COVID-19 - what to do now
How I wish I could tell all brides and grooms this is simply an April fools joke. But, it’s not. It’s a crummy reality that has really changed all aspects of our life. For many couples planning their big day, there are questions of whether to postpone or cancel or elope and make their event smaller than what was envisioned. As a wedding vendor, I can tell you we want to work with you. Many of us are trying our best to move mountains to make your day what you envisioned.
So the big question everyone is asing is-
Should you postpone and where do you begin?
First of all, every wedding vendor I know wants couples to know, we are here for you and we want to make your dream day happen, postpone, don’t cancel. Second of all if you are in Virginia and your wedding falls anywhere from now to June 10th, 2020 you need to reschedule. Venues, caterers and all other wedding vendors will likely be unable to work your day if it falls prior to the current executive order being lifted. Now, what if your wedding falls after that? If your wedding falls after June 10th, you need to consider things such as, will you have the funds to continue with your day as planned, will your work schedule now be shifted because of adjustments made for COVID-19. Also, consider if guests will still be able to travel for your day. The decision to postpone should not be taken lightly. You have spent a lot of time (and pintresting) planning this day only to have it potentially flip upside down. My heart hurts for you and I want to help you get through this.
So, what do you need to do once you make the decision to postpone…
Contact your venue for their available dates. Being likely the most expensive part of your day AND the vendor that determines your date, it’s super important to touch base with them first.
Try to accept that you will likely be unable to have a Saturday wedding as you may have originally planned. Friday night, Thursday night, Sunday or another weekday will likely be much more attainable to keep your vendors.
Once you get a list of available dates from your venue, then proceed to other vendors to agree on a date
When the new date is established by all vendors, make sure you ask about any changes regarding payment or contract terms. Many of us are not charging to change dates but this may not be true or possible for all vendors. If you have to rebook a vendor, ensure that you understand the terms for your deposit, understand that most vendors are small businesses and financially handling this as best we can.
Inform your wedding party and parents first of the new date. Be prepared and understanding if their plans change or if they are no longer able to be part of your day. Ths is a tough time for everyone to adjust to.
Inform your guests, couples are getting creative using mailchimp and online announcements. No need to reorder save the dates or invitations unless you really want to. Get creative. Make it something fun.
If you have a wedding coordinator, (or if you are one of my couples), many of us are offering to handle all these aspects whether you are a full planning client or not.
If you are a 2021 bride, this impacts you as well. Many vendors are having to push weddings into 2021 for couples who were planning on 2020 dates. This will impact the planning timelines for 2021 couples as we try to balance helping you to get started planning your day and help our 2020 couples bring their day to fruition.
Its okay to cry. It’s okay to be upset over plans changing. But know we are here to help. For those of you in 2021, its also okay to still be excited and unphased at this moment in time.
Reach out to tatiana@simplycharmedevents.com with your planning questions. Be sure to sign up for emails for updates regarding weddings and COVID-19.