Should you postpone or cancel a wedding during the coronavirus pandemic?
Couples have spent time and money planning their dream wedding, now many are contemplating whether to alter, postpone or cancel their weddings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With CDC guidelines in place, the recommendations are to cancel any mass gathering of large size events. In various states, officials have prohibited large events to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, many couples have had to shift their plans.
As wedding planners, we have been asked this burning question by couples. Should they postpone or cancel their weddings amid the coronavirus pandemic? We highly recommend postponing to our couples. As there is still quit a bit of uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. So, regulations for 2020 may or may not change. For those who have opted to postpone, we recommend selecting a new date in 2021. We suggest Spring-Winter months, specifically May to December 2021. Planning for next year will allow couples to regroup financially. Thereby, giving them an opportunity to stick to their original wedding plans.
Some of our couples have opted to adjust their wedding plans to still have their wedding in 2020. To abide by CDC and state guidelines, they have reduced their guest count for an intimate ceremony or elopement. Some have decided on a virtual wedding concept. Couples who decide to make this choice, are more focused on being married on their original wedding date and not so much the celebration of it all. We have worked with our couples to create plans and designs for intimate ceremonies, elopements and virtual weddings.
Whether you postpone or adjust your wedding size, the changes will need to be communicated to your venue, vendors and guests. A wedding planner can help you navigate the process with your venue and vendors. Keep in mind that depending on your contracts, deposits may be non refundable or transferable. The venue and vendors may require a date change fee. The venue and vendors will most likely require a new contract or an addendum to the exiting contract. If you do not have a wedding planner to help you through the process, you can contact the venue and vendors yourself. However, if you find the task stressful. Contact your area wedding planner and ask about services to help you get through the postponement process. Some even offer virtual wedding planning services.
Once you establish your new wedding date or change to the existing wedding date. Now you need to notify your guests. If you’ve already sent a save the date, then send a updated change of date notification. Afterwards, keep the planning momentum going. Work on those wedding tasks you can complete virtually or without in person contact.
If this post is helpful and you need some guidance on whether to postpone or cancel your wedding, click here to get in touch with us. We are here to assist.
