Covid-19 has forced events, fayres and weddings to be postponed. Businesses and shops closed to enforce social distancing, numerous safety measures introduced to avoid spreading the virus. The knock on effect, with great speed has stunned everyone. Right now there is, a whole new world for all of us.
On the upside – this effect – has actually prompted couples to innovate! Now, we’ve seen couples planning to marry in Las Vegas, ditch their own plans and simply marry in their living room. In Spain a couple got married on their balcony! Others have had a more intimate wedding, just the two of them, connecting family members through video calls, postponing their big day but promising a renewing of vows next year with a big party.
Understandably these limited options are just what they are – limited. So, to put it simply for you and on a positive, with all this uncertainty in the air we want to offer some thoughts and advice to brides and grooms everywhere who are engaged and hoping to get married.
Postpone don’t cancel. – THIS IS IMPORTANT!
Firstly, if your wedding is due to take place in the next 12 weeks you should be looking at the option to postpone. The lockdown in China has lasted around three months so the UK may be a similar time frame, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
In some ways, with the lockdown on industry and business you are being forced to postpone – and that is right. Hang onto the word postpone. Do not CANCEL! When business is back to usual, which it will be - your wedding IS going to happen!
Canceling may come with some risk. Businesses may be forced to stick to agreed cancellation terms and conditions, which may leave couples out of pocket. Remember you want your wedding to happen and - Your wedding will happen, it will be the most incredible day of your lives the only change that needs to happen is the date!
Communicate with your wedding venue & suppliers. Don’t panic!
When postponing, wedding suppliers and venues will want to be flexible. They’re ready to work with you to reschedule your wedding. Most are even working outside their usual terms and conditions to offer you a date change with little or even no transfer fee. This will vary from supplier to supplier so look over your contracts and speak to them.
Don’t put off potentially difficult conversations. If a wedding is going to be rescheduled, you might run the risk of losing your deposit especially if you fail to have that conversation. Putting off that talk isn’t going to change the outcome. Remember all other couples will be nervously dealing with this problem too! The sooner you have an alternative = less time worrying! Be mindful that suppliers may be swamped with messages. They will get back to you, just be patient.
Keep in touch with your guest list!
If you’ve been forced to postpone, update your wedding guests as soon as possible. Keeping your loved ones in the loop. They can lend some emotional support through these tough times and help guide your decision making if need be.
Be Flexible
Be as flexible as possible when booking a new date. The industry will be affected with a surge of date changes. Bear in mind your supplier may already have a full calendar. Avoid popular dates like bank holidays, you may even need to book a mid-week wedding. Find a date that works for everyone.
Decide who will communicate with your wedding venue & suppliers.
If dealing with date changes gives you a headache, use an event planner. Take the stress out of all the phone calls. Or decide between you and your other half who would be best to deal with these calls or emails. You could even ask a family member to help who is less emotionally involved.
Be kind & self-care!
Stress is a huge but perfectly normal response when postponing your wedding. You’re going to have some meltdowns and it’s ok to feel them. Make sure that you don’t make decisions or deal with suppliers while stressed. Be as kind as you can, and try to think that we’re all in this together. Your suppliers don’t want this to be happening any more than you do!
Self-care is so important at this time, exercise, eat and sleep well, read a book or try a new enjoyable hobby that will occupy your mind!
If your wedding is taking place from June onwards.
If you’re planning to marry from June onward, take a deep breath and see how all this pans out. With an ever-changing situation it’s important not to make any decisions too early.
Keep on wedding planning!
Understandably, you may be cautious to book any suppliers for your big day. Our advice is to keep on wedding planning! Speak to potential suppliers, some are offering lower deposits to secure your booking and a no fee date change (due to covid-19). Just because we’re on lock down it doesn’t mean that all businesses and planning will stop. Over the next few weeks/months everyone will adapt. Lots of businesses are working from home and you can access them online. Click here to view a list of our recommended wedding suppliers
Arrange a call or video chat to get to know them see how they can help you. Life will go back to normal and you will have made amazing contacts!
Occupy your time with some DIY wedding accessories
With time on our side, update your Pinterest boards, read wedding blogs, research ideas, let your creative juices flow with wedding DIY: table settings, create your own guest book or even create your own save the dates or invites! There are tons of ideas on Pinterest to give you inspiration, the list is endless!
The best way to get through this is with a lot of kindness, empathy, and supporting one another as love will always find a way!
Stay safe and let’s stay connected > We’ve an online wedding planning service, wedding fayre and tons of recommended suppliers set up for bride and grooms, sign up to our newsletter below to find out more!
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