The rapid spread of the coronavirus is impacting many couples’ wedding plans, so take these issues into consideration and remain flexible.
As of March 30th, CNN reported over 700,000 coronavirus cases worldwide. Global News reveals there are over 7,000 confirmed cases in Canada, with 1,700 in Ontario and just under 1,000 in British Columbia. While governments all over the world decide how to handle the coronavirus outbreak, many people are concerned about how it affects their everyday lives. With summer and fall weddings just on the horizon, what could this epidemic mean for Canadian couples about to tie the knot?
Plan Extra Time for Your Wedding Attire
If you’ve already selected your attire, it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan. IBISWorld estimates that China’s apparel manufacturing industry generated $390 billion in 2019, but CNN’s Parija Kavilanz mentions that many production facilities have closed because of the outbreak. Around 80% of the world’s wedding gowns and formal dresses are made in China, along with a large percentage of suits, tuxedos, and other formal apparel. With some clothing retailers already facing a month delay in receiving new shipments, that could leave many nearlyweds and their attendants scrambling to find new attire.
Coronavirus Causing Food and Drink Shortages
The coronavirus pandemic impacts other parts of the global supply change, including food and beverage production. ABC News’ Kelly McCarthy details these disruptions, including factory closures, employee travel bans, and increased food quality control measures in the United States. How these actions could impact your reception food and drink remain to be seen, but it’s a good idea to talk to your caterer about your concerns and develop backup plans in case your first choices aren’t available.
Travel and Lodging Issues
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists dozens of countries with confirmed coronavirus cases. Some of the hardest-hit nations include China, Italy, Spain, Germany, Iran and the United States. Every European nation has reported cases, along with countries that are popular tourist destinations such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Australia, and Indonesia.
In the wake of the outbreak, the tourism and hospitality industries are feeling the effects. Hospitality Net columnist Ahmed Mahmoud mentions losses by several major chains such as Hilton, Wyndham, Hyatt, and Radisson. Major airlines have stricken many routes from their offerings and are operating at reduced capacity, severely reducing their revenue.
Naturally, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the news if your honeymoon location is in one of the affected areas and planned for the near future. Follow government-issued travel advisories and be prepared to cancel and adjust plans. If you’re using a travel agent, work with that professional to choose alternative destinations and itineraries. Keep in touch with your vendors and venues to remain updated about any impacts the outbreak has on your big day. Many countries and locales are issuing stay-at-home orders at this point, and many of those continue to be extended. Social distancing guidelines now extend at least through April 30th in the U.S.
Wedding Insurance Issues To Consider
With the outbreak threatening many industries, you’re probably tempted to buy wedding insurance if you don’t have it already. That’s a smart idea, but you need to know what you’re getting for your money. The Balance’s Mila Araujo lists typically covered losses such as venue closings, illnesses, and damage or lost attire. Some policies may not cover weddings outside of Canada, so confirm what your policy includes before you finalize your purchase.
As human beings, we tend to take many things for granted. However, the coronavirus epidemic is a serious reminder about the fragility of life and how much uncertainty is involved in our daily lives. Staying aware and considering alternative plans are both important as you arrange your wedding. In the meantime, don’t forget to take good care of yourself. With smart precautions such as washing your hands, avoiding people who are sick, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, and staying home if you are ill, you’ll hopefully protect yourself and those around you. In fact, you should probably stay home except for essential errands even if you are well in order to “flatten the curve.”
How can you make planning your wedding easier? Consider these neglected details and see what you need to do to put the finishing touch on your big day.
A lot of work is involved with planning a wedding. No matter how meticulous you might be, it is entirely within the realm of possibility that you missed a thing or two along the way. Since the process can often be stressful, plenty of couples overlook important details. Fortunately, it is never too late to go back and think about a few things you might have overlooked. Consider these oft-neglected points and see what you need to do to put the finishing touch on your plans.
Gifts of Love
It stands to reason that a lot of people have been involved with putting together your wedding. With so much going on, it can be a huge comfort to be able to turn to friends and family members for some assistance. However, you want to remember to show your thanks in whatever way you can. Couples often forget to give appreciation to the people who help them prepare for their nuptials, but you can easily avoid this blunder by remaining mindful throughout the process.
There are several key people to consider getting gifts for. The members of your wedding party should definitely receive some token of appreciation for all of their contributions. In addition, it can be a wise idea to buy a gift for the parents of your significant other. When you marry your partner, you are also marrying your partner’s family. Buying little gifts to show thanks can put you in the good graces of the family while also making you feel proud of the fact that you went the extra mile for your loved ones.
