Pandemic Wedding Planning Tips You Need To Know Now

With the pandemic continuing to be a part of our lives this year weddings will continue to be effected by gathering restrictions. To help you out, we are sharing our best pandemic wedding planning tips. Last year, Jessilynn Wong, Jessilynn Wong Photography and I teamed up to offer the Intimate Wedding Collection. This collection has everything you need for a spectacular intimate wedding: a wedding planner (All That Jaz Weddings), a photographer (Jessilynn Wong Photography), an officiant (Ceremonies with Choice), a florist, and musicians for the ceremony. This inclusive package is for couples who want to have a small, stylish, and safe wedding.

"Planning during the pandemic is difficult, but with a good team and a solid plan, it can be so much fun! I find it's best to embrace the restrictions instead of fighting them. So, how can you make it the best night ever within the parameters we have been given? The answer is simple, remember that getting married is THE reason for the celebration and the rest will follow. People are just so grateful to get out of the house and celebrate something good in an environment where they feel safe. Place an emphasis on good quality food, drinks, design and entertainment. Those are the key areas that don't always get the most attention with a larger guest count. You have the opportunity to create a unique and memorable experience for your intimate wedding, why not make it the best possible!" - Jasmine, All That Jaz Weddings

It's no secret I love intimate weddings. The schedule for the day is chill, so the couple is relaxed and can focus on having meaningful interactions with their guests. Our couples have said The Intimate Wedding Collection was ideal for them and they couldn’t imagine their weddings any other way. They loved the freedom it gave them and how comforted they felt knowing their day was in the right hands.

Here are our top 7 Pandemic Wedding Planning Tips:

1. Let go of past ideas: First and foremost, let’s get rid of the misconception that your wedding won’t be as fun because it’s going to be small. It’s ok to mourn past ideas of what you thought your wedding would look like, but if we’re honest a lot of wedding goals change throughout the wedding planning process. Let’s look at the bright side of things: a small wedding can still be the wedding of your dreams with a few adjustments.

2. Keep an open mind: Being open-minded and flexible is a key part of planning a wedding during this pandemic. Restrictions will change, sometimes in your favour and sometimes with cuts to the guest list.

3. Make tiered guest lists: Make tiered guest lists for 10, 25, 50, or 100 guests. Don’t worry, people won’t be offended if they’re cut. Everyone understands that guest restrictions are part of the way we hold events these days.

4. Think about a virtual component: As per the gathering limits last year, you may be able to have more guests for the ceremony than for the reception. Set up Zoom for extra guests to attend virtually. Schedule the things you’d like your guests to be a part of—e.g., champagne toast, cake cutting, or first dance—right after the ceremony so that virtual guests can experience the highlights of your wedding day.

5. Consider a venue that has options: If you’re concerned about reducing your guest list, consider choosing a venue that can host guests outside and inside. The number of people allowed at indoor-only spaces is lower, and private residences (i.e., backyard weddings) are allowed fewer guests than staffed venues are. This is because venues are responsible for adhering to regulations. Remember to include yourself and your spouse in your gathering number!

6. Take advantage of special offers from vendors: Working on a limited budget? This is the best time to get married! Many desirable venues are offering reduced rental or minimum-spend rates. Some vendors are also offering smaller packages and discounted services or products.

7. Embrace the now: Many of our couples told us that the main reason why they wanted to continue with their wedding plans was because they didn’t want to put their life plans on hold any longer. Some couples opted to delay their weddings for a year, only to find themselves in a similar position this year. We are hopeful things will get better, but we don’t know what the future holds during this pandemic. By having your wedding this year, you can benefit from all the experience we’ve gained in the past year and navigate your wedding plans with open eyes.

Delaying your wedding leaves some things up to chance: your venue and vendors could go out of business, your deposits could be lost, and you may find yourself in the same circumstances we face today. This is a big decision to make, but pandemic or not, life can still have its special moments. Like looking into your partner’s eyes and saying “I do”. Imagine that joyful feeling wash over you as you finally become a married couple. These moments are waiting for you to bring them to life. Why not experience them sooner rather than later?

