You may have to cancel or postpone your wedding now. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has wreaked havoc on the wedding and event industries. It’s okay to be sad or angry. But if you are planning on getting married in April or May 2020 there are limited choices.
It doesn’t matter whether you are being forced to postpone your wedding because of the 10’ social distancing rules, because your venue is no longer available, or because you are living in a city that requires you to stay-in-place. Don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world.
There are certain things you need to do. But you are not alone. This is happening all over the United States.
Steps to Take to Postpone Your Wedding:
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Contact your Vendors As Soon As Possible
Insurance Company
Wedding venue
Photographer
Florist
Rental Companies
DJ
Caterer
Officiant (minister, priest, rabbi)
This pandemic has affected everyone. Your vendors are being hit hard too. If you negotiate enough lead time in future dates (+ 3 months or so) you may be able to limit or avoid cancellation fees. It’s a good idea to re-schedule, if at all possible. You will be hit much harder if you cancel completely without a future date locked down.
We are all in this together. No one is to blame. The calmer you remain, the easier these conversations will be. Many in the wedding industry are remaining flexible. Try to avoid cancellation fees. Hopefully, payments that you have already made toward the original date will apply to the new date.
If you have a wedding insurance policy, taken out prior to the announcement of the pandemic, contact the insurance provider first.
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Coordinate Your New Date Across the Vendor List
While you are talking to your vendors, tighten up the new date. Of course the venue is key. Try and get some “open” dates from the venue that work with your other vendors. The minute you get a date agreement with your primary vendors, lock it down!
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Inform Your Guests
Sadly, we are all in reality about this virus. Most of your guests will be expecting a cancellation. If you have a wedding website, update it as soon as possible.
Emails will get the job done. Here are some sample wedding postponement email templates.
You are going to want to call the wedding party and family and keep them up to date.
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Cancel the Honeymoon
The travel industry is also suffering COVID-19 shock. It is safer to cancel any travel for the next two months.Contact the airlines and hotels ASAP.
The word is that Airbnb is giving refunds and/or credits. And many hotels and airlines are being more flexible than usual.
There are still outstanding questions about the virus. But try to stay positive. This too shall pass.
This has been a painful process. But you have canceled and/or rescheduled your wedding. With the help of your partner, family and friends you will get through.Wishing you all the best. Remember, the “when” and “where” matters less, than the wedding itself.