The real struggle of getting married during a pandemic!

Hello everyone & here we are again talking about the dreaded COVID-19.
To all the couples out there I honestly can't even imagine the thoughts & feelings you must be going through. The stress & heartache with trying to postpone your date or even cancel.
Those of you who even had engagement parties that couldn't go ahead, I really feel for everyone with such big plans for 2020! In saying that theres no way anyone could of predicted something like this to happen & hopefully in our life times its the only pandemic we live through! It has been extremely challenging to stay focused as well as positive but lets hope we are through the worst of it, then we can start re working some big future plans :)
​I will talk you through some of the Australian government guidelines in relation to weddings.
​I will only be talking about Victoria as well. I know other states can move around a bit more freely but we won't think about that as we are based in Victoria.

Metropolitan melbourne
​& Mitchell shire guidelines

• Unfortunately weddings held in metropolitan Melbourne & Mitchell shire will be limited to five people- The couple, two witnesses & a celebrant. 
• You can not travel to a wedding outside of metropolitan Melbourne & Mitchell shire as a guest.
• ​You can only travel to the venue outside of metropolitan Melbourne if you wish to get married & with those 5 people I mentioned above.
• A wedding held in a private residence can go ahead with the members of the household & plus the people required to conduct the ceremony.​

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Lets talk regional Victoria

• Weddings in regional Victoria are allowed to go ahead with up to 20 people allowed in addition to the couple & celebrant. If a wedding is held in a private residence it is limited to the household plus the people required to conduct the ceremony.
• ​Social distancing still has to be maintained within the venue.
• There is to be no dance floor.
• Cocktail is not permitted, it can only be sit down meals & not shared feasting.
• A record of all guests names & phone numbers has to be kept on file.

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POSTPONEMENTS & Cancellations

Im sure most of you would of already touched base with your venue about the possibility in postponing or cancelling. 
​If you haven't I would suggest you do so, if your wedding is this year I would be having the conversation with the vendors & venue about what your options are.
I think completely postponing to 2021 is the safest option. This way you won't have the stress of maybe having to postpone again if you booked for later this year.
The current climate is just so unpredictable, things are changing ever so quickly.
Some individuals may want to have a small wedding or elopement as they are eager to tie the knot which again is totally fine.
Keep in mind when thinking to cancel you may have to forfeit the deposit to the venue.
I know majority of venues & vendors will be super understanding when it comes to the choice you wish to make!
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How to stay positive

​I 100% understand in these uncertain times how hard it is to stay positive.
​Our way of life has been majorly interrupted.
​You may be feeling hopeless, sad or even guilty when there is huge threat to some peoples health right now. Please know that it is healthy to be feelings these feelings & you are not alone there are so many people going through the same struggles.
​The things that I find really help me stay positive are;

• ​A gratitude journal.
• Try find 3 positives in every day even if it is only very minor.
• Keep yourself busy with mood boards or planning something whether it be a holiday, changing the colour tones within your wedding or planning your wedding for the coming years.
• ​Focus on the love between you & your partner, keep communicating. Know that when you can get married it will be extremely special having to have gone through this challenge to get to the special day.

​Those are just some little things that help me to stay positive & also think about how amazing your engagement or wedding day will be when it finally happens <3
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The future

Life will go on post coronavirus & it will be BETTER THAN EVER.
Don't stop planning your wedding or any other plans for that matter, if you keep planning or brainstorming ideas it will keep you motivated, then when you have a date you can potentially book it will be just be the booking part to do.
There are so many people in the wedding industry that are struggling so much at the moment & they will be extremely excited to help you celebrate your love when you can.
​I know its a very uncertain time but we will get through it. This is a time where everyone needs to work together to be as compassionate & supportive of everyones positions!
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ENQUIRE HERE

Love always Kaylah xx
Instagram- love.at.first.blog
​Happy Friday :)​