RSVP “Mabye” ?

For a while now, we’ve been thinking about what to write, how to respond, and how to spread hope and positivity when facing the coronavirus pandemic. We are very much aware of the impact this will have, specifically on the wedding industry as well as on our country as a whole.

Guests are jittery, travel is tangled, and soon-to-be-brides and grooms are facing tough choices. Postpone, cancel, or forge ahead? A pandemic just isn’t a part of even the most organized bride’s plans.

On a personal note, let me just say my heart breaks for each bride whose fairytale dream is now shaped and controlled by circumstances beyond her control.

Your wedding day is meant to be everything you’ve ever dreamed of, and most importantly, a celebration of a new covenant of love with your chosen other half. Without unnecessary hassle or stress, you want to focus on what is truly important.

Keeping in mind the true meaning of your wedding day, we’d like to draw your attention to a few options or alternatives for getting married 2020.

Keep Calm!

We have to remember that so much is up in the air right now, and everyone is full of uncertainty and affected in some or other way. Be prepared, follow the news, and maintain an open conversation with your vendors and guests. The easiest solution would be to postpone if possible. But if it’s not possible to postpone, your plans will probably need to change.

Explore Plan B through to Z.

Whether you had planned an international wedding or a gathering in our beautiful Northern Cape, you will have to look at alternative options. However, don’t make hasty decisions! Instead, carefully think through all your different options before making a new plan.

Reduce Your Guests.

Possibly the best advice and simplest answer would be to cut back on guests where possible, keeping it below 100 people. Some brides may take the bold step of rather having a very small, intimate family wedding. Though it might not be what you originally envisioned, it would still be a beautiful day.

Put Safety Measures in Place.

Keep your guests reassured by letting them know that their health will be a priority so that they can feel safe when they come to celebrate your wedding day with you.

Keep your guests fully informed of changes, so that they can feel calm and understand your heart in the reasoning behind the changes.

Place hand sanitizer at specific points and in the bathrooms.

Encourage guests and family members who haven’t seen each other in a while to avoid physical contact and adopt a “hygiene hello”.

Use individual bottles and individually packaged or bagged snacks.

Create more space between seating.

Have all venue staff wear gloves and ensure food and hygiene safety measures are properly in place.

Shop Locally.

Fortunately, ncweddings.co.za is here to bridge the gab between the Northern Cape vendor or supplier and the local bride. Use our website and social media as a tool and focus on locally sourced products, equipment, fabric, etc.

Consider Livestream.

There’s no need to explain the value of the World Wide Web in today’s day and age. Use it! Have a wedding website designed to keep guests informed, and consider livestreaming your wedding via video on this site. This way, elderly guests, those who could not travel, and those dear to your heart but above the 100 guest cut off will be able to join in your celebrations.

If you are getting married in the Northern Cape, you should be somewhat relieved because you have an advantage over brides in large cities or brides who had destination wedding plans! You may have to dig a little deeper to find the hidden beauties and top quality vendors in your area, but be sure to use all the benefits of the beautiful Northern Cape to your advantage.

In times of adversity, it is really about being more creative and remembering the true heart of your wedding day—You and Him.