We’re certainly in unprecented times with the COVID 19 or Coronavirus and you may be considering rearranging your wedding day. If you were planning a spring wedding, you will have already been impacted. For forthcoming summer weddings, you may be wondering what on earth to do!
This advice blog is as at 21st March 2020 (the published date). COVID-19 / Coronavirus is an ever-changing situation so if you need up to date advice, pop into our Unconventional Wedding Chat Room over on Facebook
Feature photo from supplier tribe member – Dave Fuller Photography
Our top tips to managing your wedding
DON'T PANIC
You aren't the only one going through this right now. As tribe member Lily Jones Events says: "It's ok to just take some time to, in true British spirit, sit with a cuppa and some biscuits (or a gin or two!) and just relax"
rearranging your wedding day
You still want to get married right? Whilst most legal contracts cover cancellations, we're in postponement territory here. You're looking to rearrange or transfer your wedding supplier dream team to a new date.
REACH OUT - YOU'RE NOT ALONE
There are lots of wedding groups on Facebook where you can get help and support. We can't guarantee the quality of all of them but definitely recommend the Unconventional Wedding Chat Room.
SPEAK TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
If you have taken out insurance, speak to your insurance company to understand what is or isn't covered. The small print can be a pain! If you move your wedding date, you will most likely need to inform your insurer of the changes. Either way speak to them!
SECURE YOUR KEY VENDORS
When moving your wedding day, it's best to secure your key vendors first. These being venue, caterers ... the big money items. Understand what happens to your deposit (or payments made to date). Make a list of suppliers and payments made to keep track.
GET HELP
If you already have a wedding planner on board they'll help you move your wedding date. Some planners will let you book an hour to give you guidance & help on the process without being an existing client.
BE FLEXIBLE
Unfortunately each wedding venue is going to be different. If you've got a popular wedding venue booked you might find you're restricted on the new dates available to you. Consider mid week dates which are more readily available.
CONSIDER A SMALLER CEREMONY
At the time of writing, the Church of England and some registry offices are still allowing smaller weddings to a maxmium of 5 people. You could still get married on your wedding day and have the big party later.
KEEP YOUR GUESTS UPDATED
Pop updates on your wedding website, facebook, email etc. Let them know your plans especially if you are rearranging your wedding day. If you have a large number of guests travelling from overseas or booking accomodation, let them know as soon as possible.
GO DIY
There are benefits to be stuck in the house. Crack on with those DIY wedding projects. Make those paper cranes - they take AGES! Support online local businesses by getting materials from them. As tribe member Weddings by Annbel says, focus on "tasks easily done while home ... craft, create, personalise, learn and plot!"
BE KIND
This goes without saying. There is a lot of stress for everyone at the moment. Things seem to be changing by the day. Most wedding suppliers will be dealing with numerous postponement requests. It's draining. Everyone wants to help you as much as possible. We're all in this together.
More advice from our Wedding Planner supplier tribe members
It's super tough to even think about postponing your wedding day but if your wedding in the next few weeks and months you'll need to consider it. Either way, you are not alone. Don't panic. Reach out on social media to other couples to get support. You could still get 'officially' get married and have a huge party later.
"It's really hard not to panic at the moment, especially when you see other couples cancelling and postponing their weddings but do try to take a breath and try and sort things through logistically. The first place to start is to talk to your venue to understand their plans ... Remember to do what is best for you! Don't feel pressured into doing something because everyone else is doing it, you need to do what is best for yourselves and your guests. Most suppliers at the moment are willing to reschedule for no extra cost as long as they have the date free"
In these testings times, these uncertain, weird times, the message I am trying to relay to clients is that this isnt the end. You are allowed to be excited for the future as being optimistic will save your sanity. There will be postponements and cancellations but whether as a couple or a business in this glorious industry, we will cope. There is a plethora of help and support out there which can change your stress levels dramatically.
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