Over the past few weeks, we’ve been helping clients navigate the tough but necessary decision to postpone their weddings and other milestone celebrations. In these uncertain times, it can be hard to know how the pandemic or social distancing restrictions may impact your upcoming event but we hope these tips will help you find the right solution for your celebration!
Photo Credit // Smitten Paper & Props
CONSULT //
YOUR CALENDAR
Determine your new preferred date or time frame to help guide conversations with your friends, family and vendors. In addition to public health guidelines, take personal schedules, travel, location and venue availability all into consideration. For spring + summer events, we are recommending that clients postpone to the fall or look ahead to 2021.
CONTACT //
YOUR VENUE
Your new date will most likely be dictated by the availability of your venue. As many 2020 dates would have already been booked and 2021 dates are likely filling fast, contact your venue as soon as possible to determine available options. Be flexible with the season and day if possible but if you had your heart set on an outdoor ceremony or autumnal soiree, know that you may be postponing by a year or more depending on availability.
REVIEW //
VENDOR CONTRACTS
Armed with your new date options, contact each vendor to determine their availability and also review their postponement + cancellation policies. While each vendor is unique, we have found that most are willing to transfer deposits to a future date, pending availability. In the event that your vendor is unavailable on your new date, discuss what refunds or compensation they may be able to offer. This is an unprecedented time for everyone, including your vendors. They are likely juggling multiple clients in the same situation as you. Once your new date is confirmed, request updated contracts to reflect your new date and payment schedule.
UPDATE //
FRIENDS + FAMILY
Be transparent and alert your guests as soon as possible that you are planning to postpone your celebration. Once your new date is confirmed, we suggest sending a digital “Save Our New Date” to formally communicate your new date and RSVP process to all guests. Be sure to keep your event website up-to-date as new details, like updated booking links for your hotel room blocks, become available.
TAKE //
A DEEP BREATH!
When you have spent months planning and anticipating your event, it’s never an easy decision to postpone. It’s OK to be sad but know that whenever and wherever your celebration takes place, your nearest + dearest will be there to support you! Lean on your planning team and feel free to rethink some decor details or add new personal touches to your event. Consider scheduling a Zoom Happy Hour on your original date or partner with your vendors to create a virtual celebration with family + friends.