Rescheduling Your Wedding: Changing The Date

Changing your wedding date can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. There are several steps you can take to make the process smoother. Firstly, it's important to inform your guests as soon as possible. Sending out change the date announcements or using email or text messages to share the updated information is a polite way to keep your guests informed and excited about your special day. Be sure to include a personal note expressing your well wishes. If you have already sent out invitations, it is crucial to send another round of pre-invites to avoid confusion. Secondly, be patient and flexible when dealing with venues and vendors. Your desired venue might now be available, and being easy to work with may even lead to a discounted price. Review your contracts and be prepared for potential losses, especially if your vendors are not available for the new date. Finally, remember that your wedding day will be amazing because of the love you share with your partner and the people gathered to celebrate with you.

Communicating changes to your guests

Communicating changes to your wedding date to your guests can be a stressful task. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

Be Timely

It is important to inform your guests about any changes as soon as possible. This allows them to adjust their plans, especially if they have booked flights, hotels, or made other special arrangements. Sending out a "Change the Date" announcement or card is a convenient way to keep your guests in the loop without having to make individual phone calls.

Digital or Physical Announcements

You can choose to send digital or physical Change the Date cards, or a combination of both. Digital announcements are typically faster, more cost-effective, and can be easily sent through your wedding website, email, or social media. On the other hand, physical cards can be more formal but may incur additional costs for printing and postage.

What to Include

Keep the information concise and focus on the key details. You can include a catchy headline such as "Save Our New Date" or "Change the Date," followed by your names, the new date, location, and your wedding website link. If you haven't confirmed the new date yet, simply mention that details will follow. You may also want to share the reason for the postponement, but it is not necessary.

Best Practices

• Communicate quickly and frequently: Keep your guests informed about any changes as soon as possible.
• Be empathetic: Understand that postponing the wedding can be disappointing for guests as well, so offer empathy and positivity in your communications.
• Offer advice and facilitate a community: If guests are facing challenges with their new plans, consider providing tips and creating a private online group for guests to share updates and support each other.
• Emphasize guest safety: If you're postponing due to circumstances like COVID-19, emphasize that the decision is made with the safety of your guests in mind.

Remember, clear and consistent communication is key to keeping your guests informed and involved in your special day, even with a change of plans.

Informing vendors

Informing your vendors about a change of wedding date can be a tricky task, but it is important to stay patient and pleasant throughout the process. Here are some tips to help you navigate this situation:

Contact Your Vendors Promptly

It is crucial to inform your vendors about the change of plans as soon as possible. Reach out to each of them individually and explain the situation. Be transparent about the reasons for the change, whether it is due to unforeseen circumstances or personal matters.

Review Your Contracts

Before making any decisions, carefully review the contracts you have with each vendor. Pay close attention to the cancellation and payment policies outlined in the contracts. This will help you understand the financial implications of changing the date and if there is any room for negotiation.

Be Flexible and Open to Alternatives

When proposing new dates, try to be flexible and provide a range of options that could work for you. This will increase the chances of finding a suitable date that aligns with the availability of your vendors. Remember that they may have other commitments, especially if your desired date is during a busy season.

Communicate Directly and Regularly

Maintain open and direct communication with your vendors. Respond promptly to their queries and provide any additional information they may require. If there are changes to the scope of their services or other details, be sure to update them accordingly.

Consider Using a Wedding Planner

If you feel overwhelmed by the task of informing vendors and managing the logistics, consider hiring a wedding planner. They can take on the role of coordinating with the vendors and ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the new date. Wedding planners often have experience in handling such situations and can provide valuable guidance.

Finalize the New Date

Once you have agreed on a new date with your vendors, confirm it in writing. Send updated schedules and ensure that all parties are clear on the revised plans. This will help prevent any confusion or miscommunication down the line.

Remember, it is in everyone's best interest to find a solution that works for all parties involved. Stay calm, be flexible, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed.

Announcing the new date

Announcing a new wedding date can be done in a variety of ways, from emails and group chats to social media posts and printed cards. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect announcement:

Be Prompt

It is important to inform your guests about the change of plans as soon as possible, especially if the original wedding date is approaching. Aim to give your guests at least a couple of weeks' notice, if not more. This will allow them, especially those travelling from out of town, to adjust their plans and accommodations accordingly.

Keep it Brief

When sharing the news, you can choose to briefly mention the reason for the change, such as unforeseen circumstances or an illness in the family. However, you are not obligated to provide a detailed explanation. A simple and concise message will suffice.

Inject Some Humour

If it suits your style, adding a touch of humour to your announcement can be a fun way to lighten the mood. This could be a playful joke about being late or a witty excuse. For example, "Traffic is so bad right now. Waze says we're gonna be a couple of months late ;)"

Sample Announcements

Whether you choose to send an email, a printed card, or a social media post, here are some examples of what your announcement could look like:

"We're planning our forever... better late than never! Change of date TBD!"

"Our date stood us up! Good thing we have each other! We're changing the date to [new date] and we hope you can still join us there!"

"The show must go on, and we just need to find the understudy. Our new wedding date is TBD, and we can't wait to celebrate with you then!"

