Planning your wedding and level 3

How we got here

The initial announcement of the lockdown, although warranted at the time, still came as a shock to many couples who were planning on getting married. Many of us only realised the ramifications and how it influenced our daily lives and future planning a few weeks into it but I dare to venture out in saying that we are all (mostly) on the same page now. At the time of writing this we are more than 60 days into our nationwide (and worldwide) shutdown and we are still quite uncertain about what the future holds.

In the last few days before lockdown commenced I received quite a few enquiries from couples that wanted to at least get legally married before the lockdown started for various reasons.

Besides the “free honeymoon” I realised how in times of crisis we want to run towards our loved ones and that it is better to go through all of this with someone rather than alone. I am happy to say that we were able to get this done for quite a few couples. There were, however many couples that had to cancel or postpone their celebrations indefinitely simply because we don’t know when the restrictions on social gatherings will be lifted and to them I would say don’t stop planning, we need to hope, we need to dream, especially in times of uncertainty.

Department of home affairs

As it stands right now upon writing this article it seems that the department of home affairs will be registering marriages again and also issuing marriage certificates in level 3. This means that small ceremonies that adhere to covid-19 safety regulations as well as the minimum legal requirements (an officiant, the bride & groom as well as two witnesses) will also be allowed. Some couples may opt for this with their friends and family following the ceremony remotely, the party can be planned for when people are allowed to gather together again in social groups.

I would like to urge couples to always consider the safety and health of others as well as themselves as we navigate a tough time in our history.

Online only weddings

Marriage officiates can not perform legal marriages online under current legislation and although there are various discussions of how this can look in the future we are still a long way from seeing this become a reality. The couple as well as the officiant and at least two witnesses have to be present in the same location.

What can you do now?

Online-only

Although we are not able to facilitate the legal side of weddings online I have been asked by couples whether they can have an online ceremony (with their family and friends logged in) without the legalities and then solemnise the marriage (do the legal stuff) at a later date in order to make the marriage legally official. The answer to them is yes! This is helpful for couples that have had to deal with the awful disappointment of having to postpone their wedding date but who still want to celebrate their commitment to each other.

Like I said this would not be a legal marriage, however the ceremonial aspect of it as well as the emotional and/or spiritual aspect would be very real. So, if this idea grows on you, start dreaming of your online wedding, celebrate your union and plan for the big celebration later.

A small ceremony

Like I mentioned above the minimum legal requirements are for the couple to be present as well as the officiant and their two witnesses. The venue also has certain requirements that are easy to adhere to. If this option stands out for you then it means that the bigger celebration can take place at a later stage when restrictions are lifted.

Postponement

It is difficult to say when we will be able to return to normal as a society but all indications are that 2021 will at least be a safe projection. For couples that have a specific picture in mind when it comes to your special day this option still stands. The positives are that you have more time to save up some extra money in the process and you can use the extra time at home in order to plan.

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