Crafting The Perfect Postponement: A Guide To Writing Wedding Delay Notices

Postponing a wedding is never ideal, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances mean plans have to change. If you're postponing your wedding, it's important to let your guests know as soon as possible. You'll want to explain that your plans have changed, and provide reassurance that you'll share more information when you can.

There are several ways to spread the word, including email, group texts, social media, and printed cards. If you're yet to finalise a new date and/or location, you can still let guests know that your plans have changed and that you'll provide updates when available. It's a good idea to update your wedding website with the new details, and you may also want to ask your wedding party and close family to help spread the news.

Choosing a delivery method

Timing and Urgency:

• If your wedding date is fast approaching, it's crucial to reach your guests as soon as possible. In this case, technology is your best friend. Send emails, or if time is of the essence, opt for group texts, chats, or even social media messages to spread the word quickly. You can create groups based on relationships (e.g., friends, relatives) to make it more manageable.
• For a more traditional approach, sending out formal stationery with an explanation and a new wedding date is a good option, especially if your wedding is further away. This could be in the form of "change-the-date" cards or new save-the-date cards.

Personalization:

• While technology allows for quick communication, it may not offer the same level of personalization as a phone call. Consider calling your closest friends and family members to share the news and have a more intimate conversation about the postponement.
• You can also ask your wedding party to personally contact their list of guests to confirm they received the email/message and to find out about their attendance plans.

Convenience and Accessibility:

• Consider the convenience of your guests when choosing a delivery method. Methods such as emails, texts, or social media messages are easily accessible and allow guests to refer back to the information whenever needed.
• If you have guests who are less tech-savvy or may not have access to certain platforms, ensure that you have an alternative method to reach them, such as a phone call or a mailed announcement.

Combination Approach:

• Using a combination of delivery methods can ensure that your message reaches everyone effectively. For example, you can send an initial email announcement and then follow up with guests who have not responded to confirm receipt and provide additional details.
• Additionally, don't forget to update your wedding website with the postponement information. This central location allows guests to refer back to the latest updates and stay informed.

Working with Professionals:

• If you're sending out formal invitations or save-the-date cards, consider working with your previous wedding stationery vendor or a local stationery studio to create elegant and personalized announcements. They can help you maintain the same style and theme as your original invitations.
• You can also explore DIY options using online tools and apps to design and send your postponement announcements.

Remember, the key is to provide clear and timely information to your guests while also considering their convenience and your personal preferences.

Explaining the situation

It is important to be transparent with your guests about the postponement of your wedding. While you do not need to go into great detail, a simple explanation will help your guests understand the change of plans and allow them to adjust their own plans accordingly. For example, if there has been a natural disaster impacting your venue or a family emergency, a brief mention of this will suffice.

You can say something like: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to postpone our wedding. We are working on finding a new date that works for us and our vendors, and we will let you know as soon as possible." This lets your guests know that something unexpected has come up and that you are taking action to resolve the situation.

If you are comfortable sharing more details, you could add a line about the specific issue, such as "unanticipated damage from the recent storm" or "an illness in the family." This provides a bit more context for your guests, especially those who are closely involved with your wedding party or family.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to give a broader explanation, such as referencing the current global situation or a recent natural disaster that has impacted your plans. For instance, you could say: "Due to the ongoing pandemic, we have decided to postpone our wedding to ensure the safety of our guests. We are working on finding a new date and will update you soon." This type of explanation shows that you are considering the well-being of your guests and making a thoughtful decision.

Remember, you are not obligated to share every detail, but providing a concise explanation will help your guests understand and support your decision.

Offering a new date

Timing of the Announcement

It is recommended to inform your guests about the change in plans as soon as possible. This allows them to make necessary arrangements, especially if travel and accommodations are involved. However, if you don't have a new date yet, it's still important to let your guests know that the wedding is postponed and provide updates as soon as you have more information.