Last-Minute Savior
No matter how much work you put into planning your wedding, there are always dangers lurking around every corner. You never can tell when something as simple as a loose fiber on a bridesmaid’s dress can turn into a total costume malfunction in front of all your guests. Though you might not be able to control every aspect of what occurs on your wedding day, you definitely can take precautionary measures that aim to reduce the odds of a disaster. One way of achieving this is by packing an emergency kit for your big day.
While similar to the idea of a first-aid kit, an emergency kit for your wedding is all about the tools and resources you might need to fix a small mishap. You’ll want to include sewing basics like a needle, thread, and some generic buttons. These tools can help in the event of a rip or tear throughout the night. You might also want to include aspirin, bottles of water, extra makeup, a pair of socks, and whatever else might prove useful as you move through the events of your wedding.
Little Details
While it might be rare, there are instances where couples have extra money in the budget after completing all their planning tasks. A great way to use some of the funds is by adding special details to your wedding that help to bring out your own unique style. Perhaps you’d like a more elaborate cake, or perhaps you’d like to extend the wedding reception by an hour or two. You can be as frivolous or as practical as you’d like with spending this money; just try and find a clever way to put this part of your budget to good use.
A wedding that goes off without a hitch can seem like an impossibility. Still, by examining your big day from a number of different angles and making sure you are prepared for as many possibilities as you can think of, you will likely have an easier time reducing the odds of a disaster.
If you’re a wedding guest attempting sobriety, it’s natural to feel a little anxiety. Some smart advice can help you remain a faithful teetotaler.
Wedding receptions often offer the perfect trifecta of food, fun, and drinks. Yet, this can present significant challenges for guests recovering from alcohol dependency. Fortunately, sitting out these celebrations isn’t the only option. Since sobriety is an important goal, how can this be achieved when the booze is flowing and emotions are high? Some smart advice can help you remain a dedicated teetotaler.
Guests in Recovery: You’re Not Alone
If you’re a wedding guest aiming for sobriety, it’s natural to feel a little anxiety. After all, you’re in a social situation where alcohol is plentiful and you’re surrounded by others who drink. Ravishly contributor Britni de la Cretaz describes feelings of loneliness when attending receptions. Medium writer Tiffany Swedeen mentions her own temptations to imbibe. SobrieTea Party’s Tawny Lara admits her own struggles. Before she tried recovery, she usually found herself drinking too much at others’ nuptials.
Powerful physical and psychological cravings are frequently triggered by emotional stress, fatigue, nostalgia, or feeling left out. Unsurprisingly, all these emotions and conditions can resurface at weddings. You may encounter some saboteurs, as blogger Dana Bowman points out. However, most of your fellow attendees don’t wish to interfere with your recovery.
Stay Alcohol-Free With These Tips
Swedeen, de la Cretaz, and Lara draw on their own experiences, offering advice to wedding guests planning on sobriety. One valuable tip is to stop worrying about how others view you. Most people will not notice or concern themselves with what you’re actually drinking, so having a non-alcoholic beverage in hand can be a lifesaver. This can be anything that makes you feel comfortable: lime and seltzer water, a soft drink, a cup of coffee, or anything else you like.
Enlisting a trustworthy individual or two could help you avoid indulgence. Be sure to give bartenders a heads up, letting them know not to serve you intoxicating drinks. You may wish to bring along a sober friend, seek out another teetotaler at the festivities, or have someone you can call or text if you need support or feel unsafe.
Distracting yourself is also a great approach when you’re at a reception. Take advantage of food, dancing, music, camaraderie, and activities. Are you a champ at horseshoes, darts, or croquet? Use the lawn games to show off your prowess. Hit the dance floor. Eat an extra cupcake. Talk someone else’s ear off. You get the idea.
Refrain From Judging Other Guests
One common pitfall that Lara mentions is the habit of silently judging others. As an individual in recovery, you could find yourself eying other guests’ behaviors. Looking down on them for their drinking and intoxication won’t contribute to your own efforts. Lara reminds readers that everyone’s relationship with alcohol is a little different. Respect is key, so remember that others’ drinking habits have nothing to do with your own sobriety.
Know When To Walk Away
While you’re planning ahead for your friends’ reception, don’t forget to construct an exit strategy. Feel free to leave early if you must, especially if you feel too tempted to drink. If you’re bringing a sober companion, let that person know that you may want to depart before the reception ends. Those attending alone should make sure they have phone numbers of reliable friends or a transport company just in case.
Don’t Worry: You’ve Got This
Recovering from alcohol dependency isn’t an easy process, but social situations can make it rougher than usual. While you want to enjoy yourself at your friends’ wedding reception, it can also be an opportunity to re-acclimate to scenarios in which alcohol is served. Staying sober requires some advance planning. Keeping a nonalcoholic drink in hand is a useful strategy, along with relying on supportive friends and having an exit plan ready.
