Cartoon woman shrugging with wedding aisle behind her

Should I Postpone my wedding? That truly is the burning question.

There you are, happily planning away; making arrangements, sending deposits, tasting cakes, and Whammo! COVID-19 hits and our world is completely rocked. In a matter of weeks our booming economy has been decimated, lives lost, jobs lost, businesses closed, and in some states, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. The whole situation feels like a bad sci-fi movie that we can’t tear ourselves away from. Collectively, we are afraid, we are in mourning, and we need a sense of security and control restored. 

The truth is, this is not the first time a global crisis has impacted us, and it most definitely will not be the last. Human beings have endured famine, pandemics, world wars, financial collapses, natural disasters and that is to just name a few.  We have survived and thrived over and over again; the key right now is to stay healthy, stay safe, and conserve your resources! 

We know the crisis will end and it is a beautiful thing to be looking toward the future with hope; BUT the question remains, when will it end? When will we return closer to normal? And should I postpone my wedding?

Here is some food for thought to help you decide if you should or shouldn’t reschedule as well as quick tips if you do need to make adjustments. 

Married couple wearing face masks

#1 – Are you still employed? 

YES – If you are still employed, your wedding date is October 2020 or later and you have the financial resources to host your wedding as planned then my advice is do not reschedule. Keep on as planned but remain flexible, this situation is fluid and can change drastically at any moment. 

NO – if you are no longer employed (whether laid off or furloughed), absolutely, 100% reschedule. Conserve your resources! Your security and safety are far more important right now. TIP: With COVID-19 all across the country gatherings of 10 or more are restricted. Call your venue and your vendors (if you have already gotten to this step in planning) and share with them you have been laid off due to COVID-19, request a new date (go with your original planned time of year or give yourself at least 1 year to financially recover). 

#2 – Is your wedding planned prior to October 2020? 

YES – I would consider rescheduling to 2021 or start modifying arrangements to ensure you are practicing social distancing during your celebration. Work with your venue, wedding planner, etc. to find the best way to maintain your ceremony and reception while keeping yourself and your guests safe. TIP: each guest requires 36 sq. ft to maintain the CDC recommended 6’ physical distance, you may safely use this number with your venue to rearrange space. You may need to reduce your guest list in order to achieve this.  

NO – Don’t reschedule but remember to stay flexible! You may need to make arrangements to ensure physical distancing during your ceremony and reception. 

#3 – Don’t want to reschedule, but you are unemployed and want to get married before the end of 2020?

If this applies to you we have you covered! It is time to tighten down the hatches and plan an intimate, unique, and creative celebration. Start thinking patio, backyard wedding with 10 people in person and more guests virtually.

Rustic wedding bride and groom leaning on rustic wheel barrow

We would love to help you pull this together, email us at paige@weddingsbyleigh.com for a free, Covid Wedding Relief Plan, and consultation. Yes, it is fully free. 

If like many other brides you said yes, I should postpone my wedding hoping for better days. We still have some fun ways for you to celebrate your original wedding date. Check out our latest blog – here – for fun ways to still celebrate!

blonde woman in white wedding dress

10 Elegant Wedding Dresses All Under $500, Perfect For Any Discount Bride

The wedding planning process is changing, with the current global climate brides are having to get more creative in not only their shopping, but also their spending. With that, we thought it would be the perfect time to hunt for some inexpensive dresses you can find all online. We are normally huge supporters of local boutiques and this can normally be a great way to find some hidden treasures. Unfortunately shopping in person is not an option right now so we have collected 10 wedding dresses under $500, as well as some great online retailers to hunt for your own.

#1 Nordstrom – The Heiress Slit Long Sleeve Wedding Dress

Nordstrom long sleeve mermaid wedding dress

Price: $495

Not many brides think of Nordstrom when they begin their dress hunt, but they have a small collection of dresses many $1,000 or below. Perfect option for a contemporary vibe.

#2 NordstromSophisticate Trumpet Wedding Dress

Nordstrom trumpet wedding dress

Price: $405

Another great find from Nordstrom, this gown gives the perfect old Hollywood glam look.

#3 AsosSequin Kimono Sleeve Wedding Dress

Asos sequin wedding dress. Boho wedding dress

Price : $339

You typically think basics when Asos comes to mind but Asos does have a bridal line as well. Most gowns fall under the $200 price range and it is a great option for any bride looking for a trendier dress, just like this boho chic look with some added glam.

#4 Asos Bariano Square Neck Bridal Dress

Asos - Bariano Square Neck Bridal Dress

Price : $466

We love this trendy take on a tradition lace A-Line. The floral lace pattern is gorgeous and the peplum top it a perfect way to stand out from the norm.

#5 LulusLost in Magic Ivory Metallic

Lulus - Lost in Magic Ivory Metallic wedding dress

Price : $130

Lulus was a new find for us but has tons of inexpensive bridal options including bridesmaid dress, and day of accessories. Even we couldn’t believe this gorgeous gown was under $200!

#6 LulusYou Belong With Me

Lulu's you belong with me wedding dress

Price : $124

For any loyal “Say Yes to the Dress” viewer you will recognize this lace pattern as one of the newest trends from top designers. Finding a dupe version is a big win for any fans of this beautiful style.

#7 Flora Vere N. Kahn Wide Leg Pant

Wide leg wedding suit for bride

Price : $310

No list is complete without a good pant suit. The wide leg and low neck comes together for a feminine and stylish suit.

#8 Nearly Newlywed

Champagne colored wedding dress with ruffled skirt

Price :  $250

Nearly newlywed gives brides a chance to resell their new or pre-owned gowns, wedding accessories, and bridesmaids gowns. It is a great way to snag designer dresses at great cost. A good thing to remember after your wedding too!

#9 David’s Bridal –  Satin Sweetheart Ball Gown

Davids bridal ball gown

Price : $499

Most brides are familiar with the discount bridal chain, and we do think it is a perfect option for more traditional brides. You can find gorgeous ball gowns to make your Cinderella dreams comes true.

#10 David’s BridalTiered Tulle Ball Gown

Davids bridal ruffled tier ball gown wedding dress

Price : $249.95

Tulle is so fun and flirty but can get pretty expensive to have the full skirt Hayley Paige gown. This dupe can give you the same fun feelings without breaking the budget!

Did you find your dream dress for under $500? Share a pic of your dress (in the bag if its before the big day!) on Instagram using #wblperfectdress and tag us @weddingsbyleigh.