Planning a wedding during this pandemic? Here are some tips
How to say “I do” while observing the “don’ts”
By Letty Seah -
Much like other aspects of our daily lives, weddings too, have taken a hit by the coronavirus. For many couples who have already experienced upset and postponements, the additional pressure of ensuring their wedding is compliant with current regulations, has made it harder to feel excited about the big day they once envisioned. If you are in the midst of planning a wedding, here’s a guide to help you navigate and plan a wedding during Covid.
Current regulations for weddings in Singapore
(updated as of 19 May)
Still unsure about the current regulations put in place for weddings? You can find out more on the GoBusiness website. But here are some of the main points to take note of:
- From now to June 13, wedding receptions will no longer be allowed.
- Solemnisation may continue for up to 100 participants (with pre-event testing); and 50 (without pre-event testing).
- Guests who have successfully completed the COVID-19 vaccination (i.e. 14 days have passed since the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccination) are exempted from pre-event testing.
- For solemnisation held in a place of residence or at the ROM/M Building, the maximum number of attendees will continue to be kept at 10 persons. This includes the marriage couple but excludes the solemniser and vendors engaged to provide authorised services for the solemnisation.
- Pre-event testing is not required for vendors or solemniser unless they are also guests of the solemnisation
- The marriage couple and all other attendees must have their masks on throughout the entire solemnisation process. Face shields are allowed for the bride and groom.
With so much still unknown about what is to come, it’s natural to have a million of “what-ifs”. That being said, don’t let that take away the joy that comes with wedding planning. For this reason, we say bear in mind the above, and consider the below as you continue to plan amid the pandemic.
A streamlined site does more than just getting big day details across, it’ll also get your guests excited for the fun to come. There are plenty of free wedding planning websites such as The Knot, Zola and Joy that will do the heavy lifting for you. You can include relevant information, FAQs/Q&As and manage RSVPs in your wedding planning website. Given the ever-changing guidelines, having a website like this is great for sending updates without having to private message your guests individually.
While virtual celebrations are a great alternative to keep friends and loved ones in the loop, it can feel isolating for guests behind the screen. In addition to live streaming your solemnisation, consider putting together a celebration kit -- complete with a bottle of champagne or wine -- to keep your guests engaged. Another fun way to connect everyone? Arrange food delivery for guests or drop off a homemade picnic basket. Finally, sharing personalised Spotify playlists and custom Zoom backgrounds are also great ways to get guests involved.
(Here are "12 Korean Love Songs Every K-Drama Fan Should Play At Their Wedding")
Your wedding gown is one of the most important elements of your wedding day. With the various restrictions and regulations in place, you will need to be more organised to ensure the dress of your dreams arrives in time, especially if you’re shopping online (from overseas retailers). If you are working with a shorter lead time, check out these bridal design talents right here in Singapore. Complete your bridal look with an exquisite engagement ring and delicate jewellery that wouldn’t break the bank.
When you are working with limited resources, you’re forced to think outside the box. Make the most of this experience and have fun with your bridal portraits with Facetime and Zoom. Since you can’t travel overseas for a wedding photoshoot, fulfil your wanderlust at indoor photo studios such as Korea Artiz Studio, which specialises in Korean-style pre-wedding photography. Who says you can't live out your travel fantasies in Singapore?