This whole COVID-19 pandemic is still super up in the air, and everyone’s wedding is going to be affected in a different way. We’re not gonna try to pretend we have all the answers to all the unique and difficult scenarios, but we do recommend starting with these 3 things to do for Wedding Planning during COVID-19:
1. If possible, postpone instead of canceling
We realize that you may feel defeated and simply don’t have the energy to reschedule all of the wedding things, but this is YOUR wedding—and you’re not gonna let this pandemic get you down. You call the shots! Sure, it’s going to look different: It may be much smaller, it may be during an off-season, or it may be in a totally different location, but the result will be the same: You will marry the love of your life and it will be meaningful and heartfelt and magical. Regardless of where or when. Don’t let this situation break your spirit—just take a deep breath, and begin putting together a Plan B.
There’s another benefit to rescheduling: It supports the small business owners involved with your wedding. Many of your vendors are mom-and-pop shops, and postponing your wedding instead of canceling it helps keep them in business.
2. Talk to your venue + vendors ASAP
The first thing you’ll want to do is to have serious discussions with your venue and vendors (virtually or over the phone, of course!) about the potential impact of COVID-19 on your wedding. If you have a wedding planner, this is something they can facilitate. Otherwise, you’ll need to reach out to your venue and vendor team individually. Here are some questions you can ask. There will undoubtedly be a varying response from them—most will be more than willing to help you reschedule, while others may lock you within your contract. Know where you stand with your venue/vendor team before doing anything else, and refer back to your contracts for the cancellation and postponement policies as well as information on any fees or non-refundable deposits.
3. Remember that everything is figureoutable
Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and repeat this mantra: Everything is figureoutable.
This moment in time won’t last forever. We will get through it. We will come out stronger. And we will all tell our grandkids about that crazy, character-building time we were all quarantined.