Jared Platt
As if wedding planning wasn't challenging enough... postponing something you put so much into is never easy. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing us to put our lives on hold, my heart is breaking for the countless couples who have had to postpone their weddings. It can seem so scary and unfair to have to cancel, postpone, or downsize all of the plans that you've been working so hard on, especially because we really don't know what this spring or summer has in store for us yet. ⠀However, today on the blog we want to be helpful and share our tips that can help you on what to do next when moving your wedding date.
Get started right away
The biggest thing is to not panic and to stay calm as much as possible. A lot of venues and event partners are being flexible in the wake of all that’s been happening. Once you’ve come to acceptance, it’s time to start working and quickly!
Let your guests know right away that you are postponing, and that they will be notified when a new date is selected. Make sure you update your website to keep everyone in the loop with the same information. Remember, thousands of couples are going through the same thing right now.
Here is a sample email you can use:
To our friends and family,
We wanted to reach out and let you know that we have made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding originally scheduled for (date/time/location). At this time, we feel this is the safest way to proceed with everything that is happening with COVID-19. The health and safety of our friends and family are of the utmost importance to us, and we ask for your understanding during this uncertain time.
We do plan to have (a ceremony/reception/celebration) once it is safe to gather again. We don’t know if it will be weeks or months from now, but know that we can’t wait to celebrate with you when that time comes! We will keep you updated as things continue to evolve. We can’t thank you enough for your love and support during this time!
Sincerely, (Couple’s Names)
Jared Platt
Prioritize
First step is always to make sure the venue can change the date. Which here at The Wright House we have already begun to work with all of our March and April brides.
When you call your venue, get their availability and choose from that a handful of alternative date options. You will likely need to have a few different dates in hand from the venue so you can find the one that overlaps with the availability of the rest of your event partner team. Consider picking a less popular day of the week like a Thursday or Friday to up your chances of keeping on the whole team you already spent time and energy assembling.
Acting quickly will be more very helpful, remember that all other events are also looking for new dates and there are only so many weekends in a year.
Review Your Existing Contracts
If keeping all your vendors on board proves impossible, make sure you take the time to revisit your vendor contracts so you know exactly what to expect if you decide to cancel. If you do have to cancel on a vendor, ask them for a referral, or maybe if they even have a team member they can send in their place and avoid losing that deposit all together.
Also know, the event industry is banding together in the most beautiful way — almost all event partners are allowing rescheduling to happen within one calendar year with minimal financial implications.
Stay Connected
Continue to update your guest as soon as you know your new date. If invitations have already been sent out and you are rescheduling the date, create a custom online invitation, and let your guests know about the new date change. We suggest keeping a sense of humor when sending a new invitation or email, we have seen so many cute sayings about postponing weddings.
With your vendors know that planning doesn’t have to stop just because in-person meetings are temporarily restricted. There are endless tools and forms of technology you can use to stay in touch with your planner, vendors, and bridal party.
Jared Platt
Jared Platt
Celebrate your original date
Most importantly, make sure you still celebrate your original date with your partner. Get dressed up, light some candles, cook a meal together or order food from your favorite restaurant that delivers. Don't let the day pass by unnoticed and do something special for each other.
A few other things we have seen:
Bakers providing a cake mini "Change the Date" cakes as a way to still celebrate your wedding day with just the two.
Why not gently wrap a ribbon or special piece of material around your wrists as your pulses touch as a symbol of your intention to "tie the knot" or be "bound in matrimony" on that day. Just like the traditional hand fasting in the days before legal marriages.
If nothing else, make sure to take the ironic photo of you are your loved one wearing face mask to always remember the 2020 year.
You picked your original date for a reason so this should still be celebrated as a special day for the two of you.
Jared Platt
Jared Platt
We hope that these tips can be helpful in easing some of the stress of rescheduling. Continue to look for support from your venue and vendor team.
Happy healthy planning,
XOXO
Jared Platt
Content: www.partyslate.com
Photographer: Jared Platt- https://jaredplatt.com/