"If you think you've been going crazy, remember my fiancé has had to deal with me changing the date of our wedding. Please save the new date: [new date]"

"New date, same bride and groom. Join us on [new date]!"

"Please join us on our new day, [new date]. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding."

"We hope you're still able to join the celebration on our new date, [new date]. We look forward to seeing you there!"

"Thanks for all your patience and support. Please save our new date, [new date], in your calendars!"

"We're excited to see you on our new wedding day, [new date]! Thank you for being a part of our lives and we can't wait to celebrate with you."

Update Your Wedding Website

In addition to your announcements, be sure to update your wedding website with the new date, location, and any other relevant details, such as travel information or COVID-19 regulations. This will serve as a central hub of information for your guests and make it easy for them to access the latest updates.

Dealing with financial losses

Changing your wedding date can be stressful and often results in financial losses. Here are some tips to help you deal with the financial impact:

Communicate with Vendors

Contact all your vendors, including the venue, caterer, band or DJ, florist, and officiant, as soon as possible. Be patient, pleasant, and flexible when discussing alternative dates with them. They may be willing to negotiate and work with you to find a new date that suits both parties. Review your contracts and be prepared to lose any non-refundable deposits. If your new date is available, the vendor may be willing to waive certain fees or negotiate a discounted price.

Alert Your Guests

It is important to inform your guests about the change of plans as soon as possible. Consider sending out "Change the Date" notices or announcements to avoid confusion and ensure your guests can adjust their travel arrangements, especially if they are coming from out of town. Email is a quick and efficient way to reach your guests, but don't forget to personally call close family members who may not be regularly checking their emails.

Assess Your Finances

Take time to assess your financial situation and identify your financial goals. Be transparent with your partner about your assets, liabilities, and credit reports. Create a household budget that aligns with your financial goals, both short-term and long-term. Discuss how you will manage joint expenses and work together to pay off any existing debts. Consider seeking advice from a financial planner to help you make informed decisions and create a solid financial plan.

Explore Insurance Options

Consider purchasing wedding insurance, especially if you are changing your wedding date due to unforeseen circumstances. Wedding insurance can provide financial protection in case of unexpected cancellations or postponements. It may help cover non-refundable deposits and other expenses incurred due to changing your wedding date.

Seek Support

Changing your wedding date can be emotionally and financially challenging. Don't hesitate to reach out to your support network, including family and friends, for help and guidance. They may be able to provide emotional support or even practical assistance in rescheduling or adjusting your wedding plans. Additionally, there are resources available, such as the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and the Social Security Administration, which can offer assistance depending on your specific circumstances.

Choosing a new date

Be Patient and Pleasant

If you are dealing with a venue, it is important to remain patient and pleasant. The easier you are to work with, the more likely they are to give you preferential treatment. If you are willing to be flexible with your new date, you may even be able to negotiate a discounted price. Remember, your vendors do not want you to cancel your wedding, and most are willing to help you move your special day to a new date.

Consult Your VIPs

Speak to your families and wedding party as soon as you know the date will change. If relevant, start first with whoever is footing the bill, as they should be involved in helping you choose a new date. Then, call other immediate relatives and any members of the bridal party or groom's party to share the news and involve them in the decision-making if their calendars are a priority for you.

Consider Symbolic and Special Dates

Brainstorm any dates that are symbolic to you and your partner. It would be romantic to marry on the anniversary of your first date, the day you officially became a couple, or your grandparents' wedding date. You may not be able to marry on that exact date, but you can probably get pretty close.

Pick Your Desired Season

If you have some flexibility with your wedding date, consider choosing a season first. Think about the climate of your wedding location. If you plan to have an outdoor setting, choose a season with mild weather and clear skies. Also, consider your desired wedding theme and personality and select a season that aligns with it. For example, if you want free-spirited, fun, tropical-inspired cocktails and sun-dappled settings, go for a summer wedding. If you dream of opulence, snowfall, and holiday sparkle, a winter wedding is ideal.

Consider Peak vs. Off-Peak Dates

Your budget may guide you towards the right wedding date. Peak wedding season is typically between May and October, so prices are higher due to high demand. If you want to save money, choose a date in the off-season, where you are more likely to get discounted prices and a better selection of venues and vendors. January, March, April, and November tend to be better months for savings.

Holidays and Local Events

Consider if you want a holiday wedding. If you want a Christmas tree at your wedding or a heart-covered wedding cake, go for it! You can also celebrate your heritage, such as opting for March if you want to honour your Irish roots. However, if you have a larger guest list that includes more distant relatives and friends, it is best to avoid family-oriented holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, as guests often spend this time with their families. Also, be mindful of local events and major sporting events, graduations, festivals, etc. You don't want your wedding weekend to coincide with sold-out hotels, high airfares, and heavy traffic.

Lucky Wedding Dates

If you are a little superstitious or want to honour your cultural background, consider choosing a lucky date for your wedding. For example, in Jewish tradition, Tuesdays are considered a lucky day to wed, while in Chinese culture, the number eight is considered the luckiest number, representing wealth.

Frequently asked questions