We are sure it hasn’t been an easy decision to postpone your wedding in the midst of the coronavirus. So, for those couples who have had to make that hard decision, we want to be there to help you every step of the way. We’ve put together a checklist of what you should do to make sure your day is as perfect as it was originally going to be.

 

  1. Let your planner know you are going to postpone. They will be able to provide guidance on how to walk through next steps, either as a part of your package or at an additional hourly rate.

 

  1. Check on available dates with your venue (don’t forget the church if you have two locations!). If your venue has no available dates, find a new venue that has availability.

 

  1. Check on your date options with those that matter most (your wedding “VIPs”), like family and wedding party. Remember, not every single person might have the new date available but if you can’t imagine your wedding date without someone, make sure you know when they are available.

 

  1. Reach out to vendors (or if you have a full-service planner, they may help with this!) to confirm availability for a new date. 

 

Pro tip: Send one email to all your vendors bcc’d. It should go something like 

this:

 

Hi amazing vendor team!

In light of COVID-19 we have made the tough decision to postpone our wedding. 

We are currently looking at the below dates. Please respond back to us with ALL 

dates you are available so we can pick a new date.

 

List dates here

 

We are trying our best to align schedules with our loved ones and our vendors. 

That being said, please let us know your policy around (1) postponement (2) 

cancellation if we choose a date you are not available so we have all information.

 

Thanks for your understanding during this difficult time.

 

  1. Select a new date.

 

  1. Share your new date with your vendors. Ask for updated contracts or cancellation addendums (as needed – hopefully you don’t need it!). 

Pro tip: This is a tough time for wedding vendors since their income will likely be affected in delayed payments and cancellations. Where you can, keep your contract with your original vendor, even if that means an associate takes the lead on your wedding.

  1. If you need to rebook, do that now.

Pro tip: Ask your original vendor if they have any recommendations for a company to take their place with a similar style, approach, etc. 

  1. Let your guests know. The sooner the better. We recommend an email or text immediately that goes something like this:

In light of what’s happening in the world, we have decided to postpone our wedding. More details to come on a new date where we can all celebrate together, safely.

  1. Update your website. It can be a similar message to the above. Once you have a new date locked in (with contracts!) from all vendors, update the date their first.

 

  1. Update your wedding room block with the new weekend. Ask your contact how guests should handle their reservations.

 

  1. Don’t forget about other wedding weekend events (like a rehearsal dinner, welcome party or farewell brunch). You will need to handle those the same way!

 

  1. Rebook all relevant appointments that fall around your wedding day. That includes dress fittings, nail appointments, hair appointments and spa appointments.

 

  1. Start looking at new wedding stationary. If the date is more than 3 months away, consider a new save the date (either electronically or paper). We recommend new invitations and RSVP cards to get a proper guest count for the new date – it will save you money in the end!

 

  1. Stay positive! It isn’t easy but you’ve got this. Have questions? Text us at 704.751.9646 and get a live response from one of our in-house pros (no bots here!)

 

Photo Courtesy of [Vetted] 128 South