Here’s some advice from our couples who chose the Intimate Wedding Collection:

Why did you choose the Intimate Wedding Collection?

The intimate wedding was such a smooth experience and we loved that it felt organic from start to finish. This smaller wedding felt much more connected with our guests which allowed us to have opportunities to thank all of our friends and family by sharing our gratitude and joy. – John & Emily

A tip you have for couples getting married during a pandemic?

Flexibility and fluidity are key during these unexpected times. Keep a positive mindset that everyone is just happy for both of you—and no one will be offended if they're not invited. It's important to know that plans can pivot at any moment but enlisting a strong supporting cast like a wedding planner or photographer can be invaluable to help plan alternative ideas and options. If the couple has a large group of family and friends who cannot attend, adding photography or videography is a great idea to capture and share the special moment with others down the line. – John & Emily


What did you love about your intimate wedding?

Even with all the last-minute changes and adjustments, we had a stress-free day, which was such a good feeling. We laughed and had fun all day long. I was also finally able to see my sister for the first time in ten months, which was wonderful. – Sarah & Adrian

What was important for you to have at your wedding?

Because the restrictions changed multiple times leading up to our wedding date, we had to rethink our priorities and let go of all the things we thought were necessary for a wedding. Ultimately, the important part was saying our vows and being married. We had just four guests in attendance, and we didn’t even have our rings yet, but the day didn’t feel like a compromise. We got married in a beautiful setting, with our original officiant and photographer, so the ceremony itself was actually very close to what we had envisioned. – Sarah & Adrian


A highlight or anecdote from your wedding day

For all those couples getting married in a pandemic I’d say—roll with the punches, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need! You’d be surprised at how much is possible when you have a great wedding team helping you along the way. It’s absolutely worth it to hire a wedding planner if things feel too stressful. There are lots of restrictions, and your wedding team is there to make sure it’s the best possible version of what you want and need. – Meghan & Fred

A lot of us have faced challenges this past year and we’re thankful to have created a solution that has helped couples and small business owners. We planned and photographed some incredible intimate weddings and we’ll continue to offer our services.

If you’re thinking about having a small wedding, we’d love to hear from you! Send us a message below.

Jaz xx

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HELLO FROM JAZ

I grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and most likely their entire family too. The town is known for it's OHL hockey team, The Owen Sound Attack, the Bruce Trail and the crystal clear water of Georgian Bay. It’s a hidden gem to shut off and refuel with waterfalls, beaches and lush forest areas all around.

My journey in the event industry began 9 years ago. In 2010, I moved to Sydney, Australia to pursue my dreams of becoming an event planner. On my very first day in Sydney, I met a French Canadian on the beach and married him 5 years later. He is a passionate entrepreneur and owns a cafe in the Distillery District, Arvo Coffee, inspired by our 4 years spent in the land down unda. The second love of my life is a furry feline that loves a good cuddle and to constantly walk across my computer keyboard, Oscar. He is seriously the best.

I knew right away that I wanted to work in the wedding industry but, I needed to define the why. There are hundreds of amazing wedding planners, what could I possibly bring to the industry? When we moved back to Canada, the “why” became clear and ATJ was born. I launched ATJ as a creative expression of an inward desire to bring back what a wedding is truly about, a celebration of love. My goal is to bring back the heartbeat of the celebration without the unnecessary frills. The approach to design revolves around the concept that planning a wedding is like hosting all your favourite people in your dining room. It’s intimate, exciting, involves good wine and an electric atmosphere.
Now, let’s bring that living room vibe into an external space and make it come alive.

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When I’m not planning events, I love to explore new galleries, cafes, travel and freelance as a floral designer. I am a creative at heart and love all things in the vast realm of the creative industry. Someone once told me, “we were created to be creative” and that has resounded with me ever since I can remember.

I am truly grateful for the amazing clients that have allowed us to be apart of their celebration. 2019 is our biggest year yet and I am SO excited to work with the most amazing humans .

