So here we are, in the middle of a pandemic, and it’s almost engagement season. YIKES! I have had tons of brides ask me what they need to know when planning a destination wedding during a pandemic. Every time I get an email, I cringe as this year has made me almost puke more than once, and I am only just helping brides with their weddings LOL!

On the other hand, this is what I do, so COVID, bring it on 💁🏽‍♀️. I have flown to two weddings in the last three months and have one more to go this December. 

So listen up couples, I know tensions are high, however, YOU will get through this and YOU will get married, even if it’s not the first date you imagined. Please know that travel will happen again! As a matter of fact, brides are getting married in record numbers this winter in destinations like Mexico due to easy peasy travel….no COVID-19 tests or quarantine. Other countries have taken note, (👋🏾 the Dominican Republic and 🙏🏾Costa Rica) and we are sure hoping for more to follow suit shortly! I do see the light at the end of the tunnel, I promise! 

With all that said, KEEP planning now, just get the right help. Don’t try to do this thing by yourself. You need a wedding planner and/or travel agent as they can guide you through the process. It is an invaluable resource during these times. Don’t take my word for it – the facts are in and 80% of those couples with someone helping them came out better during this time than those who did not. So let them do the hard work. You have other things to handle like convincing your Aunt Sylvia that it’s ok to fly American even though they aren’t blocking the middle seat. 

So, first things first! Hire someone and then consult with your team. This includes VIP family and friends. Throw around back-up plans and alternate dates, and share your plans ahead of time. Ask a few, but resist the urge to share with everyone because then you end up right back in the same spot. Trusted advisors and closest friends only – we do not need the Debbie Downer to discourage you from your decisions. This is your special day and you deserve to get married in the way you would like. 

Speaking of consulting families, throw around some dates. I want you to have a few. Even if you are planning something small, due to all the postponements this year, there is most definitely a shortage of Saturdays. With everyone getting married, remarried, and celebrating their anniversary with a vow renewal, try having an off day on your list like Friday or Sunday. You may even score some special perks. If you are really feeling indifferent, choose a day in the middle of the week. 

Next… priorities. 

What’s most important to you? Make a list of all your non-negotiables. Speak with your fiance. What are the things you can’t live without? Are you ok with wearing masks at your reception? Can you live with a venue that is not on the beach? Are you ok with Covid testing? Lots of things to think about…. Food displays? Fire dancers? Write down your must-haves and be prepared to make changes along the way. 

Consider your guests. Are there people that could be immuno-compromised? Any health issues? Where are they coming from and how much time will they need to adjust to the new plans if so? Don’t take anything personally. People have to do what is best for them but at the same time, the show must go on, so expect a smaller guest list (in my opinion, this is a plus)! I had a total of 40 guests and it was perfect. Don’t be surprised if people cancel at the last minute due to fear, but be prepared for even those close to you to possibly sit this one out. 

Talk to the Resort + Wedding Team

Review your contract and work with your travel agent to ask questions. Note that wedding insurance doesn’t always cover things like force majeure or an act of God, so read the fine print and understand exactly what you are buying. 

Here are a few questions that you might want to ask:

• What is the postponement/cancellation policy?

• Will they honor the price if you have to move your date?

• What fees are associated with postponing?

• What are the social distancing policies in place?

• Do you have to require guests to wear masks? What about employees?

• Will this affect your reception layout and decor?

• Will you still allow us to choose buffet as a meal option?

Expect extra fees. You might not want to hear this but there is just no way around this one. As the pandemic continues, more and more vendors are requiring extra deposits, service fees and/or have implemented policies that are much more rigid than in the past. Even travel advisors are requiring non-refundable retainers and deposits, as they are not able to depend on commissions. There might also be more work required if postponed and/or cancelled, like processing refunds, communicating with guests and securing new dates and location etc… Bottom line, build this into your budget. 

Be flexible. I know it’s your special day but trust me – destination weddings aren’t for the type A person. However, my husband would consider me in that category and I made it! Maybe have a good friend and a bottle of wine ready to get through the stress. Flexibility for the rest of the year and into the next will be key. There are tons of brides that have postponed their weddings and tons are getting engaged, so that equals a lot of competition for the most desirable dates and times of the year. Try off-season which is June-November, but remember that this is also hurricane season. With that said, I always tell people that I got married in August with nothing but sunny skies. All in all, having that flexibility allows you to get more of what you want because there are only so many weekends in the year. This means there will be two seasons in one year. Give yourself options. You will thank me later! 

P.S. Look at lesser-known destinations and stay away from the hottest/newest/trendiest resorts in high tourist areas. Look at smaller more boutique properties or go to the opposite side of the spectrum and use a resort that is huge, and can accommodate more than one wedding party and group. Just know they might host several weddings on one day and they might not give you the queen treatment like they would at some of the other properties. 

After all this, you will be ready for anything!!! We know 2020 has been a hard year and hell, 2021 might be the same, but there are good signs ahead and if I had to do it all over again, I would even now. Just today I received a call from a bride planning a wedding for next August. There are tons of couples optimistic about the future. Just put this on your ‘never have I ever list’…...A wedding in Covid, ✔. You are officially a part of the COVID-Brides club lol!

The good news is, as long as you know what you are getting into and have a plan, you will be A-okay. At the end of the day, it’s about you and your special someone and there is nothing that is going to stop you from growing old together – not even in a pandemic. Stay positive and start shopping online for your wedding dress!!!!

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.