Rescheduling Romance: A Guide To Postponing Your Wedding With Grace

Postponing a wedding is never easy, and it can be an emotional and stressful time for all involved. There are many reasons why a wedding might be postponed, from family emergencies to natural disasters, and it's important to remember that it's okay to feel disappointed or upset.

The first steps to postponing a wedding include processing your feelings, deciding to postpone rather than cancel, and checking in with your vendors and suppliers about their availability and policies. It's also crucial to inform your guests as soon as possible, especially if they were planning to travel for the wedding.

To make the process smoother, it's recommended to seek help from a wedding planner or coordinator, review your contracts and insurance policies, and be flexible with new dates and vendors.

While it can be a challenging time, it's important to keep a positive perspective and remember that your loved ones will still be there to celebrate with you when the time is right.

Communicate changes to your wedding party, vendors and guests

Communicating with your wedding party, vendors, and guests is a crucial step in postponing your wedding. Here are some detailed steps to help you navigate this process effectively:

Wedding Party:

• Speak to your families and wedding party as soon as you know the date will change.
• If relevant, start with those footing the bill, as they should be involved in choosing a new date.
• Call immediate relatives and members of the bridal/groom's party to share the news and involve them in decision-making if their attendance is a priority.
• Your bridesmaids and groomsmen can offer valuable support as you confirm the date change with other guests.
• If your parents or others are financially contributing to the wedding, discuss the budget and how the date change may impact it. Express gratitude for their assistance.

Vendors:

• Contact your venue, vendors, and suppliers to inform them of the postponement. Work together to reschedule and discuss financial implications.
• If you have a wedding planner, they can assist with these communications and provide valuable advice.
• Be polite and professional when explaining your situation, concerns, and requests. It is fine to email initially, but plan to follow up with a phone call, video chat, or in-person meeting.
• Be mindful that a postponement will also impact your vendors, many of whom are small business owners. Understand that everyone needs to work together to find the best solution.
• Some vendors may charge a change fee or implement updated payment structures. Be prepared for different scenarios and remain respectful during these conversations.

Guests:

• Inform your guests about the postponement as soon as possible. The sooner they know, the better it is for their travel arrangements and potential refunds.
• While individual phone calls are ideal, they may not be practical for large guest lists. Consider sending a mass email, text, or using a wedding app/website to notify your guests.
• If your wedding is soon, an email or text is the safest bet for reaching everyone quickly.
• You can also update your wedding website with the new date, location, and other relevant details.
• If you have reserved hotel room blocks, negotiate refunds or partial refunds for your guests, and provide them with a contact for easier reimbursement.
• It is understandable if not all guests can attend the new date. Be as accommodating as possible regarding their concerns and schedules.

General Tips:

• It is okay to let people wait a bit for the new date. The most important people who need immediate notification are you and your partner!
• Be direct and concise in your communications. There is no need to go into extensive detail about the reasons for postponement unless you choose to do so.
• If you have a wedding website, add a FAQ page to answer common questions about the postponement, saving you from answering the same queries repeatedly.
• Send "Change-the-Dates" notifications to your guests, similar to "Save-the-Dates," to inform them of the new date and allow them to plan accordingly.

Remember, communication is key. Be transparent, empathetic, and timely in your interactions with your wedding party, vendors, and guests to navigate this challenging time effectively.

Review your contracts and arrangements

Reviewing your contracts and arrangements is an important step in postponing your wedding. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate this process:

Review your contracts:

It is crucial to carefully review the contracts you have with your vendors, which may include florists, caterers, videographers, DJs, etc. Pay close attention to the fine print and any clauses related to postponement, cancellation, or force majeure. Understand the financial implications of postponing and be prepared to incur additional costs. Some vendors may charge a fee for changing the date, and deposits are often non-refundable. If you have a wedding planner, they can assist you in navigating these contracts and understanding your options.

Communicate with your vendors:

Once you have reviewed your contracts, reach out to your vendors to discuss your decision to postpone and explore alternative dates. Be polite, professional, and understanding, as they are also navigating a challenging situation. Explain your circumstances and request their guidance. It is advisable to send an initial email to each vendor, followed by a phone call, video chat, or in-person meeting to discuss the next steps and their availability. Remember that your vendors are often small business owners, and a postponement will impact them as well. Work collaboratively to find a solution that suits both parties.

Prioritize your vendors:

Recognize that your preferred vendors may not be available on your new date. Decide which vendors are the most important to you and prioritize their availability when selecting a new date. For example, you may choose to prioritize the venue, caterer, and photographer over other vendors. Be prepared to be flexible and make some tough choices if needed.

Update your contracts:

Once you have agreed on a new date with your vendors, ensure that you get written confirmation of the changes. Update your contracts to reflect the new date, including any adjustments to previous agreements and financial implications. Remember to review your contracts thoroughly before signing, as rescheduling may result in higher costs.

Inform your guests:

Keep your guests informed throughout the process. Let them know about the postponement as soon as possible, especially if they were planning to travel for your wedding. Offer support and assistance with any cancellations or refunds they may need to make for their travel arrangements. You can send "change-the-date" announcements or cards to inform your guests of the new date. It is also a good idea to update your wedding website with the latest information.

