Franklin Dean
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many people's wedding plans, with couples forced to make difficult decisions about whether to cancel, postpone, or downsize their weddings. While some have chosen to cancel their weddings to avoid financial losses, others have opted for more intimate ceremonies or postponed their celebrations to a later date. Travel restrictions and social distancing measures have also impacted guest lists, with many guests unable or unwilling to travel. These challenges have led to emotional turmoil and stress for couples, who have had to navigate uncertain times and make tough choices about their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of wedding | If before Summer 2021, consider postponing or having an online wedding. If after Summer 2021, you can likely keep the event as planned. |
| Location | If your wedding venue is closed, consider a more intimate location or having the wedding outdoors. |
| Guests | Expect that not all guests will be able to attend due to travel policies and health concerns. Consider limiting plus ones and children. |
| Vendors | Contact your vendors to understand their rescheduling policies and cancellation costs. Be aware that you may not get your money back. |
| Honeymoon | Consider cancelling flights and hotel bookings. Check if your trip insurance covers delaying your honeymoon. |
| Safety measures | Follow CDC guidelines for public gatherings. This includes social distancing, seating arrangements, and cleaning procedures. |
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What You'll Learn
Travel restrictions and the risk of infection
If your wedding involves guests travelling from other places, there is a risk of infection during their journey. In many places, people are unable or unwilling to travel due to the risk of contracting the virus. Travel restrictions may also prevent your guests from attending, especially if they are travelling from or through areas with high infection rates or strict quarantine requirements. It's important to communicate with your guests to understand their comfort level with travelling and assess the potential impact on their attendance.
To mitigate the risk of infection, you may consider rescheduling your wedding to a later date. This can be challenging due to the uncertainty of the pandemic's duration, and you will need to consider the availability of your vendors and the financial implications of postponing. Alternatively, you may choose to downsize your wedding and opt for an intimate ceremony, potentially utilising outdoor spaces to facilitate social distancing. If you decide to postpone or cancel, be sure to communicate with your vendors in writing to clarify billing and contractual obligations.
If you choose to proceed with your wedding, it's essential to follow public health guidelines. This may include physical distancing measures, such as special seating arrangements, and the avoidance of physical contact like hugging and handshaking. Additionally, consider enhancing cleaning and disinfection procedures before and during the event to minimise the risk of infection.
Ultimately, the decision to proceed with your wedding during this challenging time depends on various factors, including travel restrictions, the risk of infection, and the comfort level of you and your guests. It's important to stay informed about the evolving situation and make decisions that prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved.
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Cancelling vs postponing
Cancelling a wedding can be very expensive, so it is worth exploring rescheduling options with vendors. If you decide to cancel, you may lose most of the money you have already paid, and you may have to forfeit your deposit. It is important to check the contract terms with each vendor to understand their policies on cancellations and refunds.
Postponing a wedding can be a complex process, especially as it is difficult to know when the coronavirus outbreak will end. It requires careful consideration of the availability of all your wedding vendors, and you may need to be flexible with your new desired date. When postponing, it is a good idea to communicate with vendors in writing to ensure that they do not bill you for more than you have already paid. It is also worth noting that vendors are more likely to be accommodating if you give them more notice.
If you are getting married after the summer of 2021, you may be able to keep your event as planned. However, if your wedding is before the summer of 2021, you may need to consider downsizing your guest list, with a focus on immediate family and important individuals. You could also consider an outdoor ceremony, special seating arrangements, and maintaining good cleaning procedures. Alternatively, you could have an online wedding or postpone the reception until a later date.
If you decide to go ahead with your wedding, it is likely that not all of your invited guests will be able to attend due to travel policies and restrictions on large gatherings. It is worth noting that the situation with coronavirus is ever-changing, and it is impossible to predict how long social distancing and restrictions on large gatherings will continue.
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Rescheduling and refunds
If you're worried about the coronavirus pandemic affecting your wedding, you may have to consider rescheduling or postponement. This is a difficult decision, and it's important to remember that there is no clear answer about what is the best course of action.
Firstly, it's worth noting that many couples have chosen to keep their original wedding date, but have significantly downsized the event. This means only immediate family and important individuals are invited. This can also be a good way to save money. If you do decide to go ahead with a smaller wedding, you could consider an outdoor ceremony, and special seating arrangements to allow for social distancing. It is also important to follow CDC guidelines, which may include extra space between chairs, and no hugging, kissing, handshaking, or dancing. You may also need to reconsider a buffet-style dinner.
If you would prefer to postpone your wedding, you should start by asking your vendors about their rescheduling policies. It is also important to be mindful that many vendors are small businesses, and your cancellation could be financially devastating for them. If you cancel, you may not get your money back, and the closer you are to your wedding date, the less likely it is that you will receive a refund. If you do cancel, you should notify your vendors in writing to ensure they do not bill you for more than you have already paid.
