That title isn’t a very romantic way to begin a story about planning a wedding on Cape Cod, is it? But if you’ve recently gotten engaged, please don’t let the current situation take away from the fact that you found the one you want to spend your life with. No matter what, that is romantic. You have a wedding to plan, and we’re here to help!
When do you want to get married: this year or next?
When to get married is typically the first thing you and your beloved need to decide. With Cape Cod such a popular place for destination weddings, this is always true. The best venues and vendors often book a year in advance, if not more.
But both this year and next are a little different.
If you’ve always wanted a lengthy engagement, with plenty of time to plan, now is the time to get started on your 2022 wedding. If you’re more of a “just do it” kind of couple, you may find appealing options for a 2021 celebration.
Are you flexible on dates?
As of this writing, it has been 10 months since COVID was declared a pandemic and rules regarding gatherings were put in place in Massachusetts. Some of our couples opted to move forward with their 2020 weddings with a reduced guest list. But many decided to delay until 2021, leaving few available dates in ’21 for newly engaged couples. Yet, despite these weddings rescheduling, we do have select dates available in 2021. If you want to get married this year, we encourage you to contact us, or whichever venue you’re considering. Rather than approaching your plans with a “we want to get married on this date” frame of mind, find out when your preferred vendors have availability and decide if it works for you.
Is your guest list flexible? What about your “must-haves”?
We anticipate, but do not know, that outdoor, tented weddings for up to 100 people will be permissible in the warmer months of 2021. We specialize in outdoor weddings at The Casual Gourmet and are an exclusive or preferred caterer at many amazing Cape Cod wedding venues.
If you find the perfect venue, and fewer than 100 guests is just what you envisioned for your wedding, keep in mind that the maximum permitted gathering size has changed several times. What if it changes again, and is reduced to 50? Will that ruin your plans? Make sure you are comfortable with a pared-down guest list just in case.
Other facets to consider are elements that may or may not be allowed for your 2021 wedding. As of right now (January, 2021), dancefloors and bars are not permitted at gatherings. When that will change depends on multiple factors.
If exchanging vows in front of family and close friends, and then enjoining a sumptuous dinner at a gorgeous waterfront wedding venue on Cape Cod sounds perfect, go for it! If you have your heart set on 200 people dancing the night away, a 2022 wedding may be more likely to fulfill your dreams.
We have had a few couples opt to keep their original 2020 date, with a ceremony and a small reception, who plan on hosting a larger gathering “when this over.” This is another option to consider.
So you have some decisions to make. Regardless of when you decide to get married, enjoy the planning process. These are your first steps in starting a life together and, above all else, it should be fun!
