Like many industries, the wedding industry was largely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions, venue closures, and government-issued orders have all changed the way we navigate our lives. Despite these anything-but-normal circumstances, engaged couples have shown resilience through these challenging times.
While nobody initially plans to postpone their wedding or take their ceremony online, many grooms and brides-to-be are making lemonade out of lemons. Over the last few months, there has been an uptick in virtual weddings — they are also commonly referred to as commitment ceremonies — and others are working diligently to postpone their big day with the help of wedding professionals and flexible vendors.
Experts are advising that ceremonies and in-person celebrations be rescheduled to the fall or winter of 2021. The overall future of the wedding industry remains highly unpredictable. However, despite all the uncertainty, there are a few things you can do to keep your guests informed about any changes to your big day.
1. Start by First Alerting Family
Although it’s crucial to keep your guests in the know about any changes to your wedding day, your family, bridal party and closest friends should be the first to know about the potential of postponing your wedding. Call those who are closest to you directly, so that they can add your new date to their calendars. Through these conversations, you might find a support system to help you and your betrothed express your feelings and emotions about these unlikely circumstances.
2. Update Your Wedding Website
Your wedding website can serve as the command center for your event. It is likely the first place your guests will go to find up-to-date information about your postponed wedding and any changes you’ve made in response to the pandemic. Be sure to include your new date and any additional, relevant information your guests may find useful. If you haven’t decided on a date or if you are still working with a venue or vendors, noting that your wedding is postponed and a date is yet to be determined is entirely justified. Your guests will understand.
3. Trim Your Guest List
Capacity limitations laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention restrict group gatherings to a maximum of 50 persons. Some federal guidelines go even further and suggest no more than 10 people can congregate as a group. These limitations and guidelines may mean trimming your guest list.
While it’s not a task you ever envisioned having to do, it may be necessary. Although difficult, you’ll have to communicate this fact to your guests who will no longer be included in your in-person celebration. When having these difficult conversations, remind them you care and love them, while stressing that you’re taking the necessary safety precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
4. Keep Guests Informed with Save the Dates
After updating your wedding website and calling your VIPs, consider sending out another set of save the dates (some are calling them “change the date cards”) by snail mail that include your new date and any pertinent information regarding the adjustments you have made. Follow up with your final, trimmed guest list by later sending out a formal invitation.
No one Said This Would Be Easy
Wedding postponement isn’t part of the typical wedding planning process. While unexpected, these tips can help you navigate your wedding postponement, all while keeping your guests informed.
Yes, you are right. I have postponed my daughter’s wedding twice already, and now the wedding is planned next year. I want the wedding venue to be picture perfect. I spend my time reading online magazines and blogs that provide unique wedding ideas and inspirations. I love to follow the etiquette you have mentioned.