Couple holding hands in front of movie theater in Monte Rio. Wedding Planning in Uncertain Times.

Wedding Planning in Uncertain Times – Simple Tips and Tricks

Wedding planning in uncertain times? Floods, fires, and flu outbreaks might not typically top your wedding planning checklist, but in recent years, they’ve become impossible to ignore. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the reality of our unpredictable world into sharp focus, leading to countless event cancellations and postponements. Over the years, I’ve had clients change wedding dates and venues due to mudslides, wildfires, flooding, and most recently, the pandemic.

Rescheduling a wedding can be incredibly stressful—not just for the couple, but for everyone involved. So, how can you plan a celebration that feels safe, joyful, and as stress-free as possible? Is it even worth planning a wedding when the world feels so unpredictable? The answer is yes—but with flexibility, creativity, and a little perspective, you can still have a meaningful and memorable celebration.

Remember Why Getting Married is Important

Weddings are, at their core, a gathering of friends and family in celebration of love and community. They’re a way to reaffirm our deepest connections and strengthen the bonds that hold us together—something that feels more vital than ever in these uncertain times.

So yes, keep planning weddings. Celebrate love boldly. Focus on what truly matters: the people you cherish, the joy of shared moments, and the beauty of building a life together, even when the world feels unpredictable.

Cover your Bases

Here are a few simple steps you can take to feel more confident in your wedding plans:

Talk to your vendors about their rescheduling and cancellation policies—knowing where they stand can give you peace of mind.
Look into wedding insurance, but be sure to read the fine print to understand what’s actually covered, especially when it comes to pandemics or natural disasters.
Sketch out a backup plan. Even a loose outline can help you stay flexible and reduce stress if things need to shift.

Planning with a little foresight goes a long way in uncertain times.

If the ban on larger gatherings persists, consider having a small gathering out in nature.

Support Your Wedding Vendors

Keep in mind that photographers, DJs, planners, florists, makeup artists, and other wedding pros are real people—many of us running small businesses in an already unpredictable industry. These are tough times for everyone, and the wedding world is no exception. Check out my vendor list for some great folks.

Most of the folks I know in this profession genuinely love what they do (I know I do). We’re here to help, to be flexible, and to keep creating joyful celebrations—while still putting food on the table. We’re so grateful for the thoughtful, kind clients who keep showing up with understanding and grace. Let’s continue to support each other. Stay healthy. Keep loving. Get married.

In these uncertain times, having something exciting and joyous to look forward to feels really good.

If you want to check out my general tips for planning an awesome wedding, I wrote an article with lots of great ideas.

I recently received a heartfelt message from a couple navigating their wedding plans during the pandemic. They wrote:

“We hope soon we can all return to a time when you don’t need to think twice about pulling someone in for a full embrace. Or wiping tears from your face after a moving speech. Or taking hold of a friend’s hand to drag them on the dance floor.
For now though, we hope you are able to enjoy time with your family, celebrate friendships with virtual happy hours, and feel grounded by the power of nature and community in this time of upheaval and uncertainty.”

Their words beautifully sum up what so many of us are feeling—longing for connection, joy, and togetherness. While we may have to adjust how we celebrate right now, the love and community at the heart of weddings remain as powerful as ever.