You've spent months and months planning your wedding day...or maybe your planning has come to a halt. Now things are uncertain and we don't know when it will be normal again. Maybe you're starting to wonder the worst... "What if I have to postpone my wedding?"
I hope you don't have to. I really, really, really hope you don't have to. This is supposed to be the happiest day of your life surrounded by over a hundred of your closest friends and family. Unfortunately, weddings just aren't ideal events during a pandemic. I can't tell you if you should or shouldn't postpone, but here are a few tips if you're considering your options.
1. Do a little research first. Look over vendor contracts and inform yourself of what is refundable, what isn't, and if there are any fees associated with rescheduling. Start a list of questions to ask, and try to be patient with your vendors. This is new for them too! Keep in mind that they are excited for your wedding, and they are relying on your business. Rescheduling is better than cancelling.
2. Keep all of your vendors in the loop. As a wedding videographer, I get that I'm not the core part of making a wedding happen. Venue, officiant, catering and DJ are essential, but don't leave me out of your plans or you might pick a new date when I'm not available, and that would really bum me out.
3. Consider looking at Fridays or Sundays. Many vendors are already booked up for the rest of 2020, so you might have a better chance if you sacrifice having your wedding on a Saturday.
4. Still get married on your original date! Have a small ceremony in your home and live stream it for friends and family. Postpone the big plans by a year, that way you can still celebrate during the same time of year/season you originally wanted, and make it a one year vow renewal instead.
5. Decide on a plan to inform your guests. Will you be mailing "change the date" cards? Will you let everyone know by email? Remember to also update your wedding website.
6. Are you starting to receive gifts in the mail? If your wedding is postponed by a couple months, you can probably send all the thank-you cards at once after the wedding. If you postponed it by a year, maybe send out the first round of thank-you cards early, so they know you got their gift, and kindly remind them of the new date. 7. Last but not least! When you postpone, leave a positive review for your accommodating vendors. This time isn't easy for anyone, and this is the perfect way to thank your supportive and flexible vendors. :)
It's ok to be hopeful. It's ok to be worried. It's ok to have a back-up plan. Trust your gut, and do your research. Know that I'm sending all 2020 couples good vibes from afar, and hoping the best for everyone affected by this pandemic.
<3Leah