Well. Let me just say that this is a blog post I NEVER thought I would write. Never in a million years did I think there would be a global pandemic and quarantine in my lifetime. What a weird time to be alive, right?!
So I know that with everything cancelled, wedding planning has become an absolute NIGHTMARE. Venues are closing, travel bans are in place, and local and federal authorities are limiting gatherings to no more than ten people. And I feel for you. I'm so stressed for you.
But just remember that you're not alone! The entire wedding industry has your back right now and we're doing everything we can to help you keep your day amazing.
There is one big question that you're probably asking yourself: Should I reschedule? Or even cancel?!
First of all: don't cancel unless it is absolutely necessary. Please don't let this pandemic prevent you from living your life and marrying your best friend.
Second: if you're worried about anything and want to reschedule your wedding, it's NOT A BAD THING. People will absolutely understand. Plans change and, in the case, the whole world has been affected by the same thing. We get it!
So how do you know if you need to reschedule? Things change every day, but these steps can help you moving forward.
1. Stay updated with local and federal regulations
Things are changing literally by the hour. Check your local news and social media a few times a day to see if there are any new rules about gatherings. I've seen max gathering sizes in Utah reduce from 100 to 10 in just a few days. These rules should be your main source of information in dictating whether or not your plans can move forward as scheduled.
2. If your wedding guest list is small enough to move forward, check with your venue
Many venues are closing their doors or changing regulations for the foreseeable future. Most are more than happy to work with you in choosing a new date or rearranging plans on your scheduled wedding date.
3. Think about the people who are most important to you on your wedding day
Make a list of the people you MUST have present on your wedding day. Are any of them older than 60 years old or more of a high risk to catch the virus? If so, you may want to considered rescheduling for their safety. Keep in mind that all these new regulations are being put in place to protect our more vulnerable population, and it's important to keep those close to you safe in this situation.
Now. If you have considered the steps above and feel the need to reschedule, it can be a little bit overwhelming to say the least. But you can do this! You have a huge number of people behind you and you don't have to do it alone. I've created a basic to-do list to get you started.
1. Take a deep breath and stay positive
Sit down and know that everything will be okay. Cry when you need to. Vent to people if you need to. This is not fun, I know. I feel for you. Who could have foreseen this?! But you will be okay and you don't have to do this alone.
2. Contact your close friends and family
The sooner you let others know, the better. They can adjust their plans and travel schedules, especially if they were planning on visiting from other states/countries. Assure them that your wedding will still happen, but it'll just be a little later.
3. Talk to your venue
Immediately reach out to your venue and ask about their policy on rescheduling. As I mentioned, most will be MORE than willing to work with you at a time like this. Ask if they can provide you with a list of available dates coming up, probably starting with Fall of this year.
4. Create a list of future dates that will work for you
Choose 3-5 dates from the venue that will work best for you and your fiance. Then talk to your must-have family and friends to let them know about the dates you're considering.
5. Contact your day-of vendors
This means your photographer, videographer, planner, florist, hair, makeup, officiant, DJ. And anyone else. It's kind of a lot, I know! But if they haven't already reached out to you, try to be in contact so they know what's going on.
Pro tip: if you have a vendor that you absolutely don't want to lose, check with them first. Tell them about the dates you're thinking about to see which days they're available.
Another pro tip: create an email template explaining what your plans are so you can copy/paste it for each vendor and just edit their name and other minor details.
6. Find new vendors (if needed)
This is what you're probably dreading, right? The idea that one or more of your vendors won't be available on your rescheduled wedding date. If they aren't, ask them for referrals. Chances are that many of them have backups in place in the event they can't attend. Again, in this situation, most will be very accommodating and will help you find others if absolutely necessary.
7. Ask for help
Don't try to do everything yourself. DON'T DO IT. Ask your family, friends, wedding party, and vendors for their support and guidance.
8. Announce your new date
Let everyone know your new date! Blast your date on social media and be creative with it. Make it fun. Say something like, "Goodbye April 18th, helloooooo September 26th!" Make sure you give everyone plenty of notice.
Remember. We're all in this together (cue Zac Efron dancing) and you will get through this! We will all get through this. And you're still going to marry your best friend <3