In all my years of wedding planning, I have never had to talk about canceling and/or postponing events as much as I have this past week. It breaks my heart to see the faces of my couples as their wedding planning dreams come crashing down. With COVID-19 actively spreading throughout the globe, it’s a conversation that we have to have. And with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) encouraging social distancing, it’s serious.
While it feels like the end of the world, I promise you it isn’t. First of all, breathe in. And breathe out. Take a moment and remember why you said “YES!” when the question was popped. Take comfort in knowing that you will be married to your soulmate. Maybe not on the date you had planned for, but it will happen.
Navigating This New Normal
With everything changing each hour, the conversation has gone from hand sanitizers to adjusting headcounts. And now with travel bands, quarantines and federal and states regulations on venues, we are now having to look at larger changes. Most of my destination weddings are being postponed due to the travel bands.
First things first, if you have a wedding date within the next few months, reach out to your wedding vendors now. With the uncertainty of the future, it’s important that you explore your options and make sure your entire wedding planning team is on the same page. Review your vendor contracts and insurance policy. With this knowledge, you will be better prepared to make an educated decision.
Next, create a checklist. Make sure that you are addressing these important points:
Wedding Date- If your wedding falls in the next month, you might need to reschedule (I’ll talk about that more below)
Wedding Venue- Some states and cities are regulating the number of occupants that space can hold. Your venue will know their limits.
Wedding Guests- Look at your guest list and talk it over with your partner. If you have attendees that are at the highest risk of COVID-19, they will probably not be able to attend.
Wedding Insurance- If you have purchased wedding insurance, read over your policy and see what it covers and what it does not.
Making the Decision to Reschedule
With all the information collected, you and your partner should be able to make the decision whether to cancel or reschedule your wedding date. Taking into consideration all the points from your checklist, be comforted in knowing that you both made this decision together.
Choosing a new wedding date- Since many other couples are in the same predicament, make sure you act quickly. Working with your wedding planner to lock in a new date.
Contact your vendors- Once a new date is selected, contact your vendors and see if they are available. Inquire about date transfer and if you already paid deposit transfers. And most important;y, ask for an updated contract with the new wedding date
What if your vendor isn’t available- If your vendor is not available for the new wedding date, request a full refund or a partial refund that subtracts any work they have done (even though you are not having your date some vendors have started working or done work on your behalf). Put a time frame on this refund request. This way you can begin to pay other deposits if need be.
Hotel Room Blocks- Make sure you reach out to your hotels and let them know of your date change so they can update their system.
Wedding Guests- Reach out to your wedding guests to alert them to your date change. With the convenience of the internet, the best option is to post on your wedding website. This will help ease your guest’s minds as well as help them make decisions on their travel arrangements.
While no one wants to have to cancel or reschedule a wedding, but after going through all your options and variables it might be your decision. And, you can always enjoy an intimate elopement and celebrate with your family and friends in an elaborate reception at a later date!
If you have any questions or would like for JoAnn to come to speak about weddings and the coronavirus, please contact us.