Methods of Communication

There are several ways to communicate the new date to your guests:

• Email or text: Sending a quick email or text message is an efficient way to reach your guests promptly. This method is particularly useful if your wedding date is approaching soon.
• Physical card: Sending a formal change-the-date card by mail is another option. This can be a more elegant and traditional approach, especially if you want to maintain the formality of your wedding invitations.
• Wedding website: Updating your wedding website is essential, as it serves as a central hub for guests to find the latest information. Include details about the new date, location, accommodations, and any other relevant updates.
• Social media: Using platforms like Facebook and Instagram, especially with the "Close Friends" feature, can be an effective way to reach your guests, especially those who are already following you.

Wording and Tone

When offering a new date, consider using upbeat and positive wording. This can help set the tone for your guests and convey that you are forging ahead with excitement. Here are some examples of what you could say:

• "Please mark your calendars with our new wedding date. We're excited and can't wait to celebrate with you!"
• "We changed our date and can't wait to celebrate with our loved ones."
• "We regret to inform you that our wedding will not take place as scheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. Please save the new date of [new date]."
• "Due to [reason for postponement], we have decided to reschedule our wedding to [new date]. Invitation and details to follow."

Remember, it is not necessary to provide an extensive explanation for the postponement. A brief mention of unforeseen circumstances or a simple statement about prioritizing the safety and well-being of your guests is sufficient.

Updating your wedding website

Add a clear message on the homepage

Let your guests know about the change of plans by adding a note on the homepage of your wedding website. This will ensure that everyone is informed about the postponement. You can use wording such as:

> "We are saddened by [add situation here] and have decided to postpone our wedding until we choose a new [date and/or location] to celebrate. We will share the updated details with you as soon as they’re available."

Provide updated details as soon as they're available

As you finalise your new date and logistics such as accommodations and room blocks, be sure to update your website. Your guests will appreciate having all the information they need in one place.

Start an FAQ page

Anticipate your guests' questions and create an FAQ page on your website. This will save you time by reducing the number of individual queries you receive, and it will also be a helpful resource for your guests. Include answers to questions about COVID-19 regulations, refunds or postponement guidelines, travel arrangements, and any other relevant details.

Communicate regularly

It's a good idea to update your website frequently—weekly updates are ideal if your postponement is due to circumstances that are changing rapidly, such as the COVID-19 situation. Your guests will be grateful to hear from you, especially if their travel plans are affected.

Include a link to your website in other communications

If you're sending out "change-the-date" cards or emails, be sure to include your wedding website URL so that guests can easily access the most up-to-date information.

Asking for help

Make a List of Tasks

Before you start delegating tasks, it is essential to have a clear idea of what needs to be done. Grab your wedding planner or notebook and create a list of all the tasks that need to be completed. Include everything from DIY projects to more significant tasks like choosing a new date and location. This will help you identify areas where you could use some extra help.

Outline Expectations and Ask for Help

When asking for help, be mindful of the fact that your friends and family are doing you a favour. Be polite and respectful of their time and resources. It is also important to understand that they may have different ways of doing things, and that's okay! As long as the task is completed successfully, it's all that matters. Give them the opportunity to politely decline if they are unable to help, and provide them with all the tools and information they need to get the job done.

Involve Your VIPs

Start by consulting your closest family members and members of the wedding party. If someone is financially contributing to the wedding, they should be involved in deciding on a new date. Call your immediate relatives, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of the bridal party to share the news and include them in the decision-making process.

Be Timely

The sooner you let your guests know about the change of plans, the more likely they will be able to accommodate the new date. Send out emails or group messages as soon as you know the date is changing. If your original wedding date is less than two months away, electronic communication is the quickest way to spread the news. You can also use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share the details.

Update Your Wedding Website

In addition to direct communication, be sure to update your wedding website with the new date, location, and any other relevant information. This will help keep your guests informed and provide them with a central source of information.

Lean on Your Loved Ones

Remember, it's okay to ask for help and support from your loved ones. Wedding planning can be stressful, and it's important to have a strong support system in place. Work with your vendor team and rely on your friends and family to share your concerns and offload some of the tasks.

Frequently asked questions