Rescheduling Your Wedding: A Guide To Changing Dates

Changing your wedding date can be stressful, but it could also be a blessing in disguise. It's important to let your guests know about the change as soon as possible, even if you haven't decided on a new date yet. You can send a quick email or text to your guests, or mail a physical card. If you've already sent out invitations, consider handling things virtually to avoid reprinting costs. It's also a good idea to update your wedding website to keep guests informed. Remember to be patient and flexible when dealing with venues and vendors, as they may be more willing to negotiate or offer a discounted price.

Inform your guests about the change of plans as soon as possible

Informing your guests about the change of plans as soon as possible is crucial. Wedding guests will want to know as soon as a date change is confirmed, especially if they have already made travel plans and reservations.

There are several ways to go about sharing the news of a date change. One option is to send a "change the date" card, which is a more formal way to extend an invitation and share updated information. This option allows for a cheerful and creative approach to the announcement, brightening the day of your guests. Many retailers offer discounts on these types of cards, especially for couples whose weddings have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another option is to send a quick email or text to your guests, sharing the updated information as soon as it is confirmed. This method is more budget-friendly and efficient, and it can still include a nice personal note from you, your partner, and/or your family. It is also a good idea to update your wedding website with the new details to keep your guests informed during the interim.

If you have already sent out invitations, consider handling the change virtually to avoid the cost of reprinting and remailing. Online RSVPs and email responses are a more cost-effective option, although they may not be ideal for guests who are less tech-savvy.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to be sympathetic to the unique circumstances of your guests and understand that some may not feel comfortable attending large gatherings right away.

Contact your vendors to discuss deposits and new dates

Contacting your vendors is a crucial step in the process of changing your wedding date. Here are some steps to help you navigate these discussions effectively:

Be Proactive and Communicate Early

It is important to reach out to your vendors as soon as possible after deciding to change your wedding date. This includes your venue, caterer, band or DJ, florist, and any other suppliers involved. They will be key partners in helping you navigate the logistics of rescheduling. Remember that they are often business owners too, so a postponement will impact them as well. Be polite, professional, and understanding as you explain your situation and request their guidance.

Review Contracts and Discuss Options

Before initiating discussions, carefully review your contracts with each vendor. Chances are you have put down non-refundable deposits, and understanding the terms of these agreements is essential. During your conversations, be transparent about your circumstances and ask about their availability for potential new dates. If they are open to negotiating a new date, make sure to get any agreements confirmed in writing, outlining how the changes impact your previous arrangements.

Prepare for Additional Costs

Changing your wedding date may result in additional fees or charges. Vendors have likely invested time and resources into planning for your original date, and a new date may require adjustments to their services. Be prepared for the possibility of losing deposits if vendors are unavailable on your new date. It is also worth noting that changing to a different season or day of the week could affect the overall cost of their services.

Be Patient, Pleasant, and Flexible

When dealing with vendors, especially venues, it is crucial to remain patient and pleasant. The easier you are to work with, the more likely they will be willing to accommodate your requests and offer flexibility. If your desired new date is unavailable, consider alternative dates and work collaboratively to find a solution that satisfies all parties.

Announce the Date Change

Once you have confirmed a new date with your vendors, it is time to announce the change to your guests. This can be done through email, text, or physical change-of-date cards. Be sure to include a personal note expressing your excitement for the new date and wishing your guests well. Update your wedding website as well, providing guests with a central source of information as you confirm more details.

Remember, your vendors are partners in this process, and open communication is key to successfully navigating any changes to your wedding date.

Send out change the date cards to guests

Sending out "Change the Date" cards is a polite way to inform your guests that you care about their calendar while reminding them that you want your wedding to be a priority. It is also a great way to buy some extra time while you finalise the new date.

If you have already sent out your invitations or save-the-dates, it's important to get the word out of the date change to your guests as soon as possible. Even if you don't know the new date, let your guests know that a change is coming and that they should begin to cancel any plans or reservations they have already made.

There are many ways to send out change-of-date announcements. You could send a quick email or text to your guests, or even give them a call. If you want to go the extra mile, you could mail your guests a physical card. While it might be tempting to send this information electronically, experts suggest going the formal stationery route with a change-the-date card. This is still the proper way to extend an invitation to your guests, and sending a physical card is a nice touch. Many retailers are offering couples whose weddings were affected by the coronavirus pandemic discounts or other specials to help offset the cost of purchasing an additional set of cards.

