It’s definitely an overwhelming time for couples who have their wedding date set for this year, especially when there are still a lot of unknowns regarding the end of this pandemic. To most couples, this raises the question whether to postpone, or to cancel their wedding day. The best route that experts suggest is to always reschedule – not cancel. We want to make sure you still have your big day that you’ve already worked so hard to plan for; so we’ll take you through some steps and tips to guide you through this stressful time.

 

BE FLEXIBLE AND OPEN TO CHANGES

We understand that you have planned long and hard on the details of your big day, but this is the time you’ll need to be open to making changes to your plans…most especially if you are still looking into getting married this year and hoping to wait it out last minute to see what’s going to happen.

 

There’s a lot of pressure of hosting a big event, but keep in mind that this crisis is affecting the whole world and people will understand. For instance having to separate your ceremony and reception date, your guests will understand that you may not have been given a choice with the ongoing crisis and hopefully won't be giving you any trouble (hopefully!). And if it comes down to only having a few people attend the ceremony, then so be it! As long as the most important people you need to be there is present -- right?

 

PUT A HOLD ON ANY DATED ARRANGEMENTS

So first and foremost, if you have placed orders with vendors that include having your wedding date on it, call them up and let them know to put a hold in it. For example, if you haven’t received your invitation stationery just yet, give your vendor a call and request to put a hold on printing because you are considering to change your date. Don’t cancel the order. This way, they know to save your invitation design and it will still be ready for printing once you confirm the new date.

 

CONTACT YOUR VENUE

Next, get a hold of your venue and take down the next few available dates. If you are still planning on having your wedding this year, be prepared to hear them give you either Fridays or Sundays especially when you are trying to change it for this summer (they are most likely fully booked). You may want to lean towards having your wedding day off-peak season (ie. late fall/winter).

 

If you are considering on cancelling with your current venue, check your contract for their cancellation policy because it may not be worth the charge especially if you're on a tight budget.

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CONTACT YOUR VENDORS

After you have set a new date, now it’s time to speak with the rest of your vendors to let them know. Some may have even reached out to you already to see if you’ll be rescheduling. Vendors within the wedding industry are quite understanding of the situation right now and most of them are very helpful and accommodating to rescheduling, and even lenient when it comes to cancelling. Hopefully, you'll be one of the lucky ones and all your vendors will be available! *crosses fingers* If not, don’t stress! You don’t need to completely start over – re-visit those who you have researched already in the beginning and hopefully your second or third choice is still free!

 

Now we know for some couples, there are certain vendors who are an absolute must. So this is where you’ll need to prioritize which of your vendors serve a higher importance to you and your fiance. If it is a photographer that you really want for your big day, then give them a call to see if they can do your rescheduled date. Only after they say that they are booked on your new date, then provide them with the list of other available dates that you received from the venue and work out the best date.

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INFORM YOUR GUESTS

If you've set a new date, you can informally let your guests know now (via phone/email) so they can make changes to their schedules accordingly...especially if they are guests coming from abroad. After that, you can always send out a 'Re-Save the Date' through the mail or through your wedding website. 

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If you are still holding off on choosing a new date, still tell your guests that you won't be having your wedding on the original date given and that you will get a hold of them once a date is available.

 

PUT A HALT ON DRESS ALTERATIONS   

Call your seamstress and let them know your wedding date will be changing and not to make any alterations yet. Due to the number of brides postponing as well, your seamstress may ask you to pick up your dress at this time.

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With the ongoing COVID situation, you are not the only couple rescheduling and dealing with changing your wedding date. You will need to act fast, but don't forget to discuss it with your partner and those involved in your wedding. Not only will they be kept informed, but they can be your support group as well during this time.

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Just a word of advice -- make sure when you deal with any changes with your venue or any vendors, that it is done via email so that there's proof of the changes and have a new contract sent to you as well stating all changes. This will save you from having to deal with any miscommunication!

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DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Have a destination wedding planned? Some out-of-country destination venues are completely being understanding and have been open to cancellations with minimal to no-charge – you are very lucky if you’ve got  that service! However, there some that are keeping strict to their policies. So to avoid paying cancellation fees, your best bet is to let the venue know that you are planning to reschedule -- however, do not set a new date just yet. You can set a new date with them, however, do not make any extra payments besides the deposit you have already made. Also, do not book your flight/hotels just yet either because as of now, no one knows what the travel restrictions may be during that time. So you would not want to deal with trying to cancel and get refunds for everything else. You’ll have to wait it out if you’re set on going out of town…check the news daily and keep informed of any changes to travel, or event restrictions. By keeping informed, it will help you make a ? decision as to where or what you should do with your wedding.

 

STILL WANT IT ON THE DATE YOU SET?

If you and your partner have spoken and definitely have your mind set on your wedding date (maybe because of significance), you could still hold a ceremony with everyone there WHILE adhering to the social distancing rule! How you ask? By live streaming it through a private feed! You’ll still be under 5 people, as the only people you need are you, your fiancé and the pastor/officiant. If witnesses are required, you only need one on each side and that still only counts as no more than five. You’ll just need to prepare the equipment or set up required and have your guests log into the feed and you’ll be able to share your special moment with everyone 😊 #togetherapart

 

This pandemic has created disruption in everyone’s lives, and weddings and events have taken a hit. If you are a #covidbride, and stressing about all the calls and changes to your wedding day, know that you are NOT ALONE. If you haven’t already, join a wedding page on Facebook, or a community blog...everyone is sharing their nightmares, everyone is sharing ideas about how to go about things, and everyone will be there to support you!

 

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I'll do my best to help you in any way I can!

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