How To Know If You Should Change Your Wedding Date

Changing your wedding date can be a stressful experience, but it's not uncommon. There are many reasons why someone might need to change their wedding date, from unexpected events to personal preference. While it can be a challenging process, there are steps you can take to make it easier. Firstly, it's important to stay positive and remember that everything will work out in the end. Hiring a wedding planner can be immensely helpful, as they have experience dealing with such changes. They can guide you through the chaos of rescheduling and help you sort out contracts and vendors. It's also crucial to keep your guests informed, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. While it may be tempting to send an electronic notification, experts recommend sending physical change-the-date cards, as it's more formal and can add a personal touch.

Consult a professional

If you're forced to change your wedding date or are considering doing so, the first step is to speak with a non-partisan sounding board. This could be a wedding planner, if you have one, or your venue or caterer. It's important to have a neutral party to help you process and share feedback and ideas.

A wedding planner can step in and help you get down the aisle no matter the date. They have tons of experience dealing with changes and unexpected situations. Even if you don't have a planner, there are many who are happy to get on a phone or video call to help answer questions and offer advice.

If you already have a planner, they will be your best friend in this situation. This is their job, and they will know all the right vendors to connect you with to make the process as seamless as possible. A good planner will have set you up with great vendors from the start, so that when a major change happens, they will be amazing to work with.

Understand the Financials

With any change of plans, there is the potential for different costs, including losses on pre-paid fees and retainers. To help you understand the financial burden of postponing or canceling a wedding, consider taking the following measures.

Read the Fine Print

Reread all contracts with vendors to understand their cancellation policy and see if there is an 'act of God' or 'force majeure' clause that might apply to your situation. Many vendors will have these, but what they cover depends on the wording of the contract. If you have questions, ask a lawyer.

Plan for Additional Costs

While vendors will try to work with you as best they can, it might not always be possible to do so at the same cost. For example, vendors' fees often change based on the season. If you're moving your wedding to another quarter or year, the payment probably can't be the same. Be mindful of the additional time and work that a change of date will entail.

Understand the financials

Changing your wedding date can have significant financial implications. Here are some key points to consider:

Insurance and Contracts

Firstly, check your insurance policy. If you have wedding insurance, review what your policy covers and how it applies to your situation. This can help mitigate financial losses. Also, carefully review your contracts with all vendors. Check the fine print for cancellation policies and "act of God" or force majeure clauses. Understanding these can help you recover deposits and avoid additional fees.

Additional Costs

Changing your wedding date may result in additional costs. Vendors may charge exchange fees, especially if the new date is in a different season or a more popular month. These fees can cover the vendor's time, staff, and resources already invested in your original date. If you are postponing due to a crisis like COVID-19, some vendors may be more flexible and understanding.

Lost Deposits

If you have already paid deposits to vendors, you may lose this money if you cancel. It is likely that vendors will keep these deposits, especially if they are non-refundable. However, if you are rescheduling, some vendors may be willing to apply the deposit to the new date.

Travel and Accommodation

Changing your date may also affect travel and accommodation arrangements. If your wedding is a destination wedding or has guests travelling from afar, they may need to rebook flights and accommodation. Additionally, if your vendors need to travel, you may be charged travel fees, especially if there is a change in location.

Timing and Flexibility

The timing of your date change can impact costs. The closer you are to the original date, the more likely vendors will have turned away other bookings and made commitments. This can result in higher fees for changes. Being flexible with your new date can help; consider alternative days of the week like Thursdays, Fridays, or Sundays, which may have lower demand and costs.

Guest Communication

Informing your guests of the date change can also incur costs. If you have already sent out invitations, consider using digital communication methods like email or social media to spread the word. This can help avoid the expense of reprinting and re-mailing invitations.

Honeymoon and Travel Plans

If you have already made honeymoon plans, you may need to postpone or cancel them. Review your options and understand the financial implications, especially if you have non-refundable tickets or reservations.

Communicate changes to guests

Communicating changes to your wedding guests can be stressful, but there are several ways to do so efficiently and politely. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

Use Various Communication Channels

Reach out to your guests through multiple channels to ensure everyone receives the update. This can include phone calls, emails, text messages, social media groups, and your wedding website. Consider the demographic of your guests and their preferences when choosing the best way to contact them. For example, older guests may prefer a phone call, while younger guests might be more responsive to a text message or social media notification.