 

JAZ xx

Chantelle & Jacob's Romantic Estate Wedding

Oh my heart, this wedding is one that I will forever cherish. 
It's not everyday that you meet people like Chantelle and Jacob. Loving, compassionate, kind and all kinds of wonderful. When I met with them to begin planning their wedding, I knew it was going to be an extra special occasion. Why? Because they desired to celebrate their love first and foremost and the details would follow. 

They chose to have an intimate wedding of 110 guests on a family property in Chatsworth, ON. A beautiful fall wedding would highlight the natural beauty of the property as the tress would be changing colour and the sun would set beautifully across the harvested grounds. 

Every detail was thoughtfully planned to be unique and memorable to C&J.  Intentional simplicity was key into designing their day. The reception featured the BEST grand entrances, heartwarming speeches, a surprise gift for Jaxson, a musical performance by the father of the bride, dancing and fireworks. The atmosphere was electric. 

 My favourite part of all their personal touches was the ceremony. They had their closest friend of 15 + years marry them. It was full of humour and raw emotion as C&J declared their personal vows to each other and their son, Jaxson. There wasn’t a dry eye in site..including mine! 

Jaz xx

PS. Scroll down to the bottom to view the amazing team of vendors their wedding video! 

Wedding Planning + Design: All That Jaz Weddings + Events
Photography: Abby White Photography
Videography: Sage & Sea Co
Florals: Carrie Lynn Floral & Event Styling
Gown: Sixpence Bridal Studio
Suits: Tip Top Tailors
Makeup: Nicole Gardiner Aesthetics
Rentals: Tara Tent & Party Rentals

A Surprise Proposal

I love a good surprise, don't you?! My dear friend Lydia asked if I would like to be involved in a very unique event, a surprise proposal! Naturally, I was over the moon to design and be apart of this special moment. The idea was to plan a mock shoot at the place where Shane and Sarah had originally met, the beautiful pine forrest in Guelph, ON.  Sarah and Shane agreed to be our models and the plan was set in motion! As you will see from the photos, Sarah was completely surprised and said "YES" to marrying the love of her life.
Congrats Sarah & Shane!

-Jasmine xx

Photography: Painted White Photography
Calligraphy: Scarlet & Alabaster
Arch: Blooms & Flora
Hanging Installation, table, and table top decor: Painted White Studio
Chairs: Glamourous Affairs Inc
Ring: Wisdom's Jewellers
Make Up Justine Seah
Gown: Sixpence Bridal Studio
Cake:  Vinka Pirslin

Wedding Workshop April 10, 2017

On April 10th I had the pleasure of hosting another wedding workshop in the beautiful and quaint coffee shop, Arvo Coffee, located in the Distillery District. A few of my favourite vendors joined me on a panel discussing wedding trends, flowers, photography, venue selection, hair and makeup, stationery, and tips on how to stay sane throughout the planning stages.  Each bride walked away with a swag bag full of goodies and gifts from the event sponsors. 
Stay tuned for fall workshop dates!

-Jaz xx

Distillery Events
Streetcar Design Co
Scarlet & Alabaster
Rachel Jones B Pretty
Threads & Blooms

Photos by Streetcar Design Co

Boho Bride

I had the pleasure of collaborating with fellow creatives up by my hometown in Grey Bruce, ON.
It is always an adventure shooting up north, mainly because of the abundance of hidden spots.
You really have to be a local to find them! Luckily, our talented photographer Alli Ladd, knows the area like the back of her hand. She guided us through bushes, hidden trails and beaches for the ultimate shoot locations to breathe our design to life.

Jasmine x

Vendor Love:
Styling: All That Jaz Weddings
Photography: Sage & Sea Co(www.sageandseaco.com)
Hair: Elyse Salon (www.elysesalon.ca)
Make Up: Nicole Gardiner (www.nicolegardinermakeup.com)
Florals & Assistant Styling: Rouse Events & Design (www.rousedesignstudio.com)
Invitations: Kreative by Krista (www.kreativebykrista.com)