Among all the plans disrupted this year, having to postpone a wedding feels particularly disheartening. After investing so much time and effort into preparing for a significant day—complete with extensive planning and financial commitments—facing the uncertainty brought on by a global pandemic can be truly overwhelming.
However, the reality is that many couples are making the responsible choice to delay their weddings. With the ongoing battle against COVID-19, which has claimed countless lives and infected millions, it’s simply not safe to host large gatherings right now. Whether you’ve opted to reschedule your ceremony to 2021 or decided on a smaller celebration with health precautions, it’s clear that large weddings are not feasible at this moment. Perhaps you even joined the trend of couples tying the knot via Zoom during 2020—if so, congratulations on your innovative approach!
Despite the understanding that now is not the time for grand weddings, some couples continue to push ahead, seemingly unaware of the risks they pose to their loved ones. For instance, an August wedding in Maine led to seven deaths and 177 COVID-19 cases. Similarly, Jo Ellen Chism, a 57-year-old retiree, attended a wedding in Texas in June and subsequently contracted the virus, along with other guests, including her young grandson. “I regret going to that wedding,” Chism reflected. “I’m really grateful I wasn’t seriously ill.”
The consequences of such gatherings have been felt across various states, with incidents in Long Island, Indiana, and Wisconsin illustrating the dangers of disregarding safety. If you’re contemplating a large wedding this year, please consider the implications of your decision and the potential harm to those you care about.
Instead, take inspiration from my dear friend Sarah, a talented artist who made the tough decision to postpone her wedding for the safety of everyone involved. When the pandemic struck, she found herself at a crossroads—continue with her long-awaited celebration or prioritize the health of her family and friends. Ultimately, Sarah chose the latter, demonstrating her deep understanding of the situation.
“My fiancé’s family had contracted COVID, and my father faced health issues leading up to our wedding,” she shared. “We wanted to eliminate any chance of spreading the virus on our special day. We couldn’t bear the thought of a moment meant for joy turning into a source of pain for anyone.”
Instead of a scaled-down wedding with safety protocols, Sarah decided to delay her celebration entirely, a choice made alongside her fiancé, Mark. “We didn’t want to compromise our vision for the day. We love to celebrate with friends and family, and the thought of not being able to embrace them or dance freely was just not what we wanted.”
Letting go of the expectations she had for her wedding year proved to be the hardest part for Sarah. “Every day we were supposed to enjoy being engaged turned into anxiety about job security and the health of our loved ones,” she explained.
Support from friends and family has been invaluable during this challenging time, as many have expressed gratitude for Sarah’s decision to postpone. “People have said, ‘at least you have each other; that’s what truly matters,’” she noted. While this sentiment is valid, it doesn’t fully capture the emotional toll of postponing a wedding that couples have long awaited.
Currently, Sarah plans to exchange vows with Mark in June of next year, but she remains aware that circumstances may change. As her close friend, I feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as I prepare to support her, especially knowing how meaningful this experience is for her.
“It’s tough to predict what the future holds,” Sarah said. “If the situation worsens, we may need to consider a smaller gathering or postpone again. It’s hard to invest too much emotion into planning when things feel so uncertain.”
For those hoping to marry during COVID, Sarah offers valuable advice: embrace the idea of a smaller wedding and focus on what you can control. “Depending on your state’s guidelines, you can safely gather with those who are willing to quarantine or get tested beforehand,” she suggested. “Just be prepared to adjust your expectations. This year won’t allow for the wedding you’ve imagined, but that doesn’t mean love is on hold. You can still get married—maybe even twice! Start small now and celebrate big later.”
If my wonderful friend Sarah can prioritize safety by postponing her wedding, then you can do the same. Avoid treating your wedding as an essential event. If you choose to marry this year, keep it small and safe. If you decide to ignore this advice and host a large gathering, be prepared for potential backlash, which is not a great way to kick off your married life.
For more information on navigating these changes, you can check out this article on how to choose a doctor for home insemination. Additionally, Make a Mom offers great resources on home insemination kits. For those looking for insights on the process of IUI, this guide on what to expect is an excellent resource.
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Summary:
Postponing weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a necessary choice for many couples prioritizing the health and safety of their loved ones. While the decision can be emotionally challenging, it is vital to consider the risks associated with large gatherings. Couples like Sarah are choosing to reschedule their celebrations, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to safety. As uncertainty continues, embracing smaller weddings and adjusting expectations can still allow couples to celebrate their love meaningfully.
Keyphrase: Postponing your wedding during COVID-19
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