Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding is stressful enough without the added complication of a global pandemic. If you have a wedding planned for June, you may be wondering if you need to postpone it. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the location of your wedding and the number of guests. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples were forced to postpone their weddings due to government restrictions on gatherings. Even if restrictions have eased in your area, you may still want to consider the safety and comfort of your guests, especially if they are elderly or immunocompromised. It's important to make a decision as soon as possible to ensure that you can communicate any changes to your guests and vendors in a timely manner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of decision | Early April 2020 |
| CDC recommendations | Cancellation of weddings until mid-May 2020 |
| State orders | Some states have shelter-in-place orders until mid-June 2020 |
| Venue flexibility | Venues may not allow changes to wedding dates |
| Guest preferences | Guests may not feel comfortable attending large gatherings |
| Guest safety | Social distancing and safety concerns |
| Communication | Communicate changes to guests via phone, email, or digital invite services |
| Rescheduling | Choose 3-4 new potential dates and check availability with vendors |
| Planning | Take a planning break after making important decisions |
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What You'll Learn
CDC recommendations and state orders
The CDC recommended the cancellation of weddings for eight weeks starting on March 15, 2020. Some states, such as Virginia, had shelter-in-place orders in effect until mid-June 2020, banning groups of more than ten people. These orders and recommendations caused uncertainty and stress for couples with upcoming weddings.
In April 2020, couples with June weddings were unsure whether to postpone or not. Some were waiting until mid-April to make a decision, hoping to have a better idea of the pandemic's trajectory. Others were holding off on sending out invitations and monitoring the news closely. Some couples were also considering live-streaming their weddings so that guests could choose to attend virtually if they preferred.
Couples were advised to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their plans with family and close friends, and to act swiftly to inform guests and vendors if they decided to postpone. It was recommended to choose three or four potential new dates and communicate these to vendors to determine their availability.
If you were planning a June 2020 wedding, the CDC recommendations and state orders at the time would have been a key consideration in your decision-making process. The CDC recommended cancelling weddings for eight weeks from March 15, 2020, and some states had shelter-in-place orders in place until mid-June. Many couples chose to postpone their weddings, and venues and vendors were accommodating of these changes.
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Venue availability
When it comes to venue availability, it is important to remember that you have options. While some venues may not initially allow you to change your date, this can change as the situation develops. For example, some US states initially banned gatherings until a certain date, but this changed as the pandemic progressed.
If you are postponing your wedding, it is recommended that you act swiftly so you can inform your guests and team, and ensure a 2022 date that fits. Communicate any changes to your wedding party via phone or email. It is also recommended that you send out "save the date" invites, which can be done through a digital invite service.
To determine available dates, review your options together and choose three to four top choices, ensuring that they are far enough out that you are unlikely to need to reschedule again. Next, contact your entire vendor team to find out their available dates, and select a date that works for the majority of your vendors.
If you are forced to postpone your wedding, your team will be there to guide you through the process. Vendors are predominately using social media to provide tips, advice, and sympathy to couples in this situation, and they have been described as available and quick to respond to emails.
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Guest safety
If you are planning a wedding in June, you may be concerned about the safety of your guests. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many couples to postpone their weddings, and you may be wondering if you need to do the same. Here are some things to consider regarding the safety of your guests:
- Impact of COVID-19 on Guests: Consider the impact of COVID-19 on your guests, especially if they are travelling or belong to high-risk groups such as the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions. Discuss with your family and close friends to understand their concerns and how the pandemic may affect their ability to attend safely.
- Guest Count and Social Distancing: Depending on the location of your wedding, there may be restrictions on the number of guests you can invite. Even if social distancing measures are lifted by your wedding date, some guests may still feel uncomfortable attending large gatherings. You may need to consider reducing the number of guests or rearranging the seating plan to allow for more space between attendees.
- Guest Travel: If your guests are travelling from different areas, they may be subject to travel restrictions or quarantine requirements. Consider the impact of their travel plans on their safety and whether they can attend safely.
- Guest Accommodations: Evaluate the accommodations for your guests, especially if they involve shared spaces or close contact. Consider providing alternative options or guidelines to minimise the risk of virus transmission, such as recommending nearby hotels or accommodations that adhere to safety protocols.
- Guest Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your guests and wedding party. Inform them of any changes or updates to your plans and be transparent about the safety measures you are taking. This will help them make informed decisions about their attendance and ease their concerns.
