I’ve been sitting with this story for longer than I expected. Maybe because typing it out makes it more real. Maybe because I’ve been holding onto hope that something—anything—might change. But the truth is, my fiancé and I had to make one of the hardest decisions yet: we postponed our wedding. By over a year.
Yes, we’ve officially joined the long list of “Couples during Covid-19.”
When the reality sank in, I cycled through every emotion possible—frustration, sadness, guilt, relief, and even gratitude. After all, the health and safety of our loved ones came first, and no dream venue or timeline was worth risking that. Still, letting go of the vision we had carefully crafted was painful. The location, the timing, the details—all of it carried meaning.
But in the midst of uncertainty, a new mantra started to settle in: It’s not a matter of if, but when.
That shift in perspective changed everything. Instead of clinging to what we lost, I began focusing on what truly matters: our health, our families, our jobs, and the bigger picture of a lifetime together. The wedding might not happen when we expected, but it will happen. And that’s enough to carry me through.
For those of you navigating the same uncertainty, you’re not alone. I want to share some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way—both the practical and the emotional—in hopes they might help guide you through this unpredictable season.
Watch the Exchange Rates
If you’re planning a destination wedding, keep a close eye on currency fluctuations.
My fiancé and I had a minor argument after I went over budget (oops). But just as guilt settled in, the exchange rate in Mexico shifted in our favor—saving us thousands. The relief was short-lived though, because I quickly realized that couples planning in the opposite direction were likely hit hard.
The takeaway? Economies can change overnight. Be strategic about when and how you make payments. What feels like a small percentage shift could make a major impact on your overall budget.
Rethink Your Invitations
I’ve always dreamt of custom wedding stationery—intricate illustrations, botanicals from our venue, even a family crest we could later use on keepsakes. But when postponement loomed, our illustrator gently suggested we go digital for our save-the-dates.
At first, I hesitated. Paper invites felt timeless, tangible, and celebratory. But she was right: in a time when so many people were moving homes, changing addresses, or even living with family temporarily, email became the safest, most reliable way to reach everyone.
We still plan to print a few keepsake copies, but going paperless saved us both time and money. And honestly? It feels fitting for this new chapter—one that requires more flexibility than perfection.
Talk Honestly with Your Guests
Postponing wasn’t a decision we made alone. We reached out to our closest family and friends, many of whom would need to travel internationally, to hear their thoughts.
Some key things we considered:
- Where are guests traveling from?
- How is the virus impacting that area?
- Are older or at-risk family members attending?
- Would rescheduling make it safer for them?
Every couple’s guest list is different, but hearing firsthand concerns gave us clarity. It reminded us that this wasn’t just our day—it was a shared experience.
The Dress Dilemma
Confession: I still don’t have my wedding dress.
I know the kind of dress I want, but between delayed production in Europe and limited boutique appointments, shopping has felt daunting. A few ateliers offered creative solutions—sending samples to try at home or arranging private fittings—but even so, the uncertainty lingers.
Here’s my best advice: always ask where a dress is made. Some designers manufacture domestically, which can make the process smoother and quicker. And if you don’t find “the one” right away, give yourself grace. The timeline has shifted, but your moment will come.
Splurge Where It Counts
If there’s a silver lining in postponing, it’s the chance to save and possibly splurge. With extra time, you can invest in the elements that matter most—whether that’s your dream photographer, a show-stopping dress, a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, or even something beyond the wedding, like a home together.
Think of it this way: the delay might actually allow you to create an even more memorable experience than you first imagined.
Civil Ceremonies Can Be Magical Too
We’ve always planned to have a small civil ceremony at my fiancé’s family church before our destination celebration. Originally, it felt more like a formality. But now? I see it differently.
Civil ceremonies can be deeply meaningful—an intimate “appetizer” before the main event, as one of our vendors beautifully put it. With thoughtful details like floral arches, lush greenery, or even a simple stoop draped in blooms, the moment can feel just as magical as the larger wedding.
And here’s the bonus: it’s the perfect time for portraits with immediate family, especially those who may not make it to the bigger event.
Finding Peace in the Pause
This past year has been filled with questions without answers, and emotions I didn’t expect. But postponing our wedding has also taught me patience, flexibility, and gratitude.
At the end of the day, a wedding is a celebration—but marriage is the goal. And no matter the timeline, no matter the setbacks, love isn’t canceled.
So, to all the couples walking this same path: take a breath, hold onto what truly matters, and remember—your day is still coming. And when it does, it will be worth every moment of the wait.
