Lately the world has been seeing some unprecedented times surrounding the Coronavirus. The social isolation, schools shutting down, jobs closing, and limited resources have caused a ripple effect in so many ways. One of these ripples happen to be affecting many couples in regards to their weddings. Now thousands of heartbroken couples are faced with postponing their wedding to another date. Because ultimately we all know that the health and safety of one another and our guests is the most important thing. Therefore, I have some helpful tips below as well as custom postponing wedding announcements to send to your guests.
1 | Contact all of your vendors!
The goal here is to keep all of your original vendors!
You have built a relationship with them and they with you. Most of your vendors are small businesses who rely on your wedding as a source of income for them. Often times vendors will be very understanding in regards to rescheduling, especially with situations like the Coronavirus. Below are some helpful tips in connecting with your vendors to make it as easy as possible for your to postpone your wedding
First and foremost, chat with your venue. Next think of your top 3-5 vendors that you really connected with and reach out to all of them. For instance, some top vendors will more than likely be your photographer, planner, and caterer. An easy way to connect would be in one email with all of them CC’d on it. List out new dates given to you by your venue and try to find a date that works for all of them. If you can all find a mutual date that works, then HALLELUJAH! However, if everyone isn’t all available on the same date, then figure out which vendors you absolutely have to have, and pick a date that works for them.
Often times vendors require a non-refundable retainer to reserve your date. This money went to the time they took connecting with you and talking about all of your details. Maybe this went towards your engagement session, or floral planning, or a preliminary timeline. Again, most if not all of your vendors are small businesses, so this will more than likely be a cost that you have to eat. But rest assured in the fact that it went in the pocket of a vendor you initially chose, to help feed their families, pay their rent, etc. Your vendors may also be able to provide you with alternatives instead of cancelling completely. For instance, a photographer may be able to offer an associate shooter, or a planner may have an assistant work your day.
For something like the current Coronavirus, I personally know many vendors that will work with you on your budget. Therefore, it never hurts to ask. I personally always believe in full transparency with my clients, and this situation would absolutely warrant that.
2 | Send out “Postponing Wedding Announcements” to your guests
This can be similar to a “Save The Date” but instead it’s a “Postponement.” Maybe you don’t have a new date in mind yet, that’s okay! However, if your wedding is within the next 2 months, it may be wise to send out a notice saying that the original date has been postponed and to expect a new save the date in the future. There can be many ways to do this!
Feel free to use the language on these to create your own. However, if you would prefer me to customize it for you by swapping it out for your info, I would be happy to do so and email you a customized copy for $10. Payment can be made via Venmo (@archer_inspired). All of my current clients can choose the announcement they would like free of charge.
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Use the contact form below to get your own customized announcement.
Payment is $10 via Venmo to @Archer_Inspired
3 | Remember, this is about your marriage
You are planning this wedding because you love the person your marrying. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love weddings – which is why my full time profession is surrounded with them. But it isn’t the be all end all. You can still say your vows and make it legal on the date you had originally planned. You don’t have to have the big party on the same day! Have your sister or best friend get ordained online in 5 minutes and make it legal! Rethink what this day will be. Pop some champagne for you two, and Netflix and chill while staying safe indoors. Then think about all the plans for your upcoming wedding date. Still say your vows and go through the ceremony formalities at your big wedding, you just wont be signing a marriage license that day.
So throughout all of the stress and unknown during postponing your wedding, don’t lose site on the reason behind your wedding to begin with – you and your partner. And I bet all of this will just make you two stronger.
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PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN LONG BEACH CA SERVING SOCAL + BAY AREA + BEYOND
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