Private ceremony and post celebration after Covid

Are you going to plan the reception now for some time in the future? Or are you waiting until COVID lets up to begin planning? That will determine how you handle it. You could send save the dates and say "__ and __ will be married in a private ceremony on __, please save the date for a celebration of marriage," or if you're not announcing it until after the ceremony, you would send a marriage announcement/save the date combo.

It's typically bad etiquette to have a bridal shower when you're no longer a bride, however, if the host and guests know and still choose to come, that's their decision.

First, ask your grandmother if she wants that .( you may have already.) I know a number of people who assumed a dying parent or grandparent would want that. Only to find out they were adamently opposed. They wanted to think of a larger wedding, and hear about the planning, and imagine their loved ones on the day. But often wanted the bride and groom to dress up for them, the kid is all grown and getting married. And not to hurry it for them. And often were very distressed at presenting themselves even to 3-4 people at a special thing, in their condition, on their meds. So if you have not asked straight out, make sure it is what they want.

We’re doing this! Our wedding is planned for next October but my grandma’s health recently took a turn for the worse. That combined with the unknown if we’ll have to postpone our reception next year anyways due to our state’s extremely tight restrictions not being lifted until there’s a vaccine available. So we decided to get married with just family on our anniversary this year and have a vow renewal and reception next year. My grandma cried happy tears when we told her our plan. We’ll send out save the dates with our marriage announcement. If someone wants to throw you a bridal shower and a bachelorette afterwards I think that’s great! It definitely is not poor etiquette to have a shower or anything afterwards since covid has forced change on so many people this year. And you certainly will still be a bride whenever you have your big day.

View Quoted Comment Thank you Caytyln!

View Quoted Comment Thank you. She said she’s only holding on to see me get married.

View Quoted Comment Thank you Katie! I’m so glad I’m not the only one in this predicament. And I never thought of a vow renewal!

View Quoted Comment Having a vow renewal will allow to have all the traditional things at a wedding if it’s what you want! Also family and friends can witness your commitment to each other so they won’t feel left out not being invited to the private ceremony. Win win 😊

View Quoted Comment Then you know. I hope it is very special for all of you. 😔Sorry it is for this reason.

View Quoted Comment Thank you.