Our nation has been adapting and preparing for COVID-19 for weeks. We have all been affected by the reactions of this pandemic and no one is taking this lightly. Concerning the wedding industry specifically, both engaged couples and vendors have been faced with major decisions concerning what to do about upcoming wedding dates.
It is a given, that safety is the number one priority. But if there is room for a “yeah, but…” in this conversation, it begins with acknowledging all the time, money, and planning that has gone into your wedding day. You have been planning and dreaming of this day for several months, or over a year, and you want to celebrate this momentous occasion with all your loved ones. COVID-19 is breaking your heart and ours too! You are absolutely allowed to be upset by what this has done to your wedding plans! That doesn’t mean you are not compassionate about what is happening in your country, community, and family.
Your vendors, too, are doing the best they can. We don’t want to see your wedding postponed or canceled. Yes, doing so will affect our bottom line for a little while, but we do see this from your heartbreaking perspective too. Know that your wedding vendors are working to keep their business afloat while also dealing with contracts, insurance, and legalities to make sure both their business and their brides are taken care of. All vendors, and businesses across the country, are restricted to the government mandates. Basically, the unprecedented events of the last couple weeks have left nothing untouched.
We have listed a few tips, ideas, and things to consider while we are overcoming the next few weeks (or more) of this COVID-19 pandemic.
ONE. Read your contract and understand your rescheduling/cancellation options. Every vendor is different.
TWO. Understand that it is very likely that your vendors will take a loss on events being rescheduled or canceled. It is a big ask, but try to understand your vendor’s position when it comes to refunds. Most don’t have an option and are struggling with doing what is best for their clients and what is best for their business. Trust that your vendors are sympathetic to your situation and be kind.
THREE. Your vendors are very attentively following updates, cleaning procedures, and government mandates. Ultimately, it may end up outside of you or your vendor’s control as to whether your wedding takes place on your original date. If you haven’t heard from your vendors, it is ok to send them an email or give them a call. And then be patient while they do their best to respond to you in a timely manner. While you wait, check their social media profiles to see what they have posted.
FOUR. Deciding when/if to move forward with rescheduling is tough. Protocols are changing daily. If you are stressed about your current date, go ahead and reschedule. The added stress is probably not worth it.
FIVE. If your wedding is still a couple months out and you feel like you are on the cusp of the effects of this virus. I suggest you wait until more information has come to light or until the stress of not knowing if your date will be available overcomes you.
SIX. If you are set on marrying your mate on the day you are scheduled, be prepared to follow that city’s mandates. Limit your guest count to within those parameters or simply elope with just the two of you. See if your vendors are available a year from your nuptials to celebrate your 1yr anniversary.
SEVEN. If you move forward with your wedding and are having to limit your guest count. Or, perhaps precious friends or family members are not able to make your wedding, look into live streaming your ceremony.
EIGHT. If you are newly engaged and still on the hunt for vendors – HEAR THIS: with all of these weddings rescheduling to future dates, your date selection is becoming more and more limited. Do not hesitate to book your top vendors. Some vendors are still open for day to day operations and almost all are, at the very least, giving virtual tours and/or FaceTime consultations.
NINE. Talk to your planner! Your planner can help alleviate stress and manage this crisis for you. That is why you hired them! If you don’t currently have one, we highly suggest finding one now. They can use their expertise and connection to help you through this time.
TEN. Go ahead and book a killer honeymoon! With the price of airline tickets now, you might get an awesome deal! Of course, schedule for a reasonable distance in the future.
We know it is hard. It is hard for everyone everywhere. But, we will pull through this together! Stay strong, stay smart, stay sanitized!
Photography Credit: Jessica Rockowitz Photography & Film