The rapid spread of the coronavirus is impacting many couples’ wedding plans, so take these issues into consideration and remain flexible.
As of March 30th, CNN reported over 700,000 coronavirus cases worldwide. Global News reveals there are over 7,000 confirmed cases in Canada, with 1,700 in Ontario and just under 1,000 in British Columbia. While governments all over the world decide how to handle the coronavirus outbreak, many people are concerned about how it affects their everyday lives. With summer and fall weddings just on the horizon, what could this epidemic mean for Canadian couples about to tie the knot?
Plan Extra Time for Your Wedding Attire
If you’ve already selected your attire, it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan. IBISWorld estimates that China’s apparel manufacturing industry generated $390 billion in 2019, but CNN’s Parija Kavilanz mentions that many production facilities have closed because of the outbreak. Around 80% of the world’s wedding gowns and formal dresses are made in China, along with a large percentage of suits, tuxedos, and other formal apparel. With some clothing retailers already facing a month delay in receiving new shipments, that could leave many nearlyweds and their attendants scrambling to find new attire.
Coronavirus Causing Food and Drink Shortages
The coronavirus pandemic impacts other parts of the global supply change, including food and beverage production. ABC News’ Kelly McCarthy details these disruptions, including factory closures, employee travel bans, and increased food quality control measures in the United States. How these actions could impact your reception food and drink remain to be seen, but it’s a good idea to talk to your caterer about your concerns and develop backup plans in case your first choices aren’t available.
Travel and Lodging Issues
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists dozens of countries with confirmed coronavirus cases. Some of the hardest-hit nations include China, Italy, Spain, Germany, Iran and the United States. Every European nation has reported cases, along with countries that are popular tourist destinations such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Australia, and Indonesia.
In the wake of the outbreak, the tourism and hospitality industries are feeling the effects. Hospitality Net columnist Ahmed Mahmoud mentions losses by several major chains such as Hilton, Wyndham, Hyatt, and Radisson. Major airlines have stricken many routes from their offerings and are operating at reduced capacity, severely reducing their revenue.
Naturally, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the news if your honeymoon location is in one of the affected areas and planned for the near future. Follow government-issued travel advisories and be prepared to cancel and adjust plans. If you’re using a travel agent, work with that professional to choose alternative destinations and itineraries. Keep in touch with your vendors and venues to remain updated about any impacts the outbreak has on your big day. Many countries and locales are issuing stay-at-home orders at this point, and many of those continue to be extended. Social distancing guidelines now extend at least through April 30th in the U.S.
Wedding Insurance Issues To Consider
With the outbreak threatening many industries, you’re probably tempted to buy wedding insurance if you don’t have it already. That’s a smart idea, but you need to know what you’re getting for your money. The Balance’s Mila Araujo lists typically covered losses such as venue closings, illnesses, and damage or lost attire. Some policies may not cover weddings outside of Canada, so confirm what your policy includes before you finalize your purchase.
As human beings, we tend to take many things for granted. However, the coronavirus epidemic is a serious reminder about the fragility of life and how much uncertainty is involved in our daily lives. Staying aware and considering alternative plans are both important as you arrange your wedding. In the meantime, don’t forget to take good care of yourself. With smart precautions such as washing your hands, avoiding people who are sick, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, and staying home if you are ill, you’ll hopefully protect yourself and those around you. In fact, you should probably stay home except for essential errands even if you are well in order to “flatten the curve.”
How can you make planning your wedding easier? Consider these neglected details and see what you need to do to put the finishing touch on your big day.
A lot of work is involved with planning a wedding. No matter how meticulous you might be, it is entirely within the realm of possibility that you missed a thing or two along the way. Since the process can often be stressful, plenty of couples overlook important details. Fortunately, it is never too late to go back and think about a few things you might have overlooked. Consider these oft-neglected points and see what you need to do to put the finishing touch on your plans.
Gifts of Love
It stands to reason that a lot of people have been involved with putting together your wedding. With so much going on, it can be a huge comfort to be able to turn to friends and family members for some assistance. However, you want to remember to show your thanks in whatever way you can. Couples often forget to give appreciation to the people who help them prepare for their nuptials, but you can easily avoid this blunder by remaining mindful throughout the process.
There are several key people to consider getting gifts for. The members of your wedding party should definitely receive some token of appreciation for all of their contributions. In addition, it can be a wise idea to buy a gift for the parents of your significant other. When you marry your partner, you are also marrying your partner’s family. Buying little gifts to show thanks can put you in the good graces of the family while also making you feel proud of the fact that you went the extra mile for your loved ones.
