It is probably safe to say that no one has celebrated the wedding “of their dreams” in over a year, because in no one’s dream would they have wedded amidst a global pandemic. I was able to attend weddings both in-person and via livestream this past year, and I am looking forward to two more in the Fall. However, the guest lists have been pared down, reception venues have been reconsidered, and the number of musicians may have been limited. Couples already find planning a wedding stressful; throwing all the restrictions and health concerns of COVID into the mix could be a recipe for bride-or-groomzilla meltdowns.
Nevertheless, in speaking with these couples about what it has been like planning a wedding during a pandemic, everyone has mentioned the blessing of being able to focus on what is most important: celebrating the sacrament. Perhaps this is a wake-up call that was needed, with fewer couples choosing to get married in the Catholic Church and with the hyper-focus of society on the incidentals of a wedding day: the dress, the food, the décor, etc.
For couples who are trying to navigate this particularly difficult season of wedding planning, ForYourMarriage has several articles on what it means to get married in the Catholic Church, with tips on planning a Catholic wedding. When all is said and done, what matters most is that despite the difficulties, Catholic couples are truly celebrating. They are embarking on the vocation to which the Lord has called them. Romans 8:28 serves as a beautiful reminder for couples preparing for marriage: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
For more about planning Catholic weddings:
More resources on marriage and family life are available at ForYourMarraige.org