Though the idea of postponing your wedding may not be ideal, we are definitely in different and difficult times right now.  The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised that large group gatherings be limited in number.  Due to the recommendation, many couples have made the difficult decision to postpone wedding celebrations.

Because large gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19, many couples, in compliance with new regulations, have to rethink their plans for nuptials.  If you find yourself in this predicament, here are some things you should do!

Inform the Vendors

If you have decided to postpone your wedding, you will need to make sure that you inform the vendors as soon as possible.  They will be able to help you with the next steps required to ensure things go smoothly.  They will help you choose a future date and give you the best advice on contacting guests to inform them of the changes you had to make.

You may need to have some patience as you work through the process.  Vendors are undoubtedly swamped with similar calls from others in the same boat. They will be doing all they can to ensure everything is done correctly for each of their clients.

It is essential to remember that your vendors are small businesses also trying to navigate the pandemic.  Small businesses are being significantly impacted. You will have to have understanding and empathy as they also try to cope with the pandemic’s situation.

Talk to Family and Wedding Party Members

Eventually, all of the guests will need to be informed.  But, start with your immediate family and members of the wedding party so that they can be there to offer their support and assistance where needed.  They will also be able to help you come up with a new date that will still work for everyone’s schedule, and they can all still be a part of your special day.

If your parents have helped with your wedding expenses, you will also need to discuss the impact the changes may have on the budget.  Be open to suggestions they may have or any financial aid they can offer.  Keep in mind that this was not in the plans, and their budget may not have room for extra expenses.  Being open about it will help everyone involved.

Make a Plan to Inform Guests

If you have a wedding website set up, that is the perfect way to inform people of your plan.  Keep your message simple and to the point.  Most guests will understand why you have to postpone things.

Guests may have questions about travel refunds, a future date, or where to send gifts if they wish to send one they have already purchased.  Create a list of FAQs that will provide answers to questions they may have. 

If you do not have a wedding website, other options would be to send out an email or create a telephone tree whereby everyone would receive a phone call with the information.

How You Can Help Your Guests

There may be people who have booked flights and hotel rooms for the event.  If you had a specific hotel you had a block of rooms at, advocate for refunds or partial refunds.  If you have chosen a new date, perhaps the hotel would issue vouchers for rooms on the new date you have chosen.

Look at Your Wedding Insurance

If you took out insurance, there is a possibility of some financial reprieve.  Read your policy closely and speak with your insurance provider to see if anything will allow for a refund or a partial refund.  There may not be any coverage in an unprecedented situation such as this, but it is worth checking.

Allow Yourself to Feel Your Emotions

Having to postpone your wedding will be difficult and emotional.  Do not deny your emotions.  Allow yourself to feel your disappointment. 

Even if you can’t hold your official wedding on the day you had planned, find a way to celebrate with your partner.  The date will always hold meaning for you, so make it memorable by doing something special.

Begin the Process of Making a New Plan

When things have settled, you will still need to decide how you want to proceed.  Maybe you will change the date, and all of your other plans will remain the same.  If the new date does not work for the venue you had booked, you may need to consider other options.

Either way, you will want to reevaluate the situation and decide what you are going to do so you can keep your guests informed.