COVID 19։ How to Postpone Your Wedding Ceremonies

Per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) advisories on gatherings of more than 10 people for the next 15 days in the United States and the lockdowns in seven counties in California, throughout Europe, in the United Kingdom, and beyond, the industry’s experts are insisting that weddings planned for April, and May be postponed. “We don’t know what we don’t know, and what we don’t know for sure is when we’re going to be able to have weddings again,” BAZAAR Bride top event designer David Beahm says. “But I believe that the end of this year is going to be extremely busy. ”

Beahm, like the rest of his colleagues, is looking ahead – noticing that the majority of couples planning to wed in the next three to four months are choosing dates in September through November when rescheduling.

“If you’re even considering postponing, speak with your venue and your vendors now, just to check who would be available on any of the new dates your venue has available,” says Annie Lee of Daughter of Design. “Key considerations are the vendors that can only be in one place at one time: your band, photographer, officiant, etc. Run any new dates you’re entertaining by all your key guests as well, and line up all things that have no penalty, like a room block at a hotel. Line it all up and prepare so that you can get first dibs on those new dates.”

How Far Out Should I Postpone My Wedding?

Last year and 2018 saw lots of long engagements, with many couples planning on the iconic date of a 2020 wedding. As a result, many of the late-summer and autumn dates this year are booked, but the industry’s top planners are still advising those in the unfortunate position of having to postpone to opt for a new date this year, rather than look further ahead to 2021.

How Do I Postpone My Wedding?

If your invitations have already gone out, postponing warrants a phone call. Beahm explains that etiquette would also suggest “you also postpone formally, with something in the mail,” but agrees a phone call to each guest should be a priority.

Can I Get My Deposits Back?

A balance doesn’t only serve to reserve a date. The deposits are in place, because the person you hired has done a solid amount of the work required to date, whereas the balance serves to cover the work that’s left to be done and the event itself.

Source: harpersbazaar.com