Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding whether to cancel or postpone the event. There are many factors to consider, such as the venue, guest availability, and travel plans. It is important to keep your loved ones' safety in mind and involve them in the decision-making process. If you decide to postpone, you should inform your guests as soon as possible and consider the availability of your venue and vendors for the new date. Alternatively, if you choose to cancel, you can send out cards or invitations to inform your guests and consider eloping or having a small wedding. Ultimately, the decision to cancel or postpone a July wedding depends on various factors and personal preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding location | Rochester, New York |
| Wedding month | May, June, or July |
| CDC recommendation | Cancellation of weddings in the United States until mid-May |
| Venue availability | The venue may or may not accommodate the new date |
| Guest travel plans | Guests may need time to adjust their travel plans |
| Invitations | Send invitations at least three months in advance |
| RSVP deadline | Set the RSVP deadline for eight weeks before the wedding date |
| Sunset time | End of June and beginning of July have the latest sunset times |
| First look | Consider a first look to ensure portraits are completed before the ceremony |
| Ceremony time | 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM are popular ceremony times |
| Travel time | Account for twice the travel time between separate locations |
| Photography | Plan for 8-10 hours of photography coverage depending on the number of locations and guests |
| Costs | Consider the cost of deposits, DIY, and other expenses |
| Family dynamics | Evaluate family dynamics and their impact on the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Communicating wedding cancellations to guests
Planning a wedding is a meticulous process, and unforeseen circumstances can sometimes lead to cancellations. Communicating wedding cancellations to guests can be done in the following ways:
Be Prompt and Calm
It is important to notify guests about the cancellation as soon as possible. Communicating promptly will save you unnecessary stress and headaches. While it is normal to feel disappointed or frustrated, it is crucial to remain calm and professional when interacting with your guests. Address the situation directly and refrain from guilt-tripping or ignoring it.
Provide a Sincere Explanation
Be transparent and honest about the reasons for the cancellation. For example, you could say, "Change of plans - we cancelled our wedding." It is essential to respect your guests' decisions and understand that they may have valid reasons for not attending.
Adjust Your Wedding Plans
If the cancelled guest was supposed to have a specific role, such as being a bridesmaid or groomsman, make the necessary adjustments. This may include changing seating arrangements and catering numbers. Be flexible and adapt your plans to ensure your wedding day is still memorable for all involved.
Offer Alternative Ways to Participate
If guests are unable to attend due to financial constraints or other commitments, consider offering alternative ways for them to be involved. For instance, they could participate in the ceremony by doing a reading or helping with group photos. This way, they can still feel included and contribute to your special day.
Express Gratitude and Maintain Relationships
Even if your wedding plans change, remember to express gratitude to your guests for their understanding and support. Focus on maintaining positive relationships with your loved ones, as this is more important than any disappointment over the cancellation.
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Dealing with unsupportive family members
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when family members are involved. Some may give unsolicited opinions or pressure you to do things a certain way. It can be challenging to determine if you're dealing with normal wedding planning angst from family or if someone is being toxic. If you're facing unsupportive family members during your wedding planning, here are some ways to deal with them:
- Seek Professional Help: Consider reaching out to a professional counsellor or therapist during your wedding planning. They can provide you with valuable insights and skills to help you navigate toxic relationships or improve communication in strained relationships.
- Address the Issue Directly: Before assuming the worst, try addressing the abuse or behaviour directly with the family member(s) in question. Sometimes, people are unaware of the impact of their actions, and bringing it to their attention can lead to positive change.
- Set Firm Boundaries: If addressing the issue doesn't work, or if the family member becomes defensive or manipulative, it's time to set firmer boundaries. You don't have to engage with toxic individuals or tolerate abusive behaviour. Let them know that you won't tolerate being yelled at or treated with disrespect.
- Lean on Your Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who understand your situation and can provide unconditional love and understanding. They can be your safe space during this challenging time.
- Utilize Your Wedding Gang: Enlist the help of your wedding party, coordinator, or trusted friends to act as a buffer between you and the challenging family member(s) on your wedding day. They can distract or divert attention away from you to minimize any potential drama or negativity.
- Work with a Celebrant: A celebrant can be your biggest ally during wedding planning. They can support you in creating a personalized ceremony that fits your unique situation and can offer guidance in navigating tricky family dynamics.
- Stand Up for Yourself: Remember that your wedding is about you and your partner's happiness. You have the right to make decisions that you believe are best, regardless of others' opinions. Don't let unsupportive family members take away your agency or ruin your wedding plans.
- Consider a Private Elopement: If the situation becomes too challenging, some couples choose to elope privately and have a small, intimate ceremony. This can be an option if you feel unable to please everyone and want to focus on your happiness.
Remember, you don't have to include family members who cause you distress in your wedding planning or ceremony. While it can be difficult to deal with unsupportive family, focusing on your support system and taking proactive steps to manage the situation can help you create a memorable and joyful wedding experience.
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Postponing a wedding to a later date
If you're planning a wedding in July, you may be wondering if you need to postpone it. The answer depends on various factors, including the location of your wedding and the travel plans of your guests. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Discuss with your partner, family, and close friends:
Talk to your partner, family, and close friends about their comfort levels and the potential impact of COVID-19 on their ability to travel and attend your wedding safely. This discussion can help you gauge the situation and make a collective decision.
