COVID-19 // What a Time to be a Wedding Planner
What a time to be a wedding planner. An engaged wedding planner at that, but more on that later.
Weddings are a gathering of your loved ones to celebrate your love, your story, your special milestone. They are a work of art that you design as a couple with the paint of your life and with the expertise of your trusted artists. They are a unique masterpiece of emotion, style, and all those little things that are truly the big things.
Whether it’s 10 people or 300, whether you dreamt about it since you were 8 or just decided this is something you want to do, whether you have already been forced to change your plans or are still waiting it out, I want you to know that your emotions during all of this are completely valid. We’re all hurting. Gatherings like this are those brief moments in life that show us what it’s really all about. To now not be able to gather, to hug, to laugh and connect, it’s heartbreaking on so many levels.
You deserve to have the special celebration you’ve envisioned, whatever that may look like for you. Pastiche weddings have always been about authenticity, meaningful details and most of all, love in all its forms. And we’ll be here for you when you’re ready to dream again, to plan again and when we can gather again.
I know there has been a lot of talk about staying positive, and being flexible, and knowing that whenever your wedding does happen it’ll be beautiful and you’ll still get to celebrate one day. All those things are true (and I’ve had multiple clients postpone and be reasonable and positive and hopeful) and all of this can obviously be managed. But remember that it’s okay to mourn. Mourn your original vision that you poured your hearts in to, mourn the fact that maybe some very important people to you might not be there, mourn that you have invested a lot of money, time and emotion into something important to you and it now has to be replanned or put on hold. It’s okay to be sad, to be angry, to be confused and stressed about the future.
But do know this, one day, we will gather again. I will cry even more than usual when I see you walk down the aisle. There will be a buzzing, a magical, other-worldly feeling of joy as you see all of your loved ones in one room, hugging, laughing, celebrating together. Every hug, every touch, every connection is going to be infinitely more meaningful, and I promise you’ll have all of those moments burned into your memory forever.
So to 2020 couples whose plans have changed - believe me when I tell you I understand. I am here to help guide you through the logistical, legal, emotional, and whatever else you need. There are so many options, so many opportunities, and wherever you may be (denial, anger, acceptable etc). just know that one day you will find meaning in all of this. And to 2021/2022 couples and beyond, don’t stop dreaming because this will end. Let’s plan something incredible, let’s find you a date (because let’s be real 2021+ these are going to be hard to come by) let’s build you a team and let’s design something perfectly you because God knows we’ll need to celebrate and be together as soon as we can.
It’s a strange time to be on this rollercoaster as a planner and as a business owner.
I am swinging between posting happy memories of weddings past, and a peek into my new normal, and trying to stay positive by encouraging everyone to plan for the future while my own heart is breaking and my mental health can’t even handle thinking about any future some days.
I’ve been thinking a lot about showing up authentically for you all during this bizarre time we’re all in that no one asked for but we all got. All I can do, is keep showing you the truth about wedding planning and owning a wedding business and being a bride myself during this time. It’s scary, and sad, and confusing and hopeful and one day it will be exciting again. So I’m going to keep showing you those contradictory moments and feelings because that’s me being human and I’m doing the best I can. And if you’re still reading, I am sending you the biggest virtual hug I can and I want you to know I know you’re trying your best right now too.
If you need guidance with your postponement, or a virtual buddy to cry to or drink wine with, or if you need help dipping your toes into planning for a 2021 celebration, whatever you need, I am here for you and I hope you know you can reach out any time.