If you decide to postpone, you should ask your vendors about their availability on potential new dates. You should also check your insurance policies, as you may be covered for postponement or cancellation. It is also worth noting that if you postpone, rather than cancel, your vendors will likely carry over their existing contract provisions to the new date.
If your wedding is after the summer, you may be able to keep your event as planned. However, if it is before the summer, you should consider having an online wedding, or a small ceremony with a larger reception at a later date.
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Intimate weddings and outdoor ceremonies
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many couples to postpone or cancel their weddings. However, some couples have chosen to go ahead with intimate weddings and outdoor ceremonies, adapting to the new normal and ensuring safety precautions are in place.
For those considering an intimate wedding, it is important to prioritize what is truly important and focus on the significance of the occasion. This may mean scaling down the guest list, opting for a small gathering of immediate family and close friends. Couples may also choose to proceed with the ceremony at a church or their own backyard, followed by a reception in the backyard of their family home. This allows for a more personalized and cost-effective celebration.
When it comes to outdoor ceremonies, there are several advantages in terms of safety during the pandemic. Gathering outdoors is generally safer than gathering indoors, as it allows for better ventilation and more space for social distancing. Couples can consider hosting their ceremony in their backyard or patio, utilizing the outdoor space for the celebration. It is important to choose a suitable date, avoiding extreme temperatures, and taking into account potential weather conditions that may impact the event.
To ensure the safety of guests, simple precautions can be taken, such as encouraging guests to wear masks, particularly in crowded areas or indoors. Additionally, couples may request that guests provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result prior to the event. It is also essential to follow local health guidelines and restrictions, which may include limiting the number of guests, setting up hand-washing stations, disinfecting surfaces, and ensuring social distancing during the ceremony and reception.
While the pandemic has presented challenges for the wedding industry, many businesses have adapted to cater to intimate weddings and outdoor ceremonies. Couples can work with vendors and wedding planners to navigate the restrictions and create a safe and memorable celebration.
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Grief and self-care
Planning a wedding can be challenging, and the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer of complexity and uncertainty for couples. The stress and grief associated with changing wedding plans can be overwhelming, so it is essential to prioritise self-care during this time. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate the challenges and take care of yourself:
Acknowledge your grief and emotions: It is normal to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, disappointment, anger, and fear, when facing wedding postponement or cancellation. Allow yourself to feel these emotions and recognise that your feelings are valid. Give yourself permission to grieve the loss of your original wedding plans and the life milestones you expected to celebrate.
Practice self-care and self-compassion: Prioritise self-care activities that help you relax and maintain your physical and mental well-being. This may include engaging in activities you enjoy, such as exercising, meditating, journaling, or connecting with nature. Practicing self-compassion is crucial during this time. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, and remember that it is okay to not be okay all the time.
Seek social support: Lean on your support system, including your partner, family, and friends. Share your feelings and concerns with them and ask for help if needed. Consider joining online support groups or communities specifically for couples navigating wedding postponements or cancellations due to COVID-19. Connecting with others who understand your situation can provide valuable support and a sense of community.
Stay informed and be flexible: Keep yourself updated on the latest guidelines and restrictions regarding gatherings and travel. This will help you make informed decisions about your wedding plans. Be prepared to adapt and consider alternative options, such as downsizing the guest list, opting for an outdoor ceremony, or rescheduling to a later date when restrictions are more relaxed.
Practice good sleep hygiene: Stress and uncertainty can disrupt your sleep patterns. Establish a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and improves your sleep quality. Limit screen time before bed, avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime, and create a comfortable and technology-free bedroom environment.
Engage in stress management techniques: Explore stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help you cope with the anxiety and stress associated with changing wedding plans. These practices can help you stay grounded and improve your overall sense of calm and well-being.
Remember, it is perfectly normal to experience grief and a range of emotions during this time. Prioritising self-care and seeking support will help you navigate the challenges and uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Frequently asked questions
If your wedding is before the summer of 2021, you may want to consider postponing. If your wedding is after the summer of 2021, you can likely keep the event as planned.
Downsizing your guest list to immediate family and important individuals is a good idea. You could also consider an outdoor ceremony and special seating arrangements to accommodate social distancing. Maintaining good cleaning procedures is also essential.
First, ask each vendor about their rescheduling policies. Cancelling can be expensive, so explore rescheduling options with vendors. If you do have to cancel, be aware that most vendors will not refund your money.
Cancelling your wedding date may be the only option depending on your location and current situation. If you cancel, be aware that most of the money you've already paid will not be returned.
Travelling is risky right now. If you travel, you are exposing yourselves to the virus. Ask yourself: if you do carry the virus, will you come home to family members over 50?
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