Wedding Planning with confidence after Covid 19

Knowing the upheaval of the global epidemic Covid 19 outbreak in 2020 and the devastation of its global impact we want to assure our clients that your event can be transferred in such an emergency, with minimal disruption or financial loss (if any.) It is important for us to build in a safety-net to add confidence in our product and personal attention to detail.

Lock down the hatches

A couples worst wedding nightmare became a reality for thousands of couples across many nations as they were in the throws of planning their big day at a time the world stood still due to the global outbreak of the Covid 19 virus. 

Wedding planners everywhere were at a melting point as the reality hit home that much of their hard work creating incredible celebrations was having to be dismantled due to a natural disaster with an uneasy and unknowing outcome.

In New Zealand the summer high season was luckily coming to an end and most couples we’re rejoicing that their day had been a success, as others watched the news at the edge of their seats, counting down the days to their wedding day, in turmoil wondering if they should cancel or take their chances?

  In my case, as a wedding consultant and celebrant I was supporting two couples as the Level 4 Lock down approached and predicted to fall across the weekend of both their events. The truth of the facts was that most of their guests had already made their decision not to travel and whatever the couple’s decision, their day would undoubtedly be nothing like the one they had envisioned.

Decisions, Decisions

The first couple made the bold decision to cut their 50+ guest list to 10, changed their ceremony location to save unnecessary travel and cross contamination from one region to another and to bring the day forward by 3 days to keep within the Lock down deadline at  11.55.pm on the 25th March 2020.  I imagine this would have been a similar emotional decision for many apprehensive couples all over the globe.

My second couple had dreamt of a beautiful mountain top celebration but sadly came to the realization that with international guests they had to postpone their day.  As much as it was a disappointment to those couples, they had a sense of relief once they made their decision. 

The beauty of them employing a wedding planner (consultant) meant they didn’t have to undo all the painstaking organizing and negotiation with the vendors.  I was able to assure them that all aspects of their event would be honored once the lock-down was lifted. This was a great relief to them, as the investments are obviously not an easy loss to bear when jobs were also at risk.

Getting over the initial shock

Lock down is now an opportunity, once we all get over the initial shock to rethink and plan the wedding day we dreamt of; which is more important than ever during a time where strong relationships are something we need to appreciate during such testing times. 

You might be someone who had to cancel a big wedding and simply can’t face the idea of going through all that stress again.  It doesn’t mean you don’t want to marry; it just means you may want to consider something much smaller scale and intimate.

It's possible that the lock down will continue for months and even when lifted, international travel is likely to be restricted to essential travel only.  You might be feeling fearful of the virus coming back, even if travel is permitted in the future, so looking closer to home in your own backyard or at least your own nation for an elopement style celebration could be your perfect solution?

5 things to consider when planning your elopement during a global lock down!

1. Wherever you decide to elope it is important to do your own due diligence on all services you engage. Are they well established and give you guarantees that they will support you in a crisis? Of course going over seas might not be an option, shop local and you might be surprised what incredible locations are available to you.

2. Consider taking out added insurance to protect your own outlay in events outside your control, however, be aware that there is no current cover for communicative diseases such as German measles and Covid 19 in New Zealand and this is a risk you will need to consider.

3. Either engage a professional event consultant or planner based in the location you want to be married in; this will give you added confidence in the commitments you make. Before signing any contracts with them make sure that they have a policy to transfer the date in the instance of such an event as the Covid 19 lock down.  There may be small losses to cover the extra work of changing the event or any perishable items but you will not lose your full expenditure. Conditions may apply of course.

4. Good communication is key in all event planning situations.  Make sure you keep talking with those involved, even if you are not sure of your decision yet, it will assist in that decision.  Keep everything in writing, even after a verbal conversation, affirm that discussion by email.

5. Consider your own locality or country for your elopement, this will minimize your risks and in most cases be more affordable.  Couples from all over the world come to New Zealand because of its spectacular locations and the ease of getting married, so take advantage of being Kiwi.

Check out our website for inspiration on Kiwi elopement style weddings & weddingmoons.  There is never a better time to plan and The Dream Maker will hold an open date policy for anyone planning their event, without a confirmed date during the Covid 19 Lock down. Conditions will apply.

About the Author Terri Everett 
Terri Everett built her reputation as an elopement specialist after visiting New Zealand in 1995 on her honeymoon from the UK. Later returning to live and building a business with her husband and two children. 
Together they operated a commercial scenic boat charter; Sealimousines in the Abel Tasman. It was during this time that the demand for wedding transport in such an incredible location became popular and the rest is history.  
Terri continued to evolve the business, now named The Dream Maker by one of her brides in 2011. 

Terri’s service covers the most epic wilderness across the top of the South Island and now, due to demand, entering into new locations.

Terri was awarded “Most Unique Wedding Experience in New Zealand 2019.

Terri and her husband Jim are now proud owners of a Moonraker House a purpose built tree house they built for elopement style resort weddingmoon packages, in one of the most iconic beaches “Split Apple Rock” a stone throw from Abel Tasman National park.

Disclosure: We provide advice to the best of our ability but can not be held accountable for information that has changed over time. We link businesses we are confident will offer great customer service, but it is important to do your own investigations before engaging any other business. If you feel that we have not given good advice please do get in touch.