If you have already sent out your original invitations, chances are you may have started collecting RSVPs. If you're sending out change-the-dates, you will most certainly need to request guests to RSVP again. Not only may some guests not be able to make the new date, but others may not feel comfortable attending large gatherings due to the coronavirus. Consider giving your guests the same amount of time to respond to the RSVP, or ideally, even longer, due to the ever-changing climate we live in.

If you don't want to send a physical card, there are other ways to announce your change of date. You could update your wedding website so that guests can stay as informed as possible. You could also send out a fun video to your wedding guests from your house, letting them know that you can't wait to celebrate with them when you find a new date.

Update your wedding website with new details

Your wedding website is a crucial tool for sharing details and updates about your wedding with your guests. It's a central hub where guests can find all the information they need, so it's important to keep it up-to-date, especially if your wedding date or other details change. Here are some tips for updating your wedding website with new details:

• Share the new date and any other changes: Update the wedding date, time, and location on your website as soon as the new details are confirmed. Be sure to include any other relevant information, such as changes to the itinerary, travel arrangements, accommodations, dress code, etc.
• Communicate with your guests: Use your website to keep guests informed about the changes. You can post announcements, updates, and reminders, and even include a personal message to your guests.
• Enable notifications: If your website platform offers this feature, enable notifications to quickly inform guests about last-minute changes or updates.
• Request RSVPs: If you've already sent out invitations, you'll need to request RSVPs again, as some guests may not be able to make the new date. Give your guests enough time to respond and consider extending the RSVP deadline due to the changing circumstances.
• Keep it mobile-friendly: Ensure that your wedding website is easy to access and navigate on mobile devices, as guests will likely be checking for updates on the go.
• Update your registry: If your wedding registry details have changed, be sure to update this information on your website.
• Add a personal touch: Include a welcome message, your love story, wedding party bios, engagement photos, and any other personal touches that reflect your style and story as a couple.
• Provide clear and concise information: Organise the information on your website into easily identifiable sections. Break down details into bite-sized sections to avoid overwhelming your guests with too much text.
• Keep it private: Consider password-protecting your site to ensure that only invited guests have access to the details.

Remember, your wedding website is a dynamic tool that you can update throughout the planning process. It's a great way to keep your guests informed and excited about your special day, even if plans change.

Request guests to RSVP again

Requesting your guests to RSVP again is an important step when changing your wedding date. Here are some tips to consider:

Timing is Key

It is important to inform your guests about the change in plans as soon as possible. This is especially crucial for guests who are planning their travel, as they will need to adjust their bookings accordingly. Even if you haven't finalised a new date, it is advisable to let your guests know that a change is coming and that they should begin to cancel any plans or reservations they have already made. This will give them ample time to adjust their schedules and make necessary arrangements for the new date.

Provide a Recount

If you have already sent out invitations and started collecting RSVPs, you will need to request another round of RSVPs after announcing the new date. This is because some guests may not be able to make the updated date, and others may not feel comfortable attending large gatherings due to health concerns. It is recommended to give your guests the same amount of time to respond to the new RSVP, or even longer, considering the ever-changing circumstances.

Update Your Wedding Website

In the meantime, while your change-the-date announcements are on their way, update your wedding website to keep your guests informed. Encourage your guests to check the website regularly for updates and new information regarding dates, times, potential location changes, and accommodation availability. This will ensure that your guests have access to the most up-to-date information and can plan their attendance accordingly.

Consider a Digital Approach

Although sending physical change-the-date cards is considered more formal and traditional, you may also consider using digital communication methods such as email, WhatsApp, or text messages to inform your guests about the new date. This can be a more budget-friendly and eco-friendly option, especially if you are working with limited time and resources. However, be mindful of guests who may not regularly check digital communication platforms and consider giving them a call or text directly.

Keep it Positive

When requesting your guests to RSVP again, remember to maintain a positive and cheerful tone. This can be a challenging time, but your guests will appreciate your enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming celebration. You can include a nice personal note from you, your partner, and/or your family, wishing your guests well and expressing your eagerness to celebrate with them.

Frequently asked questions