MATRIMONY MONDAY 2021!!!
CONGRATS out there engaged couples! Today, the Monday after the first of the year is referred to as “Matrimony Monday”. It is TYPICALLY the busiest planning day of the year for the wedding industry.
THIS year will be interesting however because COVID-19 has rocked the hospitality industry off its moors. Having a vaccine available to the general public soon is welcome news, but how and when will it be administered? When will Illinois open back up fully? As long as there are restrictions on venues, your dream wedding and wedding counts will remain dubious at best, in jeopardy at worst.
The most important thing is the safety of your closest friends and family though so we in the industry are taking a “wait and see” approach as 2021 unfolds. There are still some things that you should still be doing as your day approaches so please peruse this curated list of “must dos”:
THE most important thing to secure is your venue. Full stop. Popular venue’s are often booked up to a year in advance to don’t wait if you have your heart set on a spot! Again, with COVID SO many events were postponed in 2020 and rescheduled for 2021 the clamor for venues and dates will be even more frenetic.
Popular vendors get booked QUICKLY. If you have your heart set on a florist, baker or photographer, do not wait to at least have a conversation with them. Share your date and your needs and get an idea of what you need to do to book them in time. Many will have dates to make up from 2020 so don’t wait!
As a rule, send Save the Dates out 6-8 months in advance of your date. Especially if inviting a high volume of out of towners or if the event itself is a destination. Invites should be sent 8-10 weeks in advance, however you can cheat with this range a little if you have sent Save the Dates already.
Speaking of paper goods, you’ll need to determine if you are someone who would like to work with a custom invitation designer or if you are comfortable with the online options out there. Its a personal decision but again, if you have your eye on a vendor, make sure you give yourself enough time to work with them, it can be a time consuming process.
Calligraphers are booked early. Another time consuming craft. Reach out early so your work can be scheduled!
If you are super busy and feeling overwhelmed don’t be afraid to reach out to an event planner. They are literally WAITING for your phone call during this period so that they can jump in an help you bring a vision to life… On time and on budget.
FINALLY, enjoy yourselves! This is such a special time and although it will feel like a NEVER-ENDING process at some points, you WILL get through it. Congrats again and come find me for your lettering needs! xoxo —ct