YOU CAN STILL GET MARRIED!!!If you are looking for a glimmer of hope, here are some things that couples are doing to keep their date during COVID-19

1 . You can still hold the wedding, but narrow down the in-house guests to 10 or less. 

Then use a virtual zoom session so everyone else can watch.

2 . Get married alone, or "elope", but plan a party later with everyone once the social distancing regulations are lifted.

3 . Postponing the wedding, but still celebrate at home with your fiancé on the original day. 

Before jumping into this guide, the goal is to postpone your wedding date, and not cancel.

Of course, you can cancel if you really want to, but I recommend postponing if for no other reason, than to keep your spirits high!

Not only will you have a future date to look forward to, but it will save you tremendous time, money, and hassle from having to start from scratch.

And one more note from a wedding vendor that has seen it all: I know you plan your wedding with a so much attention to the guest's experience.  You want to show them a good time and know they are thought of.  I believe I have the most thoughtful couple's in the world! What I want to you to know and believe in your heart is this- your guests will understand that there may be changes. They are probably on the fence about attending due to the CDC social distancing event recommendations, despite their love for you. So please, don't feel guilty or committed to them.  They are there for YOU and they will understand. I promise. 

Here's what to do next...

Here is a step-by-step list of actions to take, in order, to make it as seamless as possible:

1. Consult with your key planners, whether that be you and your fiancé or a hired wedding planner. Discuss a new agreed-upon date, and even better, a few new dates (plural).

2. Read over all your contracts, such as with your venue, photographer, florists, etc. See what their terms are on postponement and cancellations. Some places won't charge you at all for postponing, whereas your agreed upon terms may mean others might. In light of the pandemic, many vendors will be much more sympathetic to you regardless of what their contract states. I personally want to be a part of my couple's days, even if it's a new date. After speaking with other vendors, we have mostly agreed that transferring your initial deposit to your new date (without any extra fees) just seems like the right thing to do. Be aware some businesses may not be able to do this, or may need to charge an additional fee, this is uncharted waters for everyone. 

3. Contact your venue and see if they have any of your new dates available. Be open to midweek dates, Fridays and Sundays. Before locking a new date in, proceed to step 4.

4. Contact your "preferred vendors" first-the ones that might have been a splurge or were just extra special to you. Let them know your new date range and see if they're available. Once you know the ones you absolutely must have are free, lock in the new date with your venue, and then lock it in with your preferred vendors. If everyone is on board, then request an updated contract(s) from those who required one. That way you can solidify the change and have it in writing that the new date is held for you.

5. Contact your "secondary vendors"-these are the ones that you have less of an attachment to and are open to finding substitutes if needed. Let them know your new date, see if they're free, and then lock them in as well.

6 . Next contact your guest list asap. Either send out an email, snail mail, call or even text them all to let them know you are postponing. They will likely see it coming and may even be relieved, so don't feel bad!

Let them know the new date, but to expect more info to confirm times and location. The hardest part is over! Take a breath, plan a stay at home date night and let all the stress melt away. You got this. After you have a minute to relax, move on to step 7.

7. Don't forget about the honeymoon or the bachelor/bachelorette parties. If those were in the plans, make sure to call the respected places reserved and see what it would cost to change the dates. This includes any airlines, hotels, limos, etc.

8. Take some time to think about your wedding design. You will likely be getting married in a new season than you anticipated. This means your original spring theme may need a few tweaks for Autumn. 

9 . Once you have your new theme, its time to make your updated save the date cards. If you chose a date a few months out, then regular mail should be fine. However, if you chose something less than six weeks away, then consider virtual invites or make phone calls to reach them faster.

10. Do you have a wedding website or registry? Don't forget to update that as well, so your guests can have accurate information about your festivities. This is especially vital if there were any venue or vendor changes.

11. As a final review, go back to your original list of vendors and make sure you're not forgetting anyone.  For example, is there shuttle service? Did you remember to contact your seamstress (reschedule that fitting!) 

If there is something that I could leave you with, it's that you are not alone.  I want to tell you that you are allowed to mourn the months of planning, and the crushing realization that your date is probably a new date.  This is not a silly thing to feel and I think you should be allowed to be sad about it.  Give your yourself a little time, and then jump back on the horse and make arrangements.  I promise you will feel better when you have solutions and aren't faced with endless unknowns. 

Whatever your next steps are, whether it be hosting it later in 2020, or trying out the alternative ideas above, just know that your day will still be special. I’m confident that the relationship you and your fiancé have built together will make it through this stronger than ever, and you will have the perfect unforgettable wedding you deserve, whether it’s now or later. 

COVID-19 has hit the wedding industry incredibly hard, and it was certainly not on anyone’s radar. Venue owners, florists, planners, and photographers such as myself are all having a hard time, not only revenue-wise, but because we know how disappointing this must be for you. What makes us happy is knowing that our clients are happy. Please let me know if there's anyway I can help!