Provide Clear and Timely Information

Inform your guests about the change in plans as soon as possible. Let them know the new wedding date, venue, and any other relevant details. Be transparent and provide frequent updates, especially if your original date is fast approaching. This will help your guests adjust their plans and avoid any confusion.

Utilize Paper Products and Digital Tools

If you haven't sent out invitations yet, consider including an insert with your invitations that informs guests about the possibility of a date change. This will anticipate their questions and show that you are proactive in addressing the situation. You can also use digital tools, such as online RSVP systems and email responses, to save time and costs.

Be Creative and Flexible

If you need to postpone your wedding, consider choosing a different day of the week for the new date. Venues and vendors may have more availability on Thursdays, Fridays, or Sundays, and your guests will appreciate the unique choice. You can also send out creative videos or fun graphics to inform your guests about the change, adding a touch of personality to your communication.

Seek Professional Help

Consider hiring a wedding planner if you haven't already. They can provide valuable guidance and support during this challenging time. Planners have experience dealing with unexpected situations and can help you navigate vendor contracts, scheduling, and guest communication. They will ensure that you don't have to go through this process alone.

Be flexible with the new date

Changing your wedding date can be stressful, but it can also be a blessing in disguise. Here are some tips on how to be flexible with choosing a new date:

Be Open to Different Days of the Week

Saturday nights are the most popular for weddings, but consider choosing an alternative day of the week like Thursday, Friday, Sunday, or even a weekday. Vendors and venues will likely have more availability on these days, and they may even offer discounted prices. Your guests may also have more flexibility in their schedules to attend a wedding during the week, especially with the rise of remote work.

Consider the Season

The season you choose for your wedding date can impact various aspects of your celebration. If you're set on an outdoor wedding, opt for a season with mild weather. Each season offers a unique atmosphere and theme for your wedding. For example, a summer wedding can be fun and tropical, while a winter wedding can be opulent and snowy. Fall is currently the most popular time for weddings, with October being the most popular month.

Off-Peak Dates

If you're looking to save money, choose an off-peak date for your wedding. Peak wedding season is typically between May and October, so prices tend to be higher due to high demand. Off-peak months like January, March, April, and November can offer more affordable options. However, be mindful of holidays like Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Valentine's Day, which can also be busy and expensive.

Research Local Events and Holidays

Check the calendar for local events, festivals, graduations, or sporting events that may overlap with your wedding date. These events can affect venue availability and guest travel plans. It's also essential to consider any religious or cultural events you want to avoid or include in your celebration.

Be Flexible with Your Dream Venue

If you've already chosen your dream venue, they may have limited availability, especially if they are a popular choice. Be prepared to consider different dates or even days of the week to secure your dream venue.

Work with Your Vendors

Remember that your vendors are small businesses, and they want your wedding to be a success. Communicate with your vendors about potential new dates and be patient and flexible. They will likely work with you to find a solution, and they may even offer recommendations if they are unavailable.

Embrace the Changes

Changing your wedding date may feel like a curse, but it can also be an opportunity to make different choices. You might be able to choose a different venue, adjust your menu, or incorporate new ideas. Embrace the flexibility that comes with changing your date, and remember that your wedding will be amazing because of the love you share and the people gathered to celebrate with you.

Celebrate the original date anyway

Even if you've moved your wedding, you can still honour and celebrate your original date. Wedding DJ Megan Taylor suggests creating an intimate celebration and making it special. You could also have a small civil ceremony and get officially married, then postpone the reception or larger celebration with your family and friends for the same day one year later. That way, you get to keep your original date, and you get to celebrate your first wedding anniversary with all your friends and family!

If you want to go ahead and get married on your original date, you could always have a small courthouse or civil ceremony and then host the bigger wedding celebration with all your guests later on.

If you're not able to get married on your original date, you could still do something special to mark the occasion. You could exchange gifts or even exchange your vows and make a video to look back on and share with your kids one day. You could also get the top tier of your wedding cake and still have a celebration!

Make the most of a longer engagement

If your new wedding date is further in the future, try to see the positives. You now have more time to plan and more time to enjoy being engaged. You can do more research and find exactly what you love. You could also use this time to get to know your soon-to-be spouse even more and fall in love all over again. You could prepare for your future life together by learning to cook, searching for home inspiration, and making plans for your honeymoon.

Frequently asked questions