COVID-19 Coronavirus Wedding and Event Planning
It’s no secret the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis has disrupted the wedding and tourism industry, especially in Florida. Postponing your wedding is better than outright canceling.
According to the CDC, they have recommended all weddings should be “cancelled” for the next 8 weeks (mid-May)! You’ve planned everything for months on end and now it all comes to a stop. But, it doesn’t have to! There is constant information and news updated every day. Here are some helpful tips for wedding postponement due to coronavirus
No matter your situation, it’s important to remember to keep calm—and carry on.
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COMMUNICATION IS KEY
- EVERYONE is being effected by COVID-19. First, chat with your vendors! Make sure they outline their policies about postponements and cancellations with you. MOST vendors understand these hard times and will work with you. As planners, we want this to happen for you. Couples deserve to celebrate!
- Are you thinking about canceling out right? Keep in mind, some vendors may not give you your deposit back. Usually it’s per their contract, and also helps their business going. However, the rest of your balance could possibly be refunded on a case by case basis.
- The best thing to do is POSTPONE your event and make sure all your payments transfer to the new date. MOST IMPORTANTLY make sure your vendors are AVAILABLE for the new date. Its more likely, vendors are available on a Sunday or during the week. Be patient as the event industry has been hit hard and many vendors are on a limited work schedule or furloughed until further notice.
- Let your guests know a head of time! Add a short blurb about your new postponement date/or cancellation on your wedding website. Also many online invitation websites are creating a “Change the date” postcard. It’s similar to a “save the date” but with information on your postponement. K
If Your Wedding Is Planned in the U.S. After Mid-May
If your wedding is not in the next two months, it’s still OK to plan for the wedding to go on as is. That said, it’s important to stay informed and make educated decisions as more (reliable) news becomes available. “It’s a waiting game right now,” says Laesser-Keck. “Things are changing day by day and week by week. Don’t do anything drastic before you have a chance to be properly informed.”
At this point, experts are not recommending you to change plans if your wedding is set after the recommended eight-week ban. “If your wedding is in June or beyond, you should not be postponing at this point, you should continue your planning process,” recommends Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer Events in New York City. While you keep things as is, it doesn’t hurt to know what your options may be if the current regulations are extended to include your wedding date—so speak to your planner, if you have one, and if not, call your venue to see what your options may be, especially as you approach 30 to 60 days out (before final deposits are likely due). Before then, you’ll want to have a serious discussion with your team to decide the best plan of action moving forward. In short: It’s best to plan smartly in a time of such uncertainty, so go ahead and have an open and honest conversation with your vendors (and guests!) and follow the below suggestions come showtime. – This paragraph of information was cited from Brides.com
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WEDDING INSURANCE FOR THE SAVE!
- Do you have wedding insurance? USE IT or contact your provider and get an outline of what is covered! As with all types of insurance, it really depends on your policy. Some insurance providers are covering the costs of cancelling or postponing your wedding, however others are saying it depends on the date of wedding, while some are even suggesting the decision to cancel won’t be covered at all.
- Keep in mind, things like wedding dresses that are not linked to a specific date will be treated differently. This could possibly be a non-refundable item.
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PERSONAL HYGIENE IS IMPORTANT
- We feel that it’s necessary to add this topic to this post. It’s always important to wash your hands thoroughly. Be aware of where your hands may be (not near your face). Continue to follow the CDC recommendations for personal hygiene and social distancing to eliminate any variables that might get you sick prior to your wedding day.
- Getting stressed out or anxious about these important decisions can take a toll on the body. Don’t be scared to ask for help, and express your anxiety with certain topics that may be bothering you during the planning process. There is a “we are all in this together” mentality in the industry and that isn’t going to change.
Now is a great time to connect with us and work on timelines, details and logisitics.
If you are unable to have the wedding you were originally planning due to life circumstances, Swanky Soiree is offering some great elopement packages. We will be rolling out some information soon on these great alternatives. Stay healthy and take care of your mental wellness during these challenging times.