- Guest Activities: Review any activities or events you have planned for your guests to ensure they can be conducted safely. For example, you may need to adjust the format of certain activities to allow for social distancing or provide hand sanitising stations.
Remember, the safety and well-being of your guests are paramount. Be flexible and willing to adapt your plans to ensure their protection. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about postponing your wedding or implementing necessary precautions to create a safe environment for your guests.
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Financial implications
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the financial situation of many couples planning to get married. If you are considering postponing your June wedding, it is important to be aware of the potential financial implications and costs that may arise.
Firstly, there may be fees associated with changing the date of your wedding. Some venues may charge a fee for postponing, especially if it is done at short notice. In some cases, venues may require a partial payment of the total balance to secure a new date. It is important to communicate with your venue as early as possible to understand their policies and any associated costs.
Additionally, there may be costs involved with rescheduling vendors, such as photographers, caterers, entertainment, and other services. Some vendors may have different availability for your new wedding date, and you may need to book alternative options. It is advisable to contact your vendors as soon as possible to discuss their availability and any potential fees for changing the date.
Another financial consideration is the cost of invitations and stationery. If you have already sent out invitations, you may need to incur additional expenses for new "save the date" notices or invitations with the updated wedding details. Digital invitation services can be a cost-effective alternative, especially if you need to communicate changes quickly and efficiently to your guests.
Postponing your wedding may also impact your budget for other aspects of the wedding. For example, you may have already purchased non-refundable items or services that are now unusable for the new date. In some cases, you may need to purchase additional items or services to accommodate the changed plans. It is important to review your existing contracts and agreements with vendors to understand their policies on refunds or credits.
Finally, there may be financial implications for your guests. Changing the date of your wedding could result in additional travel or accommodation costs for your guests, especially if the new date is during a peak season or a different time of year. It is important to consider the potential impact on your guests' finances and provide them with as much notice as possible to allow for their own planning and adjustments.
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Communication with guests
If you're planning a June wedding, you may be wondering if you need to postpone it. This decision can be stressful and challenging, especially with so many uncertainties. Here are some thoughts on communication with your guests if you decide to postpone:
- Be Transparent and Timely: Keep your guests informed throughout the process. Share updates and decisions promptly, either by phone or email. It is recommended to decide on postponement at least eight weeks before the wedding to allow for seamless communication and planning.
- Utilize Digital Platforms: Take advantage of digital platforms and social media to communicate with your guests. Consider creating a private Facebook group for your wedding party or using digital invite services like Greenvelope to send out new "save the dates" and invitations. These platforms can help you reach a large number of guests quickly and efficiently.
- Consider Live Streaming: If you have guests who are unable or uncomfortable attending in person, especially those in high-risk groups, consider offering live streaming of the ceremony. This way, everyone can still be a part of your special day, even if they can't be there physically.
- Provide Regular Updates: Keep your guests updated on any changes or developments, especially if you've already sent out invitations. Let them know about the new date, venue, and any adjustments to the guest count or other details as soon as possible.
- Empathize with Your Guests: Understand that your guests may also be facing challenges and uncertainties. Be empathetic and flexible, especially if they have travel plans or are in high-risk groups. Your guests will appreciate your understanding and willingness to accommodate their needs during these unpredictable times.
- Seek Guest Input: If possible, try to get a sense of your guests' comfort levels and preferences. You can do this through informal conversations or even a quick survey. This input can help you make informed decisions about the new date and any adjustments to the guest list or venue.
- Offer Alternatives: If you have guests who are unable to attend due to travel restrictions or health concerns, consider offering alternatives for them to celebrate with you. This could include live streaming the ceremony or sending them a special video recording of the event, along with a celebration kit (e.g., a small cake, champagne, and party favours).
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on a number of factors, including the location of your wedding and the number of guests. In 2020, the CDC recommended the cancellation of weddings in the United States until mid-May, while some states extended this until mid-June. If you are slated to marry in June, it is recommended that you discuss the effects of COVID-19 and travel and safety for the wedding with your family and friends.
The sooner you can make a decision, the better. This will allow you to secure a new date in 2020 and communicate any changes to your guests and vendors quickly.
You can communicate any changes to your wedding party through Facebook Groups. For the rest of your guests, you can use a digital invite service, which will allow you to send out new "save the date" invites and will save you money on postage.
If your venue doesn't allow you to change the date, it may be worth reaching out to your vendors to discuss your options. They may be able to offer you alternative dates or provide other forms of assistance. It is also recommended that you stay up to date with any official orders or updates in your wedding location.