Assess the availability of your venue and accommodations:
When postponing a wedding, the first step is to determine if your venue and accommodations can accommodate a new date. Contact the venue and hotels to discuss alternative dates and their availability.
Reach out to your vendors:
Simultaneously, reach out to all your vendors, including caterers, photographers, and entertainment providers, to see if they can accommodate the new date. Chances are there may be changes, and you'll need to consider any extra fees associated with postponing.
Keep your guests informed:
If you decide to postpone, inform your guests as soon as possible. Sending an email or making phone calls can help you communicate the change of plans quickly. This is especially important if your guests have already made travel arrangements, as they will need time to adjust their plans accordingly.
Be mindful of the time frame:
Aim to make a decision and communicate it to your guests and vendors as early as possible. Sending invitations and requesting RSVPs at least three months in advance is generally recommended. This allows for an RSVP deadline of eight weeks before the wedding date, ensuring seamless planning and preparation.
Remember, the goal is to have all your loved ones safely celebrate this special day with you. Picking a new date that works for everyone involved will ensure a joyful and memorable celebration.
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Deciding between a big wedding and eloping
Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, especially when facing the possibility of having to cancel or postpone it. If you have a July wedding planned, you may be wondering whether to go ahead with a big wedding or elope. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
Big Wedding
If you decide to go ahead with a big wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the availability of your venue and the ability of your guests to attend are important factors. If you have guests travelling from out of town or even out of the country, you will need to give them enough time to adjust their plans. It is recommended that invitations are sent out three months in advance, with an RSVP deadline of eight weeks before the wedding date. This will allow you to get a sense of numbers and make any necessary adjustments to your plans.
Another thing to consider is the financial impact of a big wedding. These types of weddings can be expensive, and you may end up spending a lot of money on a single day. There may also be additional fees associated with postponing the wedding to a later date. It is important to carefully consider your budget and whether you are comfortable with the potential costs.
Eloping
On the other hand, eloping can be a more relaxing and stress-free option. It allows you to focus on each other without the pressure of planning a large event or pleasing others. Eloping can also be more financially prudent, as it avoids the high costs associated with traditional weddings. If you are trying to save for a down payment on a house or another significant expense, eloping may be a better choice.
However, one downside of eloping is the potential disappointment of family and friends who may have been looking forward to celebrating with you. It can be challenging to reconcile the feeling of missing out on a big wedding, especially if it was something your partner had their heart set on.
Ultimately, the decision to have a big wedding or elope is a personal one. It is important to consider your priorities, budget, and the potential impact on your guests. Remember, the most important thing is that you are happy and comfortable with your choice, as this day is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other.
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Wedding day timelines
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating a detailed wedding day timeline can help keep everything on track. Here is a comprehensive guide to creating a timeline for your special day:
Finalize the Timeline in Advance:
It is recommended to finalize your wedding day timeline about a month before the date. This gives you enough time to share the details with your vendors and make any necessary adjustments. Confirm the timing again about a week before the wedding to ensure everything is on track.
Determine the Ceremony Start Time:
The first step in creating your timeline is to determine the start time of the wedding ceremony. This is the time that will be listed on your wedding invitations and is crucial for your guests' arrival. Work backward from this time to plan the rest of your day.
Consider the Getting Ready Process:
For morning weddings, it is advisable to start the getting-ready process early. Consider getting ready at the venue to ease the morning rush. Include the arrival time of hair and makeup artists in your timeline to ensure everyone is ready on time.
Account for Travel Time:
If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, be sure to add travel time to your timeline. This accounts for the time it will take for you, your wedding party, and your guests to get to the reception venue. About 30 minutes of travel time is standard.
Plan for Vendor Arrivals:
Coordinate with your vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, and musicians, to determine their arrival times and set-up durations. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and avoids scheduling conflicts.
Break Down the Reception Timeline:
Receptions typically last four to five hours and include various elements such as cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, and dancing. Break down your reception timeline to ensure a smooth flow of events.
Share the Timeline with Key People:
Provide copies of your wedding day timeline to your wedding party, vendors, and any other key people involved. This helps everyone stay informed and allows for better coordination on the day.
Be Flexible and Prepared for Adjustments:
Remember that timelines may need to be adjusted on the day due to unforeseen circumstances. Be prepared to be flexible and make changes as needed to ensure your day runs smoothly.
Seek Professional Help:
Consider working with a professional wedding planner who can help you craft a timeline that fits your unique needs and vision. They have the expertise to guide you through the process and ensure a well-organized day.
By following these steps and creating a detailed wedding day timeline, you can rest assured that your July wedding will be a memorable and stress-free experience for both you and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where your wedding is taking place and whether your guests will need to travel. If your wedding is in an area with shelter-in-place orders, it's best to cancel or postpone it. Discuss the situation with your family and close friends, and consider their health and safety.
If you no longer want a big wedding, it's best to cancel it and elope or have a small wedding. This will also save you money, which can be used for a honeymoon or a down payment on a house.
Consider the venue, hotels, vendors, and any extra fees associated with postponing. If your guest list includes people who will be travelling, you'll need to give them enough time to adjust their plans.
It's recommended to send out invitations three months in advance and allow for an RSVP deadline of eight weeks before the wedding date. If you decide to cancel, the sooner you can inform your guests, the better.
You can send out a card or an email to inform your guests about the cancellation. You can also include a personal note or a story explaining the reason for the cancellation. Most people will understand and be supportive of your decision.
