What to Know If You're Planning a Wedding During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Step one: Keep calm & breath!

There’s a lot to think about when planning your big day—no matter where your wedding date falls on the calendar.

But if it happens to be in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, you might be wondering what you should do—if anything—to prepare and plan for the potential that your wedding may be affected.

Right now, whether you’re planning a wedding at home or abroad, there are countless moving parts surrounding COVID-19—and since this situation is fluid, what it means for your wedding, specifically, really depends on your wedding date, guest count, location, and extent of travel involved.

However, at this point, it's safe to say that any wedding in 2020 will look differently, whether it's allowed to happen on a smaller scale right now or as you'd dreamed later on. 

Be prepared, follow the news closely, and maintain an open conversation with your vendors and guests. Also, if you can, book a planner so they can help you navigate this crazy industry and offer up option, whenever there is a problem, there is always a solution to the problem.  And, no matter your situation, it's important to keep your eye on the end goal. "As always, take care of yourself. Honestly, it’s OK to cry. It’s OK to be angry or to feel a wide range of emotions. 

"Your day will come, and trust us when we say it will be the most amazing thing. When we can all come together and celebrate, there will be nothing else like it!

What to Do If You've Decided to Postpone 

Whether you're forced to postpone or decide to out of precaution, it's important to remember that you dohave options, and your team—and family, friends- will be there to guide you through the process of postponing your event. 

To help you navigate that process, see our complete step-by-step guide to postponing a wedding here. Want the short version? Get started with the below.

1.     Hire a Planner: "If you don't have a planner, enlist the help of an expert with some one-on-one consulting. Many planners offer this on an a-la-carte basis. Some will offer it out of the goodness of their hearts.

2.    Review Your Contracts: start with this step as a couple—to understand your options and investment.   Vendors are far more likely to work with you on a postponement than a cancelation. Start the conversation softly and avoid obtuse language.

3.    Decide on a New Date: This step involves two layers—speaking with your immediate family and VIP guests and your vendors. Work your way down from the most expensive vendor to the least in search of your new date: focus on a season, versus a day or month, in order to garner the best results. Also, before confirming the new date, have the 80 to 100 percent of your vendors confirmed. Why? If you are able to get all but your hair and makeup artist on board, it is probably best to lose that small deposit and reserve the date that you want the mosts.

4.    Expect Extra Fees: Be prepared to pay extra fees or lose a portion of your investment. "As this pandemic continues to affect all aspects of our economy, venues and vendors will likely become more rigid in their policies.

5.    Move Quickly: It's no secret that time is of the essence right now. Be prepared to move quickly. Other clients are your competition here as so many are in the same boat. This requires flexibility and optimism!