Last-Minute Savior
No matter how much work you put into planning your wedding, there are always dangers lurking around every corner. You never can tell when something as simple as a loose fiber on a bridesmaid’s dress can turn into a total costume malfunction in front of all your guests. Though you might not be able to control every aspect of what occurs on your wedding day, you definitely can take precautionary measures that aim to reduce the odds of a disaster. One way of achieving this is by packing an emergency kit for your big day.
While similar to the idea of a first-aid kit, an emergency kit for your wedding is all about the tools and resources you might need to fix a small mishap. You’ll want to include sewing basics like a needle, thread, and some generic buttons. These tools can help in the event of a rip or tear throughout the night. You might also want to include aspirin, bottles of water, extra makeup, a pair of socks, and whatever else might prove useful as you move through the events of your wedding.
Little Details
While it might be rare, there are instances where couples have extra money in the budget after completing all their planning tasks. A great way to use some of the funds is by adding special details to your wedding that help to bring out your own unique style. Perhaps you’d like a more elaborate cake, or perhaps you’d like to extend the wedding reception by an hour or two. You can be as frivolous or as practical as you’d like with spending this money; just try and find a clever way to put this part of your budget to good use.
A wedding that goes off without a hitch can seem like an impossibility. Still, by examining your big day from a number of different angles and making sure you are prepared for as many possibilities as you can think of, you will likely have an easier time reducing the odds of a disaster.
If you’re a wedding guest attempting sobriety, it’s natural to feel a little anxiety. Some smart advice can help you remain a faithful teetotaler.
Wedding receptions often offer the perfect trifecta of food, fun, and drinks. Yet, this can present significant challenges for guests recovering from alcohol dependency. Fortunately, sitting out these celebrations isn’t the only option. Since sobriety is an important goal, how can this be achieved when the booze is flowing and emotions are high? Some smart advice can help you remain a dedicated teetotaler.
Guests in Recovery: You’re Not Alone
If you’re a wedding guest aiming for sobriety, it’s natural to feel a little anxiety. After all, you’re in a social situation where alcohol is plentiful and you’re surrounded by others who drink. Ravishly contributor Britni de la Cretaz describes feelings of loneliness when attending receptions. Medium writer Tiffany Swedeen mentions her own temptations to imbibe. SobrieTea Party’s Tawny Lara admits her own struggles. Before she tried recovery, she usually found herself drinking too much at others’ nuptials.
Powerful physical and psychological cravings are frequently triggered by emotional stress, fatigue, nostalgia, or feeling left out. Unsurprisingly, all these emotions and conditions can resurface at weddings. You may encounter some saboteurs, as blogger Dana Bowman points out. However, most of your fellow attendees don’t wish to interfere with your recovery.
Stay Alcohol-Free With These Tips
Swedeen, de la Cretaz, and Lara draw on their own experiences, offering advice to wedding guests planning on sobriety. One valuable tip is to stop worrying about how others view you. Most people will not notice or concern themselves with what you’re actually drinking, so having a non-alcoholic beverage in hand can be a lifesaver. This can be anything that makes you feel comfortable: lime and seltzer water, a soft drink, a cup of coffee, or anything else you like.
Enlisting a trustworthy individual or two could help you avoid indulgence. Be sure to give bartenders a heads up, letting them know not to serve you intoxicating drinks. You may wish to bring along a sober friend, seek out another teetotaler at the festivities, or have someone you can call or text if you need support or feel unsafe.
Distracting yourself is also a great approach when you’re at a reception. Take advantage of food, dancing, music, camaraderie, and activities. Are you a champ at horseshoes, darts, or croquet? Use the lawn games to show off your prowess. Hit the dance floor. Eat an extra cupcake. Talk someone else’s ear off. You get the idea.
Refrain From Judging Other Guests
One common pitfall that Lara mentions is the habit of silently judging others. As an individual in recovery, you could find yourself eying other guests’ behaviors. Looking down on them for their drinking and intoxication won’t contribute to your own efforts. Lara reminds readers that everyone’s relationship with alcohol is a little different. Respect is key, so remember that others’ drinking habits have nothing to do with your own sobriety.
Know When To Walk Away
While you’re planning ahead for your friends’ reception, don’t forget to construct an exit strategy. Feel free to leave early if you must, especially if you feel too tempted to drink. If you’re bringing a sober companion, let that person know that you may want to depart before the reception ends. Those attending alone should make sure they have phone numbers of reliable friends or a transport company just in case.
Don’t Worry: You’ve Got This
Recovering from alcohol dependency isn’t an easy process, but social situations can make it rougher than usual. While you want to enjoy yourself at your friends’ wedding reception, it can also be an opportunity to re-acclimate to scenarios in which alcohol is served. Staying sober requires some advance planning. Keeping a nonalcoholic drink in hand is a useful strategy, along with relying on supportive friends and having an exit plan ready.
