When asking our Instagram followers what they wanted information on, it was no surprise that a good percentage wanted tips on how to plan their wedding with the uncertainty of the imposed restrictions due to COVID-19.
The tips provided are on the research done. Wedztyle cannot speak on behalf of governments nor can comment on the legalities surrounding consumer entitlements in getting back deposits paid. However, what we can do is offer tips that will help couples in making the decision postpone or re-schedule their special day.
Sit down with your Partner.
You and your partner must be on the same page when deciding if you will postpone, reschedule, or adapt your wedding to the current COVID restrictions. Communication is key as weddings without such circumstances are already very stressful.
Communication with Vendors
Communicating with chosen vendors is essential for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you need to inform them of your intent – are you postponing, rescheduling, or going ahead. Secondly, you need to have the confidence that they will be operational in the foreseeable future. Understandably, we do not have a crystal ball on this, but it needs to be a consideration.
Negotiating with your vendors
Firstly, go over the terms and conditions of each vendor. Focus on the these and adjust conditions to suit both parties. Businesses have been affected by COVID; therefore, most will work with wedding couples to keep the business. For those vendors who are willing to consult and work with you, give them options of dates. Confirm all discussions in writing to protect yourselves should you need to. Vendors who are unwilling to be flexible, shop around. These are not for you.
Back – Up Choice of Vendors
Suppose the preferred vendor is not available on your date, now what? To prevent this scenario, I suggest that you have three to five vendors as a back-up. Before committing, read their terms and conditions. All negotiations need to be in writing. Please do not give any deposits unless written confirmation of a refund is applicable.
Contact your guests.
Notify all guests of the change in your wedding date. You can say words like “WE HAVE POSTPONED OUR WEDDING DATE, NEW DATE COMING SOON,’ or “WE ARE RESCHEDULING OUR WEDDING, NEW DATE COMING SOON”. Communicate this very clearly. Whether you have created a Facebook Event, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or a Wedding Website, your guests need to know in advance of a pending new date.
Budget
With businesses not fully operational, consider changing your budget to reflect the financial strain that COVID-19 is bringing. For example, reducing your budget by 10% will force wedding couples to minimise unnecessary expenditure. You are using that 10% saving later for something else like an extended honeymoon.
Contingency Plan
These times are unpredictable. The number of allowable guests’ changes depending on the current infection rate. Wedding couples need to be adaptable; therefore, having a contingency plan is advisable. It could be that the wedding only has immediate family attending but captured on a digital platform for your pending guests to view. Or your wedding can be live-streamed, so your guests do not miss those moments. Various scenarios can come to play.
Whatever the scenario is for wedding couples, you can still have your wedding. It might not be in a traditional format (i.e. guests attending), but it will always be your day. Plan your wedding as you would with a contingency plan in mind. The Wedztyle e-planner will be a valuable resource in these COVID-19 times.
Main Image Mari Lezhava Unsplash