The pent-up hopes of couples who had to postpone weddings in 2020 and 2021 are set to explode in 2022. The only problem is that pandemic uncertainty is still with us; just when we thought we had a chance to get back to normal, up pops another variant to throw a wrench in everyone’s plans. Here’s what to know now if you’re planning a 2022 wedding.

Pin Down a Venue Now

Demand is so strong for popular wedding venues that some are already booked well into 2023 or even 2024. Realize that you may have to go a little farther out or change your concept for your wedding venue entirely. Be flexible with your dates and creative with your options. Don’t rule out a tent in the backyard or a wedding in a city park or forest preserve.

It’s not just venues that are encountering a wave of bookings; photographers, florists, wedding bands, makeup artists, and caterers are all booking up fast.

Read All the Fine Print

Although we all have high hopes for 2022, uncertainty about COVID-19 persists. Read everything in your venue contract, and make sure to ask questions about rescheduling, refunds, and COVID policies.

You’ll need to be able to tell your guests what to expect and explain how you plan to keep them safe so that they can enjoy your wedding. This may include social distancing, masking, requiring proof of vaccination, and even using a vendor that knows how to cater a large event safely.

Prepare for Higher Costs

Among this list of what to know now if you’re planning a 2022 wedding is the reality that this booming demand will have an impact on costs for everything from wedding gowns and stationery to food and flowers. Supply chain woes have hit the wedding industry along with many others, as have labor shortages. Inflation has taken off, so start saving for your wedding now, and save more than you thought you’d need.

Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner

With all the competition for venues, dates, and caterers, investing in wedding planning services is a smart move. An experienced wedding planner will have ideas you might not have considered and access to vendors you may not have known about. Get recommendations from friends and read reviews. Then, interview a few planners to get a sense of fit. Wedding planners are in high demand as well, so start looking as early as you can.

Finally, remember that planning a wedding, though especially stressful during these pandemic years, is still supposed to be fun. Ultimately, it’s about you, your intended life partner, and the family and friends who love you both. If you keep that in mind, the unavailability of a particular color flower or getting married on a Thursday evening instead of a Saturday night won’t seem to matter as much. Congratulations on your engagement, and best wishes for a happy life together!

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