Reschedule Your Wedding Date Due To Covid-19?

Planning a wedding is stressful enough without a global pandemic to deal with. If you're thinking about changing your wedding date due to COVID-19, you're not alone. Many couples have had to postpone their weddings, and it's completely natural to feel disappointed or upset about altering your original plans. However, it's important to stay calm and remember that your health and the health of your loved ones come first.

When deciding whether to change your wedding date, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest government guidelines and restrictions. These guidelines vary by location and can include limits on guest numbers, physical distancing requirements, and the need to record contact details of attendees. It's also essential to communicate any changes to your plans with your guests, vendors, and suppliers as soon as possible.

If you choose to postpone your wedding, you'll need to choose a new date and confirm the availability of your vendors. Review your contracts carefully, as each vendor will have different policies regarding postponement or cancellation. Some vendors may charge additional fees for changing dates, especially if the new date falls outside the original financial year. It's also a good idea to purchase wedding insurance or update your existing policy to cover your new date.

To make your decision easier, consider the following:

- The availability of your venue and vendors

- The comfort levels of your guests

- The impact on other wedding-related events

- Travel plans for your honeymoon

- The possibility of a micro wedding or elopement

- The option of livestreaming your wedding for guests who can't attend

Safety measures and precautions

If you're planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to take certain safety measures and precautions to protect your guests and comply with local regulations. Here are some detailed steps to help ensure the safety of your guests while still creating a memorable celebration:

• Consult with Your Venue: Choose an outdoor venue if possible, as it offers better ventilation and makes it easier to maintain social distancing. If you opt for an indoor venue, ensure it has adequate ventilation and creative layout options to space out your guests. Ask the venue about their safety measures and if they're up-to-date with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Minimize the Guest List: Reducing the number of guests is an effective way to lower the risk of transmission. Consider hosting a smaller-scale event or a microwedding, which still includes the elements of a traditional wedding but with a more intimate gathering.
• Layout and Seating Arrangements: Strategically arrange seating to maintain social distancing. Group together families from the same household and leave a safe distance between parties from different households. Use distance markers on the floor around areas like the bar or food service stations to prevent crowding.
• Clear Barriers: If spacing is a challenge, consider using clear acrylic barriers to separate guests. These barriers provide protection while still allowing for interaction and unobstructed views.
• Creative Catering: Opt for plated meals or, if you prefer a buffet, implement precautions such as socially distanced line markers, serving in shifts, and using sneeze guards. Encourage COVID-friendly options like canned signature cocktails, pre-plated hors d'oeuvres, and boxed cake slices. Food trucks are also a fun and safe choice for outdoor weddings.
• Hand Sanitizer and Masks: Provide hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue, especially at entrances, exits, and high-traffic areas. Encourage guests to sanitize frequently and consider supplying masks and hand sanitizer as wedding favors or in welcome baskets.
• Temperature Checks and Testing: Implement temperature checks upon guest arrival, and consider requiring a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination for all attendees.
• Signage and Communication: Use signage to remind guests of safety measures, such as directing foot traffic and mask requirements. Communicate safety protocols clearly to your guests through your wedding website, invitations, or email updates.
• Live Streaming: Offer a live stream of the ceremony for guests who cannot attend in person, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable. Include the livestream link on your wedding website along with any relevant instructions for virtual attendees.
• Entertainment and Activities: Encourage COVID-friendly entertainment options like lawn games or live performances. If you choose to have a dance floor, consider limiting alcohol consumption to prevent guests from getting too close or forgetting safety precautions.
• Social Distancing at Tables: Create a socially distanced table plan by using smaller tables and spacing them farther apart. Leave empty seats between guests to ensure adequate distance during mealtimes when face coverings are removed.
• Glass Markers: Use unique tags or markers on drinking vessels to prevent accidental sharing and reduce the risk of viral transmission.
• Shorten the Celebration: Longer celebrations pose higher risks. Consider shortening the reception by following the ceremony with a sit-down meal and skipping the dancing portion of the evening.

Remember, even with these precautions in place, there is still a chance that COVID-19 could impact your wedding. It's important to stay informed about local guidelines and regulations and be prepared to adjust your plans if needed.

Dealing with disappointment

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, or frustration. It's normal and healthy to experience these emotions when facing disappointment. Give yourself time to reflect on what went wrong and grieve the loss of your original wedding plans. Understand that it's okay to feel upset or disheartened about changing your wedding date, especially if it held special meaning for you.

Be Kind to Yourself

Take care of your mind and body. Engage in self-care activities such as exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep. Surround yourself with positive people who can provide emotional support and validate your feelings. Connect with family and friends, and seek help from a trusted confidant or a mental health professional if needed.

Adjust Your Expectations

Recognize that things didn't turn out as expected, and consider adjusting your expectations to reduce feelings of disappointment. Reflect on what you can learn from this situation and set new goals. Think about the aspects of your wedding that you can still control and focus on making those aspects meaningful.

Focus on the Positive

While it's important to process your negative emotions, try not to dwell on them for too long. Engage in activities that release 'happy' endorphins, such as exercising, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or accomplishing achievable tasks that make you feel proud. Practice positive self-talk, journaling, or daily affirmations to maintain a positive mindset.

Take Care of Your Physical Health

Prioritize your physical health, especially during stressful times. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting sufficient sleep will help reduce feelings of stress and improve your overall well-being. A healthy body can contribute to a healthier mind, making it easier to cope with disappointment.

Learn from the Experience

View this situation as an opportunity for growth and learning. Reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement. Develop specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) goals to move forward. Remember that setbacks are a normal part of life, and many successful people have experienced failures before ultimately achieving their goals.

