Wedding Cancellation: Coronavirus Chaos

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the wedding plans of many couples, resulting in cancellations, postponements, and financial losses. In the face of strict government measures and health risks, couples have had to make difficult decisions, weighing the joy of their special day against the safety of their loved ones.

The emotional and financial toll of wedding cancellations cannot be understated. For many, their wedding day is a carefully curated project, infused with personal touches that represent the couple's love and commitment. The disappointment and heartache of postponing or cancelling are often compounded by the practical challenges of notifying guests, rearranging plans, and managing lost deposits or non-refundable payments to venues and suppliers.

While some couples opt to downsize or host virtual weddings, others grapple with the challenge of recouping expenses, as venues and suppliers may refuse refunds due to contractual obligations and their own financial struggles.

Despite the uncertainty and heartache, many couples remain resilient and positive, focusing on their love and commitment as they navigate this difficult time.

Emotional impact on couples

The emotional impact of a wedding cancellation or postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic can be significant for couples. For many, their wedding day is a highly anticipated event that holds a lot of personal meaning and significance. Having to cancel or postpone it can evoke a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to a sense of loss and disappointment.

One bride-to-be, Becky Sutton, shared her experience of having to postpone her wedding. She described the heartache, anger, and frustration she felt, especially since her hen and stag dos had already taken place, and all the preparations were in place. She expressed the sentiment that "your wedding day becomes your project," into which couples inject their personalities and aspirations. The prospect of having to postpone or cancel such a deeply personal event can be incredibly challenging and emotionally draining.

The financial implications of wedding cancellations can also take a toll on couples. With deposits and payments already made, the prospect of losing money or being unable to recoup expenses can cause significant stress and worry. This is further exacerbated when venues or vendors refuse to provide refunds, as was the case for several couples who shared their stories. The financial burden, coupled with the emotional disappointment, can be overwhelming.

In addition to the immediate impact, there is also the uncertainty of the future. Couples may worry about when they will be able to reschedule, if at all. The prospect of an indefinite wait can be distressing, especially if there is a desire to start a life together and build a future as a married couple. The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the pandemic and the lifting of restrictions adds to the emotional strain, making it challenging to plan and look forward to the big day.

Despite the challenges, some couples have found ways to remain positive. Rachel Newton, a sales executive at a wedding venue, encourages couples to view the situation as a postponement rather than a cancellation. She reminds them that they will still marry the love of their lives, even if it takes a little longer. She also suggests finding positives in the extra time for additional planning or integrating new ideas into the wedding.

For some couples, the process of dealing with a postponed wedding has strengthened their relationship. Becky Sutton shared that the experience of postponing her wedding confirmed how much she and her partner loved each other. She emphasized that their love was the most important aspect, and the celebration with friends and family would be a joyous occasion whenever it happened.

Financial losses for vendors

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the wedding industry, with many couples forced to cancel or postpone their big day. This has resulted in significant financial losses for vendors, who have already invested time and resources into planning these events.

When a wedding is cancelled, vendors often face a loss of income as deposits and payments made in advance are typically non-refundable. In some cases, couples may be able to postpone their wedding to a later date, but this often incurs additional costs for the vendors, who have to rearrange their schedules and honour new contracts. For small businesses, the loss of revenue from cancelled weddings can be particularly damaging, as they may rely on a limited number of events to cover their expenses and stay afloat.

Furthermore, the costs of perishable goods such as flowers and food, which have already been purchased for the event, cannot be recovered. Vendors may also have incurred other expenses, such as travel costs, which are usually covered by the couple. In certain cases, vendors have offered alternative arrangements, such as smaller weddings or virtual ceremonies, but these options may not be feasible or desirable for the couple.

To protect themselves financially, some vendors include "no refund" clauses in their contracts, which allow them to retain deposits or charge additional fees for postponement. However, this has led to disputes and legal complaints from couples who feel they are entitled to a full refund due to the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic.

The financial impact of wedding cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant for vendors, resulting in lost income, additional costs, and complex legal issues. While some vendors have shown flexibility, others have struggled to remain afloat, highlighting the challenges faced by the wedding industry during this unprecedented time.

Guest safety concerns

Guest safety is paramount when planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some measures to ensure the safety of your guests:

Encourage Mask-wearing

It is important to encourage your guests to wear masks during the wedding, except when eating. You can also provide masks for guests who forget to bring their own. This simple measure can go a long way in protecting your guests from potential virus transmission.

