I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a difficult year; from staying in and avoiding others, to having lost the ability at one point to snag that last roll of toilet paper. All have made sacrifices to some degree and if you are planning a wedding, chances are you might make even more. With the anxiety surrounding the uncertainties of the pandemic’s impact on the upcoming year, the stress of planning a wedding can just be the “icing on the cake” of a hard year. So, I will ask, is having a wedding worth it in 2021? Let’s break it down.

The Large Wedding

If you really want a large wedding (150+ guests), you will want to take into consideration the potential socially-distant future we may still be living in. Choose a large venue (with refund options) or an outdoor one, while also having a “Plan B” on hand. Perhaps, having a smaller list of family and friends that you must have at your wedding, if the larger celebration ends up not being feasible. Another option is to wait until 2022 or elope, then plan the “wedding” for a later date.

The Small Wedding

If you are having a smaller wedding, consider the pros and cons of eloping. How many people do you plan to invite? Have you always dreamed of a fairy tale wedding or would a courthouse suffice? How much money do you want to spend? What is the backup plan? If you want to avoid the headache of planning, you can even ask an ordained friend to carry out your rites and then submit your paperwork to the courthouse.

The Elopement

Eloping today is far different than its past versions, with plenty of classy ways to get married discreetly. One option is a road trip! Hop in the car and travel to a National Park, or other scenic locations around the U.S. to tie the knot with a beautiful landscape as a stunning backdrop. Rent out a small church or venue to say your “I Dos” and celebrate with the ones you care about afterward with a safe reception or an intimate dinner. And if there are any must-have “guests” to attend your adventure, hold it virtually. Never forget, there is always Vegas.

At the end of the day, whether you decide on the big or small wedding, or elopement, the important thing to remember is marrying the one you love and making that in itself special. Make the decision that is the best for you!

Hannah Reuter

Hannah graduated from WMU with a degree in Economics and currently resides in Portage. In her free time she enjoys strumming the guitar and painting. She is the author of two YA books under the pseudonym, H.B. Catherine. You can find information on her books & writing at hbcatherinewriting.com.