Should I postpone my wedding?
Are you planning a wedding that was expected to take place in the near future? I’m sorry. I truly am. This is such a trying time for everyone, but it is extra emotional for couples planning the most important event of their lives. My heart sincerely goes out to you.
I wanted to take a minute and give you a snapshot of what we are seeing here with our own clients at Bridal Bliss, and the recommendations we are making for them. We have been in communication with all of our couples planning events in 2020 (and beyond). Many of our clients with dates through May have chosen to postpone, and a small number have cancelled all together. As wedding planners it is our job to stay calm and always find a solution. I will be honest, these past weeks it has seemed daunting but with collaboration from our entire team, we have some ideas to share with you.
The show goes on
For those of you who have decided to continue with a very small wedding, the priority is to keep the day special and safe. In addition, we have also received messages from many guests who are as disappointed as you are, and looking for ways to support. Here are a few ideas!
Plan a virtual toast! Send your guests an email with a link to a Zoom conference. Ask them to put on their wedding attire (no pants, no problem?) and join the video conference at a certain time to cheers to the newlyweds. Zoom allows up to 100 connections for a 40 minute "meeting" for free. Just thinking about this makes me tear up! Click, clink and drink!
Set up a Dropbox folder for guests to leave well wishes for the couple, as a way for them to feel supported. From notes to videos and even artwork from the littlest ones, the options are endless.
For those couples who want to share the intimate ceremony, set up a live stream for your nearest and dearest who are unable to attend. Not techy? No worries - simply ask a family member to use the "live" feature on Facebook or Instagram under your account. All your people can tune in and witness your "I do’s".
Have enough time to pop something in the mail? Send your guests a little token for the day of your wedding. From a mini cake, to cookies to flower seeds or flowers in a water source, the options are endless. Include a note about the item you are sending, why it is sentimental and any instructions that are needed. They will absolutely be appreciated!
After your intimate wedding (and Coronavirus / COVID-19 dies down), schedule a fun party or celebration of sorts. It could be at a house, park, or your original venue. A more casual get together where balances from your vendor deposits (catering, flowers, etc) can be applied. We recommend also booking a photo session. Get your hair and makeup done, put on that fab dress and go to an amazing setting. Then head down to celebrate down with your nearest and dearest.!
Postponing the merriment
If shifting to a new date is deemed necessary, we have a few suggestions to make it a seamless transition.
Double check your contracts! They should include postponement clauses and any potential costs associated. Most wedding professionals have been very flexible during this crazy time but do not contact anyone before reviewing your executed contract!
You may need to be flexible on a new date. There are so many displaced couples that Saturdays between now and the end of the year are going fast! If you are trying to get your entire vendor team on the event, a little flexibility is required.
Sign a new contract or ensure you receive a confirmation that your new date is locked in.
Alert your guests! If your date is sooner rather than later, phone calls and texts may be necessary. If you have a little more time you can send an email or a printed card. Regardless, hire your printer to create a graphic that coordinates with your aesthetic to share!
Plan to celebrate your intended date! Pop some fancy champagne and cheers to what will soon be an epic party.
To June and beyond
Beyond June, we are suggesting our couples create a contingency plan and hold tight a bit. Obviously, the decision is yours, but with invitations not having to be sent until 8-10 weeks prior to the wedding, there is no reason to make an immediate decision. Communicate with your vendors, keep yourself educated with COVID-19 updates, hold a potential future date and continue to plan. Each wedding is different and depending on the details and logistics, some may likely be able to go on and others not.
To cancel or not
This is such a hard decision and one you must make based on what is best for you and your loved ones. Unfortunately for those couples who chose to cancel with no future postponed date, they are losing their initial deposits and possibly final payments as well.
At the end of the day, you are allowed to be disappointed and emotional at this crazy time. Trust me…we are too. We understand many people have been planning for a year plus, so it's heartbreaking not to see your special day come to life as intended. That being said, while it may not be exactly as planned, your wedding will be spectacular in it’s own way. Think, what a story to share with your grandchildren "We got married during a pandemic".
