Does it feel like all of your friends are getting engaged right now?
In an April 2020 survey, more than 40% of couples found themselves spending over twenty hours a week together. With remote working and social distancing regulations in place, couples found themselves spending more quality time together. In fact, six in ten couples said that isolating together strengthened their relationship.
Indeed, while the coronavirus has put a halt to many people’s wedding plans, plenty of couples are still getting engaged as lockdown has been a bonding experience.
It’s no surprise as times of unrest tend to lead to increased marriage rates. As reported in the New York times, “Historically, scary, stressful times have led to increased marriage rates. Following South Carolina’s Hurricane Hugo, marriage rates increased in the areas affected by the hurricane (these numbers had previously been trending downward). After the 9/11 attacks, the marriage rate didn’t change but couples were less willing to get a divorce: the number of couples in New York who filed for divorce decreased by 32 percent. It was a similar situation in Japan after the 2011 tsunami.”
And the pandemic seems to be no different. According to research by October Brides, “Eighty-two percent report that living through the pandemic has actually made them want to marry more and weather this, and any other storm, together.” Moreover ” Fifty-five percent of our followers say that the pandemic has changed their expectations for marriage. And, according to many of them, the worldwide disruption has them ruminating on the true meaning of their vows and prioritizing partnership above all”.
While of course the pandemic may have changed the answer to the “how he/she asked” question into something a little more low key, one thing is for sure; it’s proven that life is short and there is no time like the present, If you’re one of the many couples planning to start the next chapter of the ‘new normal’ engaged, then here’s 5 tips for couples getting engaged in 2021.
PICK A RING TOGETHER
While the pandemic has had a devastating effect on many people’s finances, according to the BBC, people spent less and saved more in 2020 and saved an average of £110 a week as the pandemic led to shops, pubs and other attractions closing their doors.
If you’ve found yourself with a little more cash than usual, then why not invest in a beautiful engagement ring? We love the idea of choosing an engagement ring together on a romantic day out in the summer – buying an engagement ring is a defining moment, so why not share the excitement together.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking to spend less on a ring, consider a second hand one. People are often cautious about buying pre-loved pieces; there’s the false assumption that pre-owned pieces are old and cheap. Some may even suggest they bring bad luck. But superstitions are just the religion of a feeble mind, right?
There are actually myriad positive aspects of buying your engagement ring second hand; you’ll likely save money, and you’ll reduce your environmental impact, too. You may even find a one-of-a-kind piece, and that’s something everyone wants from such a special, sentimental item, right?
ENJOY BEING ENGAGED
We can expect to see a boom in weddings in the next couple of years. As a result of the pandemic, hundreds of couples have postponed their wedding, with the majority waiting right until the end of this year.
However, according to the Telegraph, many experts say it might be better to wait until 2022 to get married. Couples in a rush to get married will have less bargaining power and will likely find extra ‘add-ons’ as surcharges as venues, caterers and other wedding industry businesses struggle to recoup their losses from last year.
Also getting your ideal date may be a little tricky. Also in that Telegraph article, it’s reported that “Since the Prime Minister’s announcement, bookings for events have risen by 250 per cent compared to pre-Covid times. This surge not only includes events delayed from last year, but also additional nuptials to make up for original weddings held during strict Covid restrictions. Add in celebrations that were expected to happen this year anyway, and demand skyrockets”.
So instead of rushing things, just enjoy being engaged and this moment in your relationship.
GO FOR SOMETHING LOW KEY
According to the New York Times, “While many couples around the world are canceling or postponing their weddings because of the coronavirus pandemic, some are scaling down their plans and getting married at home”. And we love the idea. What could be a more perfect, personal setting for your celebration than the place that you call home?
If you’re desperate to get married right away, why not go for a low-key celebration at your family home? After all, hosting your wedding at your parents’ place, a relatives’ or your own home is a great way to reduce costs. Moreover, you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to dates and timing.
CARE ABOUT YOUR FRIEND’S FINANCES
There comes a time in adulthood when weddings start to come thick and fast. Friends and family of a similar generation to you seem to be shacking up and settling down with increasing frequency. And the cost? Don’t ask.
In normal times, the average cost of attending a wedding in the UK was nearly £400. Since we’re set to see a boom in nuptials, be aware that all your friends and family will likely be attending lots of other happy couple’s nuptials. So that dream wedding you’re planning abroad that will cost a lot of money for your guests to attend, well – do you really want to be that couple?