Western New York’s 2020 wedding season kicked off in a way not even our local pros could have predicted. But it’s kicked off, nonetheless, with our region’s trusty planners, vendors and venues putting their creativity to the test to help couples reimagine their special days.
So, you’re planning a wedding and...queue global pandemic. Where to begin?
As Samantha Nelson of EVL Events reminds her clients during these frustrating times: “Love isn’t cancelled,” and you are not alone. As hundreds of Western New York couples grapple with the same situation, why not join forces as a collective resource?
Loaded with that sentiment in mind, CEO of Hoopla House Creative Lindsay Williams started a Facebook group for 2020 weddings impacted by Covid-19. It's a forum to ask questions, see what other couples are doing and connect with local vendors.
People are also reading…
Parting with your date to keep the plan
For couples looking to bump out their weddings to 2021, there are a wealth of resources available to help with rescheduling. Local event planners, including Nelson and her EVL Events crew and Syrie Roman of Social Maven, break down the postponement process for you on their blogs. You can even sit down with Roman (virtually) for a free 30-minute what-to-do consultation.
Or opt to bypass the hassle completely and book one of these wedding pros to handle it for you. Both Social Maven and EVL Events are offering postponement packages for non-clients, and The Day of Buffalo is offering a similar deal with Covid-19 coordination wedding services.
To dot your i's and cross your t’s on your postponement, let your guests know asap with locally designed “change the date” cards—an of-the-moment spin on save the dates. Ashwood Ink is offering free downloads of editable options, or go completely custom with Hoopla House Creative’s fun designs that put a playful spin on a challenging situation.
Parting with the plan to keep your date
For those willing to say goodbye (for now) to lengthy guestlists, local vendors are pairing up to get crafty with intimate settings and the power of Wi-Fi to make your special day happen.
Elopement package: For the couple who wants to keep it simple while getting the deed done. Bring along a few family members to seal the deal and announce your nuptials to friends with cards, letterboards, custom signs—even spelled out on tasty treats.
Mini-moni: For the couple who wants to keep their date and the party. Make it official now with a few close friends and family, then lock in your vendors and guestlist for the party you always wanted at a later date.
Micro wedding: For the couple willing to trade their guestlist to do it all. A scaled-down headcount of around 30 people, often with pre-partnered vendors who make sure you get the ceremony and party of your dreams.
Pop-up wedding: For the couple who wants the flair without the planning. Choose from a curated set of decor and color schemes with these one-size-fits-all celebrations. Find a vendor or locale like the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, Statler City or Quaint, choose a timeslot (usually around 90 minutes) and say I do!
Buffalo Indie Weddings partnered with local vendors and planners like EVL Events to create micro-wedding packages, with options that cover everything from the nuptials to the cocktails. Social Maven is rolling out similar packages with their newly created Petite Soirée. And this just in—Sara Spoth of Beck and Forth Co. teased The Styled FeÌte, a designed micro-wedding package that launched earlier this month.
Pro tip: Every option can be elevated to include more guests thanks to Wi-Fi and streaming platforms, often included in these packages.
All the special details you don’t have to forgo
Once you know your new plan, local makers across the region are creating fun ways to enhance your big day and all the exciting moments leading up to it.
Virtual dress shopping. Bliss Bridal is helping brides find their dream dress by hosting digital consultations. Owner Jessica Getty will virtually walk you through the store, displaying your picks on mannequins. Want to see a dress on a real person? The boutique’s Try on Tuesday livestreams feature a selection of in-store dresses plus specific requests. Check it out on their Instagram or YouTube channel.
For the bride going custom, Ali Eagen and her team at Made By Anatomy are offering virtual consultations to get the ball rolling on your custom design.
Celebration boxes were born out of a collaboration between Rust Belt Love, Oh My Goodies Cakery and Papercraft Miracles. Inspired by the couples taking their wedding celebration to the virtual realm, Alyson of Rust Belt Love wanted a way to make the event extra special. Whether you’re celebrating a ceremony, reception or shower, the team’s boxes offer customizable features like invitations that tell your guests where, when and how to join virtually, plus monogrammed cookies, bubbly sips and paper flowers. Packages range from the already curated to fully customizable. There’s even a DIY set for those looking to go hands-on.
Pro tip: For more fun ideas of how to take your virtual bridal shower to the next level, Taylor Bookmiller of Elor Event Planning hosted a virtual bridal shower how-to on her YouTube channel.
Smaller batches of sweet treats from Buffalo Cake Pops are now on the menu with owner and master baker Rosalie Caruso's wedding-themed cookies.
Cake tasting to go! Mazurek’s Bakery has offered couples a takeout version of the tasting experience. Have your flavors in mind and they’ll prepare cupcake versions for pickup. Call for all the details.
Know of other resources for local couples dealing with the impact of Covid-19 on their weddings? Let us know!
