Do's and Don'ts of Postponing Your Wedding
No matter how meticulously you plan, or how many backup plans you have, sometimes the worst can’t be avoided. Whether it’s a family emergency or a global pandemic, even something as important as a wedding needs to be rescheduled.
While postponing your wedding is a heartbreaking decision, you can take steps to make the best of the situation and ensure you minimize the financial fallout. To help you navigate this tough situation, here are a few do’s and don’ts for postponing your wedding, according to industry experts.
DO talk to your key vendors first
If you have a wedding planner, they should be your first call once you’ve decided to reschedule the event. Then, your next call should be the venue, says Jove Meyer, owner and creative director of Jove Meyer Events in New York City.
“Before you lock in one date, I encourage you to ask for a soft hold on two to three dates so you can reach out to your other vendors and see what date they are all or mostly all available on,” he adds. That way, “they can change dates to dates that also work for their schedule as well as yours.”
DON’T hesitate to notify everyone else
Once you’ve locked in your new date, don’t wait to send out new formal invitations to inform your guests of the change.
“Email or online paperless post is the best way to communicate with your guests. The sooner, the better, so they cancel or change any of the travel plans,” says Joann Gregoli, owner of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli in New York City and Washington, D.C.
DO review your contracts
Take the time to carefully review your contracts before talking with vendors, advises Meyer. That way, you know exactly what you agreed to and what your options are for moving the date. Be sure to check to see if there’s a cancellation policy and what their policy is regarding applying deposits to a new date.
DON’T be surprised by fees
Another thing to look for in your contracts: fees for changing your wedding date. While most vendors do their best to be accommodating to clients, you should still budget for additional costs to maintain your current vendors.
“Don’t be shocked if there are additional fees for the date change,” says Meyer. “A date change means more work for vendors.”
DON’T change the scope of your wedding
Another way to avoid extra costs is by maintaining the same details for your wedding whenever possible, advises Meyer. So, be mindful that any changes to the size of your guest list, to your food and beverage offerings or your reception entertainment, will lead to a cost increase.
DO remain flexible
Even as you try to keep things as similar as possible, couples should be prepared for some inevitable changes to their event.
“Have flexibility in what you originally planned,” says Meyer. “If you are now in a new season, that may mean some things change.”
DO be kind to yourself and others
Most importantly, remember to remain calm as you and your partner work through this stressful time. It’s okay to be frustrated and disappointed, but that doesn’t mean you should let it impact your relationship or how you interact with your guests or vendors.
“Start from a place of understanding and kindness. Think of the saying ‘you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.’ Remind yourself that you nor your vendors caused this to happen,” says Meyer. “Lead with patience and kindness and it will be given back in abundance.”