EDITOR‘S LETTER
i get asked questions about wedding etiquette all the time. When the COVID-19 pandemic reared its ugly head, every aspect of wedding planning was questioned—and for those of us who are steeped in the business, it was challenging at best. As we geared up for 2021, we prayed that some sense of normalcy would return, but as the Delta variant raged through the country, putting those who can’t or refused to get vaccinated at high risk and those of us who are vaccinated in the untenable position of being able to unwittingly spread the virus, we are faced with more concerns about how to handle weddings. As we enter fall and winter, when cooler temperatures make it more difficult to hold outdoor events, wedding couples and their families, friends, and loved ones need to bring a lot of compassion and flexibility with each other to the process of wedding planning. If you aren’t invited to a pared-down wedding, understand that the pressure of trimming guest lists has caused the couple great angst. If you are asked to participate in a wedding either as a guest or member of the wedding party and you don’t feel safe about the gathering as it’s proposed, bring up your concerns in a loving way. If the couple does not make adjustments that you are comfortable with, you’re totally within your rights to let the bride/groom know that you’re happy to serve in their wedding party but, without restrictions in place to protect everyone’s health, you will wear a mask. Alternatively, you’re within your rights to say you’re sorry but you’ll have to decline. And if, as the bride, you get that response from one of your besties, lovingly respect the decision. We all want a return to “normal” but, as we’ve learned, the health concerns brought about by the pandemic will not go away overnight … or in a year … or even two. We must adjust our way of thinking and approach our wedding planning creatively and with sensitivity. Just look at the wonderful weddings featured in this issue. Many had been postponed, some couples had two ceremonies, some eloped and then had larger ceremonies. At the end of the day, they celebrated their love for one another, because love, after all, overcomes all obstacles. With gratitude,
Follow us on and facebook.com/wvweddings pinterest.com/wvweddings
nikki bowman mills, Editor
4 | WV WEDDINGS Fall/Winter 2021
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker