when planning your wedding at Woolverstone Hall, why not get in touch to arrange a viewing - we can’t wait to meet you!

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