According to William Shakespeare, “The course of true love never did run smooth.”  Those words certainly echo today as the coronavirus pandemic has thoroughly challenged brides and grooms worldwide, and the wedding industry at large.  More recently, an uptick and resurgence in Covid-19 infections throughout Texas has caused even more uncertainty.  This has impacted public policy, venues, vendors, and the feasibility of rescheduling and re-planning weddings on desired future dates.

And yet, in the midst of all this unpredictability and anxiety, there remains so much hope, some truly beautiful stories of strangers helping one another, and communities coming together – all fueled by love.  Because as cliché as it sounds, we truly believe – love overcomes and conquers all.  

Intimate virtual and backyard wedding celebrations or commitment ceremonies with personal touches are becoming more and more popular in the midst of Covid, resulting in some truly meaningful and unforgettable memories.  

Here are some magical and marvelous ideas for brides who are considering having a wedding during this unprecedented time.  

Location

You do have options for your party of ten or less, and especially if it’s just the two of you and your officiant.  Some venues, especially open-air venues, may be open to having a small and simple ceremony, especially if you are flexible on timing.  Restaurants such as Mattie’s Austin and County Line on The Lake have beautiful lawns and picturesque backdrops that are perfect for intimate weddings.

If you live in an apartment building, is there a community room, clubhouse, or rooftop area where you might be able to carve out a space for a ceremony?  For weddings at home, a fireplace decorated with greenery and flowers can be so romantic.  For backyard weddings, think about the location of your childhood fort, a special tree, or any space that is especially meaningful to you that might serve as a perfect spot for your vows. This is also the prefect time to consider a night-time wedding inside or outside your home with twinkling lights and many many candles.  There is something so magical about candlelight.  

Family

There are special ways you can still be surrounded by family and friends during a Covid ceremony.  Virtual weddings via Zoom have been especially popular in allowing friends and family to be a part of the celebration.  FaceTime and live streaming have also been utilized by couples this wedding season.  These options will enable everyone to be present and be there for your special day.  If you plan to have a virtual wedding, check and make sure the Wi-Fi connection is strong in your location.  

Another wonderful idea that can be combined with a virtual ceremony, or as a standalone, is to set-up seats and place photos of family and friends in each seat.  Or set-up a table on each side of the bride and groom with these photos to signify your loved ones’ presence in your wedding space.  We have seen this at some churches services during the pandemic and it was a truly special gesture.  An alternate is to place a single rose or any favorite flower in place of photos in each seat.  

Décor & Flowers

You can absolutely still create a romantic space for your intimate wedding.  Many florists are open and they understand that many brides are looking for bouquets only and/or possible smaller arrangements and décor for intimate weddings. This is also a great way to support a local vendor and help our economy at this time.

As mentioned, twinkling lights and candles which you can order and pick-up in store or have delivered are also wonderful decorating options.  So are paper lanterns that can add a pop of color to your space.  

We love the many small business wedding vendors on Etsy that can create personalized wedding décor – from oversized paper flowers in your favorite colors that can be hung from the ceiling to garlands, and cake toppers with your initials.  This is your opportunity to be creative and to add as many personal touches as you’d like to honor your day.

Food

Treat yourself!  One upside to having an intimate wedding is that you can splurge on a truly magnificent meal.  Many wedding caterers are still available and bakeries can deliver your wedding cake and sweet treats.  Or as an alternative, dine-in or pick-up a meal from your favorite Austin restaurant.  If you’ve been waiting to go to Jeffrey’s or Uchi for a special occasion – now is the perfect time to treat yourself to that meal!

Our team at Mélange Bridal is available to help and support brides in any way we can.  Our salon is open for brides still looking for their dream wedding dress and/or in need of a last-minute gown.  Let us know how we can help.  

This is an unprecedented and uncertain time, but it is also a time to show the resilience of our collective human spirit, unending hope, and love that strengthens and binds us all.

Congratulations on your engagement!

“Love shows itself more in adversity than in prosperity; as light does which shines most where the place is darkest.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Photography: Taylor Prinsen Photography, Coordination: Bianca Nichole Events, Venue: Mae’s Ridge, Dress: Melange Bridal/Sophia Tolli

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