Provide Hand Sanitizer

Make hand sanitizer readily available throughout the venue, especially at entry and exit points. Encourage guests to use it frequently and consider including signage to stress the importance of good hand hygiene. This will help reduce the risk of virus transmission through touch.

Ensure Proper Seating Arrangements

Arrange seating to allow for social distancing. Place markings on the floor to guide guests and encourage them to maintain a safe distance, especially around high-traffic areas like entrances, exits, toilets, and bars. For sit-down meals, use only every second seat to create distance between guests from different households.

Limit Dance Floor Capacity

Dancing can be a potential superspreader activity due to close contact and increased respiratory activity. Consider limiting or restricting access to the dance floor. Instead of the traditional open dance floor, you may opt for a first dance for the couple and reserved dances for close family members only.

Discourage Close Greetings

While your guests will be happy to see each other, it is important to discourage hugs, kisses, and handshakes. Encourage guests to find creative ways to greet each other, such as air hugs, elbow bumps, or foot shakes. This will help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus through close contact.

Temperature Checks

Although not a foolproof method, taking guests' temperatures upon arrival can provide an extra layer of precaution. However, it should not replace other safety protocols such as mask-wearing and social distancing.

COVID Testing and Vaccination Requirements

Consider requiring guests to provide negative COVID test results or proof of vaccination before attending the wedding. This can be communicated through your wedding website and email updates. While this may not be feasible or preferred by all couples, it can provide an additional layer of safety for your guests.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can lead to lowered inhibitions and potentially riskier behaviour. Consider limiting the amount of alcohol served or opting for a limited number of classy cocktails per guest. A shorter celebration can also help reduce the likelihood of impaired decision-making.

Encourage Social Distancing

In your invitations or wedding website, include a brief list of rules for guests, such as maintaining a safe social distance of 1.5 meters, regular use of hand sanitizer, and staying home if they feel unwell. Encourage guests to follow these guidelines throughout the event to minimize the risk of virus transmission.

Insurance and refunds

If your wedding is fast approaching and you're concerned about the impact of COVID-19, the first thing you should do is check your insurance policy. While wedding insurance typically covers problems with vendors, sickness or injury, personal liability, extreme weather, photography and videography, lost or stolen gifts, and damage to the dress or wedding attire, it is unlikely to cover a global pandemic. However, every policy is different, so review your specific policy carefully.

If you don't have wedding insurance, consider getting it for your new date. Jove Meyer, a wedding planner, advises that "all couples should have insurance."

When it comes to refunds, the situation can be complex. Some venues and vendors might be flexible and offer full or partial refunds, especially if they are unable to provide the services outlined in the contract due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, it's important to carefully review your contracts as some might include "no refund" or force majeure clauses that release the vendor from their obligations in unforeseen circumstances.

If you are unable to get a refund, try to negotiate alternative arrangements. Some venues might offer to honour your original contract by providing a different type of event, such as a small, socially-distanced wedding, a virtual wedding, or a weekday wedding. While this may not be what you originally planned, it could be a way to minimise financial losses.

It's important to approach these situations with kindness and understanding. Remember that vendors and venues are also navigating the financial challenges of the pandemic, and they may be willing to work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.

Finally, if you are unable to resolve the issue directly with the vendor or venue, you may need to seek legal advice or file a complaint with the appropriate authorities. In some cases, you may be entitled to a full refund if the vendor is unable to lawfully carry out the contract due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Postponement or cancellation

If your wedding is fast approaching, it's important to remember that it's unlikely to be the day you dreamed of due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This is an unprecedented situation, and it's completely normal to feel upset, frustrated, or even heartbroken about postponing or cancelling your wedding.

The first thing you should do is contact your venue and suppliers. Many venues and suppliers are being flexible during this time, so it's worth discussing alternative arrangements with them. They may be able to offer you a new date or provide a refund, although some couples have experienced difficulties obtaining refunds from venues. It's important to carefully review your contracts and be aware of any cancellation policies or "no refund" clauses.

Next, you should inform your guests as soon as possible, especially if they have already made travel arrangements or taken time off work. It's completely understandable to feel disappointed if guests are unable to attend the new date, but there are still ways to involve them, such as live-streaming the ceremony or sharing a quick edit of the video.

If you have wedding insurance, carefully review your policy. While it's unlikely that your insurance will cover the costs of postponement or cancellation due to the global pandemic, it's still worth checking to see what your policy includes.

Finally, remember to keep calm and focus on the positive. This is a challenging time, but it's important to remember that you will still be able to marry the love of your life, even if it's a little later than you originally planned. Use this extra time to perfect your wedding day and try to find the silver lining in the situation.

Frequently asked questions