Wedding Planning with Confidence after Covid 19
Knowing the upheaval of the global epidemic Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 and the devastation of its global impact, I want to assure my couples that their event can be transferred in such an emergency, with minimal disruption or financial loss (if any.) It is important for us to build in a safety-net to add confidence in our product and personal attention to detail.
Wedding Planning with Confidence After Covid-19
The global outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 brought upheaval and uncertainty to couples planning their weddings, and the impact was felt worldwide. For many, the “perfect day” they had envisioned suddenly faced disruption, postponement, or cancellation. AsThe Dream Maker, I want to assure my couples that, in such emergencies, your event can be transferred with minimal disruption or financial loss. Building in this safety net, alongside personalised attention to detail, has become an essential part of how I work.
For countless couples, lockdown turned a dream day into a nightmare. Wedding planners everywhere were tested to their limits as weeks of preparation had to be adapted or dismantled due to circumstances completely out of our control. In New Zealand, some couples were fortunate to celebrate before the pandemic reached its peak, while others faced the stressful reality of a looming Level 4 lockdown.
I personally supported two couples whose weddings were set for a weekend predicted to coincide with Level 4 restrictions. Most guests had already decided not to travel, and the celebrations had to be drastically altered — from 50 guests to just 10, and a completely new location to comply with Level 3 Covid-19 protocols. Despite the sudden changes, careful planning, flexibility, and clear communication ensured that both couples still had meaningful, intimate, and memorable celebrations.
This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, contingency planning, and calm guidance. Couples can now plan with confidence, knowing that even if the unexpected arises, their love story can still be celebrated beautifully, if today or in a few months time.
Covid-19 changed the way we think about weddings, but it also showed that with resilience, creativity, and care, it’s still possible to create moments of joy, connection, and lifelong memories — no matter the challenges.
Decisions, Decisions: Planning Weddings During Covid-19
The arrival of COVID-19 turned wedding planning upside down for couples worldwide. Some had to make bold, immediate decisions, while others faced the difficult choice of postponing their dream day.
One couple chose to reduce their 50+ guest list to just 10, changed their ceremony location to minimize travel and risk, and moved their celebration forward by three days to comply with lockdown deadlines — all by 11:55 pm on March 25, 2020. I imagine many couples around the globe faced similar emotional decisions.
Another couple had always dreamed of a mountain-top wedding, but with international guests, they made the tough decision to postpone. While disappointing, both couples felt a sense of relief once the decision was made. Employing a wedding consultant meant that they didn’t have to undo weeks of planning, negotiations, and vendor arrangements. I could assure them that every aspect of their event would be honoured once restrictions were lifted — a huge comfort during a time of financial and emotional uncertainty.
Getting Over the Initial Shock
Lockdowns can also be a time of opportunity. Once the initial shock passes, couples can reconsider how they want to celebrate — often discovering that smaller, more intimate weddings are just as meaningful. Even if international travel is limited or risky, an elopement or micro-wedding closer to home can offer safety, simplicity, and a deeply personal experience.
5 Things to Consider When Planning an Elopement During a Global Lockdown
Do Your Due Diligence: Choose service providers who are well-established, trusted, and prepared to support you in a crisis. If overseas travel isn’t possible, look closer to home — you might be surprised by the amazing local locations available.
Consider Insurance: Protect your investment, but be aware that many policies in New Zealand do not cover communicable diseases such as Covid-19.
Engage a Local Event Consultant: A professional in the region where you plan to marry adds reassurance. Confirm they have a transfer or postponement policy in case of lockdowns or other emergencies. Minor costs may occur for changes, but your main investment is protected.
Keep Communication Open: Maintain regular contact with vendors and involved parties. Even if decisions aren’t final, clear communication helps everyone plan and adapt. Always follow up verbal discussions in writing.
Stay Local: Planning within your own region or country reduces risk and often cost. New Zealand offers spectacular locations for elopements, making it easy to have a memorable, worry-free celebration.
There’s never a better time to plan your Kiwi-style elopement or Weddingmoon. The Dream Maker offers an open date policy, allowing couples to plan their event without confirming a date during COVID-19 restrictions. Conditions apply, but flexibility is at the heart of our approach.
About the Author: Terri Everett
Terri Everett built her reputation as an elopement specialist after visiting New Zealand in 1995 on her honeymoon from the UK. She later returned to live here with her husband and two children, operating a commercial scenic boat charter, Sealimousines, in the Abel Tasman.
The demand for wedding transport in such incredible locations inspired Terri to evolve her services, culminating in the creation of The Dream Maker, named by one of her brides in 2011. Terri now offers elopements and intimate celebrations across the most epic wilderness locations in New Zealand’s South Island, and is expanding into new areas due to growing demand. Her dedication and expertise have earned her recognition as one of the country’s top elopement specialists.
“Most Unique Wedding Experience in New Zealand 2019.
Terri and her husband Jim are now proud owners of a Kiwi farm block called Hidden Valley Farm where Terri spends much of her spare time caring for displaced farm pets. The farm hosts two cosy huts where couples can enjoy a camping style holiday and include a wilderness celebration on the 400 Takaka Hill farm.
Disclosure: We provide advice to the best of our ability, but can not be held accountable for information that has changed over time. We link businesses we are confident will offer great customer service, but it is important to do your own investigations before engaging any other business. If you feel that we have not given good advice, please do get in touch andlet me know.