Consult your wedding insurance policy

Wedding insurance is a contractual, financial agreement that protects you against monetary losses in the event that your wedding day is unexpectedly cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. It is beneficial to consult your wedding insurance policy to understand what costs are covered in the event of postponement.

Firstly, review how much of the total wedding cost your policy covers. Wedding insurance policies vary, but they generally cover costs such as the venue, vendors, wedding items, sickness or injury, wedding gifts, special attire and jewellery, and additional wedding expenses. Some policies may also cover the rehearsal dinner and brunch on the morning after. It is important to note that most policies have specified maximum amounts that can be claimed under each section, and a deductible may also apply.

Secondly, understand the specific circumstances under which your policy will provide coverage for postponement or cancellation. This may include natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, travel cancellations due to weather, personal circumstances like sickness or injury, global health crises, or other unforeseen events. Keep in mind that there are usually exclusions, such as pre-existing medical conditions or a change of heart about the wedding.

Additionally, consider whether your honeymoon is covered by your policy. If your honeymoon needs to be cancelled or postponed due to similar circumstances, knowing whether it is covered can provide peace of mind.

Finally, reach out to your insurance agent to explain your circumstances and inquire about what costs will be covered. They can provide specific details about your policy's coverage and guide you through the next steps.

Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of your wedding insurance policy to fully understand your coverage in the event of postponement.

Update your wedding plans

Now that you've processed the news and informed your guests, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty of updating your wedding plans. Here are the steps you can take:

• Review your vendor contracts: Understand the postponement policy of each vendor and be aware of any potential fees or penalties for changing the date. Some vendors may be accommodating and waive certain fees due to the circumstances. It's important to have open and honest conversations with your vendors to find a solution that works for everyone.
• Choose a new date: Consider your priority vendors, such as the venue, caterer, and photographer, and check their availability for potential new dates. You may need to be flexible and choose a date during the off-peak season or a weekday. It's crucial to finalise the new date as soon as possible to increase the chances of your preferred vendors being available.
• Update vendor contracts: Once you've decided on the new date, confirm the availability of all your key vendors and update their contracts accordingly. Be prepared for potential additional costs associated with rescheduling.
• Announce the new date: Spread the word about your new wedding date to your guests and update your wedding website. You can send out "change-the-date" cards or make announcements via email or social media. It's a nice touch to include a personal message expressing your excitement to celebrate with your loved ones.
• Adjust travel plans: If you had arranged travel plans for your original date, contact the relevant companies to make amendments. This may include adjusting flight bookings or cancelling hotel reservations. Be mindful of any cancellation policies and potential fees.
• Build a backup plan: If you're not ready to let go of your original wedding date, consider having an intimate ceremony with just the two of you or a small group of loved ones. You can still exchange vows and make your marriage official, then plan a larger celebration for a later date.

Remember, it's essential to stay organised and communicate any changes as early as possible to minimise confusion and reduce the risk of financial loss. Your wedding vendors will appreciate your timely updates, and your guests will be grateful for the advance notice, especially if they need to adjust their travel plans.

Celebrate your original date

While it can be upsetting to have to postpone your wedding, it's still important to mark your original date and celebrate your love and commitment to each other. Here are some ideas to make your original wedding date memorable:

Host a Virtual Gathering

Host a virtual gathering of close family and friends, or your wedding party. Send them treats like microwave popcorn or a fun dessert to assemble and enjoy together over video chat. You could even whip up and enjoy a special cocktail together.

Have a Commitment Ceremony

Even if you're postponing your wedding, you can still honour your partnership by hosting a commitment ceremony. This is not a legal union but a simple way to mark your devotion to each other. You and your partner can get dressed up and recite your vows, or host a virtual gathering as you pledge your commitment in front of your loved ones.

Invite Your Loved Ones for a Drive-By

If social distancing guidelines have kept you apart from your friends and family, invite them to drive through your neighbourhood while you and your partner wave to them from your porch or front lawn.

Open a Wedding Gift (or Two)

If wedding presents are taking up space in your house, use your original date to open a few and put them to use. Opening gifts intended to help you begin married life will bring joy to a bittersweet day.

Order Takeout from Your Favourite Restaurant

Support local businesses by ordering your favourite takeout and planning a date night on your original wedding date. Make it extra special by popping a bottle of champagne or trying your hand at mixology by creating a brand-new cocktail.

Plan a Virtual Cocktail Hour

Organise a virtual cocktail hour with your friends and family. Encourage them to bring their own cocktails and make sure everyone comes prepared with a toast or two to keep things fun.

Order a Wedding Cake or Cupcakes

Call a local bakery and place an order for a small wedding cake or a batch of cupcakes to enjoy together. Indulging in a sweet treat will be the icing on top of your makeshift celebration.

Get Dressed Up

Wear your original wedding outfit or something that makes you feel special. This could also be a great opportunity to wear "something blue" or to break out a white outfit you've been saving for a wedding event.

Take Photos

You'll want to remember how you celebrated your original wedding date, so be sure to snap some pictures of everything: your outfits, the food, your vows, and even your loved ones if they're able to drive by your house. Don't stress if you don't have access to a professional camera – your phone or a polaroid camera will do!

Frequently asked questions