Remember that you are not alone in dealing with wedding-related disappointments due to COVID-19. Many couples have faced similar challenges, and by following these strategies, you can navigate this difficult time and look forward to celebrating your special day when the time is right.

Choosing a new date

If you're going to change or postpone your wedding plans, it's best to do it 60 days before the original date. This gives your guests time to change their plans, and you might avoid some vendor payments. It's important to be on the same page as a couple and communicate with your guests and vendors.

• Get in touch with your vendors as soon as possible. If your heart is set on a certain month or season, you may need to be flexible about the day of the week. Keep in mind that your date change may impact the seasonality of florals and foods available.
• Check in with your wedding party once you have available dates from your vendors and you know of any colour or theme changes.
• Be mindful that your guests may have different levels of comfort during this time. If guests cancel, remember not to take it personally.
• Once you've decided on a new date, send your guests Change the Date cards or use social media, text, or email to let them know. You can also set up a wedding website to provide updates to guests as they happen.
• If you need to postpone your wedding date, review your contracts with vendors. Each vendor will have different stipulations about postponing or cancelling. Your venue, for example, is likely to have a rescheduling clause that will help you avoid the costs of cancelling.
• Keep in mind that wedding vendors are small businesses and have been impacted by COVID-19, too. Many vendors are offering flexibility and credits for a transferred date or towards other services.
• If you're postponing, ask your vendors about alternative dates, cut-off dates, reduced headcount policies, and the indemnity clause.

Communicating changes to guests

Communicating changes to your wedding guests due to COVID-19 can be a tricky task. Here are some tips to help you navigate this challenging situation:

Be Proactive and Timely

It is essential to inform your guests about any changes as soon as possible. Some guests may have already made travel and accommodation arrangements, so sharing the updated information promptly allows them to adjust their plans accordingly. Keeping guests informed early and often is a good rule of thumb to ensure they are always up-to-date.

Utilise Various Communication Channels

Use a combination of communication channels to ensure that every guest receives the information in a timely manner. This can include phone calls, text messages, emails, and updates on your wedding website. For older guests or those who are less tech-savvy, consider assigning a family member or friend to personally reach out and explain the changes.

Provide Clear and Concise Information

When communicating changes, be sure to include all the relevant details, such as the new date, time, and location. It is also helpful to include FAQ sections on your wedding website or in your communications to address common questions and concerns your guests may have. Be transparent about the reasons for the changes, whether it is due to government restrictions, venue limitations, or safety precautions.

Show Empathy and Understanding

Remember that your guests may have different comfort levels and opinions regarding COVID-19. Be empathetic and respectful in your communications. If you need to uninvite guests or reduce the guest list, do so tastefully and gracefully. Let guests know that you understand their concerns and that their health and safety are your top priority.

Keep Key Stakeholders Informed

Before communicating with your guests, ensure that you and your partner are on the same page and present a united front. It is also wise to speak with your close family members, wedding party, and vendors first to inform them of the changes and ensure their availability for the new plans.

Use Appropriate Wording

When alerting guests about changes, choose your words carefully. Here are some examples of wording you can use:

• "Due to the current health emergency, we have decided to postpone our wedding. A new wedding date will be announced as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
• "We regret to inform you that our wedding will not take place as scheduled due to the COVID-19 health emergency. Please save the new date: [new date]."
• "We've decided to switch to a virtual wedding for everyone's health and safety. We look forward to hosting you virtually for our live-streamed event. Please check our wedding website for instructions on how to join."
• "For the health and safety of our loved ones, we have decided to cancel our original wedding plans and have an intimate ceremony with a small group. We hope you understand our decision, and we look forward to celebrating with you in the future when it is safe."

Remember, it is essential to personalise the messages to match your tone and style, and always show gratitude towards your guests for their understanding and support.

Contracts and vendors

If you have wedding insurance, your policy may protect you in the event you have to cancel or postpone your event and incur charges or penalties. It is highly recommended to look over the details of your policy and reach out to your representative to confirm what and how much will be reimbursed before contacting your vendors. If you don't have wedding insurance, it might be too late to get it now.

Review your contracts in detail. Most vendors are still abiding by cancellation and postponement agreements included in the contract. However, some have a force majeure clause that covers both parties in the event that services or goods cannot be provided due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your vendors and discuss the matter at hand. It is better to postpone than to cancel, as you are less likely to incur any penalties.

If you have wedding insurance, most if not all of your money will be refunded if a vendor goes out of business. If you do not have insurance, be proactive by reviewing your contract for reparations language in the event of bankruptcy/close of business. Discuss your concerns with the vendor and confirm any arrangements or substitutions in writing. Try to make payments with a credit card as you can usually dispute a charge where services have not been delivered.

If you have already booked vendors for your wedding, they will likely be more accommodating if you need to reschedule due to COVID-19. However, if you are now booking vendors for a future wedding, they may be less flexible with the dates or charge a rescheduling fee.

Postponing your wedding is a better option than cancelling it. Cancelling it will have a hugely negative financial impact on both you and your wedding vendors. If you can, try to work with your vendors to find a suitable date. Look at days other than Saturdays if you want to get married soon, as vendors will have more non-weekend availability.

If you are getting married in the coming weeks or months, you may have to put your wedding plans on hold or go ahead with a smaller wedding. If you are getting married before July, consider downsizing your wedding to 10 or 20 guests or postponing. If your wedding is in July, be cautious about planning with 100 guests, as there is no certainty that restrictions will be lifted by then. If your wedding is from August to October, go ahead with planning but be cautious about your plans and guest list, and keep an eye on the latest updates to make a decision closer to the date.

If you are now looking at prime 2021 or 2022 wedding dates, it is recommended to sign agreements as soon as you make a decision on your venue and vendors. With so many couples rescheduling their weddings, this will limit the pool of vendors available for your day more quickly than normal.

Frequently asked questions