Wedding planning in a pandemic

The man of your dreams has just asked you to marry him, and you can't wait to start planning straight away. Then COVID-19 hits us, and all your plans to visit wedding shops and gather decorations for your wedding day have been halted. I'm here to share with you a few things you can do from your home whilst in lockdown to prepare for your wedding day. You may feel like there's a cloud over your plans, but I'm here to shed a little light and give you a boost. Here are some reasons why amongst the disappointment you can still be excited for your big day.

YOU HAVE TIME I know for some of you planning isn't your strong point, you perhaps started to feel the pressure of the long list of to-dos. You now have time to gather your thoughts, plenty of time to browse Pinterest and maybe put the finishing touches on your table plan. You also have more time for some online shopping for your honeymoon; you can never have enough swimwear, pairs of shoes or a new dress, right? Maybe everything is ticked off your list, and you were ready to get married in a few weeks. Planning your wedding has been a bit of a whirlwind and as much as you would like to say "I do" and celebrate with your friends and family, you now have time to breathe, pause and spend some quality time with your fiancé. You also have some extra time to appreciate all your hard work, because planning a wedding is a huge task and you've done it!

BRIDESMAID DRESSES One of my best friends got engaged just before COVID-19 hit us hard. She was so excited to start planning but has felt like this pandemic has put a dampener on her plans. We had a conversation earlier this week, and she realised there are a few things that she can do from home, especially a few of the points I mention in this blog. One of the jobs started has been to order a selection of bridesmaids dresses to all her bridesmaid's homes to try on (including me). It may not be how she envisioned her bridesmaids trying on dresses, but it's given her something to focus on. I've tried on three different styles this week over FaceTime to her, and we have worked out which dress I will be wearing. It was really fun, and it was so lovely to see a smile on her face.

FLORISTRY You can 100% have a consultation with your florist over Zoom / Google hangout during this time. Start looking at the different types of flowers you would like for your wedding day, and your florist can guide your style and bring your vision to life. Pinterest is my favourite place to go for inspiration. Please check out my Pinterest boards below of some of my favourite florals this season. I'm sure you can find exactly what you're looking for and advise your florist accordingly, Pinterest is never-ending.

> Etheral Flowers - my floral pinterest board

> Botanical Wedding - lots of green and leafy inspiration on one of my favourite pinterest boards

> Naomi Joy Floristry Design - one of my best-friends, my bridesmaid and incredibly talented wedding florist who also did my wedding flowers. I'm biased but she is100% the top wedding florist in the UK. (See a photo of the two of us together on my wedding day above)

GET CRAFTY I understand some of you may not be the most creatively minded, and for others, you love a bit of DIY. If you're on the crafty side or even fancy having a go, make the most of this time by creating your table plan, name places, wedding favours, decorations, invitations and signs. Just think with a little extra time on your hands the styling for your wedding could transform and go to a whole new level.

> Ink & Alder - Event signage and calligraphy

> Anna Jayne Designs - Wedding Stationery & Floral Textile Design

> Crum&Co - Modern Minimal Vellum Stationery & Acrylic Signage.