Lockdown orders, Zoom meetings, press conferences, mandatory face coverings, testing, vaccines, and the Coronavirus have taken over our thoughts, emotions, and our lives for the past 45 days or so. With all the uncertainty and chaos, you may feel like your dream wedding is not within grasp, but this is not the case. It is true that you may need to make some tough decisions, have some new conversations, and tweak a few things; yet, The Cottage Wedding Venue in Gilbert, AZ is confident that you can still have a beautiful wedding that will be branded in your hearts forever.

1. Revise your guest list

Yep, this is part of those tough decisions mentioned earlier. Just keep in mind that everyone is aware of our current situation, and the possibility of cutting down or refining your guest list may be more of a welcomed idea than you think. One idea is to survey those on your original list. This could be a poll or survey you post on social media, your wedding website, or through a free online tool, such as Survey Monkey. Ask your guests to rate their comfort level of attending your wedding, as planned. After getting the results, adjust your numbers and arrangements accordingly. Another suggestion is to maybe add a free response question that would inquire about what would make them feel safe to attend such an event. You may get some great suggestions about how to tailor your guests’ experience while being able to celebrate with those who matter most.

2. Discuss safety precautions with your vendors

So, we all know that we are currently living in a “new world.” Therefore, we need to take extra steps and precautions to ensure the safety of everyone around us. This means that conversations about sanitation and disinfection are the new norm, especially for events. We encourage you to talk to all your vendors about what procedures they have implemented to ensure the health and safety of all attendees, employees, and other vendors. It is important to discuss increased handwashing, wipe downs of high traffic areas, sanitization of shared props or equipment, and decreased greetings that involve contact (i.e. high fives, handshakes, hugs).  Remember that these conversations are not to make things fearful or anxiety ridden. In fact, they are to keep everyone in a calm and confident state of mind that there will be a lowered risk factor for everyone involved.

3. Consider a live stream

The good news is that with everyone getting familiar with online streaming platforms and video conferencing software, such as Facebook Live, Webex and Zoom, technology can support you in sharing your special day with those who cannot physically be there. With travel bans, closed borders, and uncertainty around travel, guests would be able to virtually attend your event and feel like they were a part of the fun. Of course, this process could be as casual or as formal as you would like. You could ask a friend or family member to host the stream for you or talk to your photographer/videographer about this being a part of their duties for that day. Either way, it would show your guests that you really wanted them there, but you also understand their reasons for not being able to come. It really is a win-win for everyone!

Ceremony Only Package:

Under these circumstances, we recommend choosing The Cottage Wedding Venue’s Ceremony Only Package for your intimate wedding. This 2-hour package is available Monday – Thursday, and it is only $1,000 (up to 40 guests). The price includes everything our property has to offer, plus use of the Bridal Suite and Groom’s Lounge, our Minister, our Event Coordinator, white-washed farm tables and chairs, your choice of colored table runner, 1-tier cake (we order it for you), and a sparkling cider toast. You also have the option of supplying your own alcohol; we can provide you with licensed bartender(s) to serve it, starting at $150. Tax is included in this price and is subject to a 18% service charge. Of course, we also have several other packages, including a la carte offerings. For details on all of our packages, please visit https://thecottageweddings.com/packages/.

Our staff at The Cottage Wedding Venue knows that these are challenging times. On the other hand, we also know that life needs to go on. We know how important it is to have a wedding that makes everyone feel special, loved, and cherished. Let us help you navigate through these uncharted waters. Even though these changes are new for everyone, we know how to “think outside of the box” to make your wedding everything you dreamed it would be. Contact us today at info@thecottageweddings.com or by calling 480-747-0756.  We are available to answer any questions you may have and work on finding solutions to any concerns that come up. Remember, your wedding is an important milestone for your relationship, but more importantly, it is the next step to your lifelong journey as a couple. Do not lose focus of what is most important. Let us handle the details, so you can concentrate on enjoying each other!