Talk about a plot twist. The Coronavirus has impacted weddings around the globe and today, we’re here with the answers to a question no couple ever wants to ask: How do we postpone our wedding?
Take a deep breath. You two can do this.
Announce the Postponement
Once you’ve decided to postpone your wedding – even if you don’t have a new date set yet – be sure to let your guests know. Assuming your wedding is coming up quick, an email, text or phone call to each guest is the easiest way to do this. You can always post on social media as well.
Let your guests know that you’re postponing your wedding and will be sending out new Save the Dates or Wedding Invitations as soon as a new date is set. If you’re not sure how to word this tough news, we have some suggestions:
Short and Sweet:
We’re heartbroken to share the news that we have decided to postpone our wedding. We will be sending a new wedding date to our guests as soon as it’s set.
With Concern:
Dearest family and friends – because your safety and health are our first priority, we’ve decided to postpone our wedding. When we have more clarity on the impact of the coronavirus, we will reschedule and send new invitations. Thank you so much for your love and well wishes during the difficult time for everyone. Stay safe!
Humorous:
Well…we didn’t see that coming! We are disappointed to announce that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are postponing our wedding. On the bright side, we have several more months to create even more DIY wedding decorations. YAY! Stayed tuned for a new date and details!
Love-Focused:
We are saddened to inform you that our wedding is postponed. While is hurts to share this news, we feel so blessed by the messages of love we have received from our wedding guests. Your support and outpouring of love has made this tough time so much more bearable. We’ll be in touch with a new date and details as soon as we’re able. We love you all!
Next: Call Your Venue
Your venue will likely be the deciding factor in what your new wedding date is. Most venues are being very accommodating. Remember, it’s an incredibly stressful time for them as well and they want your wedding on the books just as much as you do.
First, discuss what future dates are open. There are a few things to think about when considering when to rebook:
- Time of Year
The more flexibility you have, the better. If you had an April wedding but are willing to rebook in November, great! If you had your heart set on April and you’re okay with a year (or longer) postponement, fabulous!
- Location
Check with your wedding venue on their postponement and cancelation policy. Some are loosening their rules, while others are sticking to contracts. Understand your rights and work with your venue’s wedding coordinator to make a new plan that works for both of you.
- Time of Day
If there’s a certain date you want, but your venue is booked, think about holding your ceremony and reception earlier in the day. A morning ceremony followed by a brunch reception is more fun than you might think! Bonus: you’ll have all day and night for extra photos, celebrating and even a little quiet time with your new spouse.
- Day of the Week
Some wedding venues book their Saturday dates out years in advance. Consider moving your wedding day to a Friday, Sunday or even a Thursday. You might save a bundle and your guests will most definitely understand.
And Then: Contact Your Other Vendors
While you’re working on setting a new date, contact your other vendors to let them know you’re working on rescheduling. Understand your contracts and do your best to work together make a new date work.
Vendors like wedding photographers and caterers often have professional relationships with folks in their industry. In this difficult time, they’ll need to rely on and support each other more than ever. So – if you have a vendor that isn’t available on your rescheduled date, ask them for a referral to someone in their network. They might be more willing to hand back your deposit knowing that your new vendor may return the favor when they find themselves in the same situation.
Keep in mind that whether you’re working with your venue, hair stylist, photographer or florist, the earlier you decide to postpone, the easier it will be to reschedule a date that works for everyone.
And Lastly: Official Communication
Once your new date is set, breathe a huge sigh of relief. You’ve accomplished what felt like the impossible. Now…time to have a little fun and announce that new date! We have a few fun, crazy-affordable options for you to choose from:
- Send a Change the Date Card
These fun designs are so new they’re not even available yet! Don’t worry – they’ll be here in days, so hang tight. These new Change the Date cards let you announce your coronavirus-postponement with a clever message that’ll bring a bit of joy to each wedding guest. With both photo and non-photo styles available, you’re sure to find one that suits the two of you perfectly.
- Send a new Save the Date
Our 69¢ and 89¢ Save the Date Cards and Magnets win rave reviews from brides and grooms because of their fab quality and super low price. The best part though, is that most designs can be totally edited. Add your own custom message to announce your new date plus any other details you care to share.
- Send a new Wedding Invitation
If your new date is less than three months away, skip the save the date or change the date card and send a new wedding invitation instead. Remember, our wedding invitations are all 99¢ or less which means sending new invites isn’t going to break your budget.
Sending all our love and happy wishes to brides and grooms everywhere!
xoxo –the Team at Ann’s
