Because of the spread of COVID-19 throughout much of 2020 and, in turn, large gatherings being banned, many happily engaged couples had to postpone their wedding. In fact, 63 percent of brides- and grooms-to-be decided to push their big day back a few months, if not a year or more.
While this is completely understandable for a number of reasons, like the health of a family member, travel restrictions, and limits on the number of people allowed in venues, it’s still important to let your guests know in a classy and timely way about the postponement.
If you’ve had to change the date of your wedding — due to COVID-19 or another reason — consider taking the following steps:
Step 1: Resend Your Save-the-Dates
While you might have already mailed save-the-dates to announce your wedding day, it’s vital to resend new ones with updated information. You could either order the same cards you used previously or pick out a new design that includes a sweet photo of the two of you.
To ensure invited guests aren’t receiving a duplicate save-the-date — and to poke a little fun at your situation — you may want to update your card to include a photo of you both in bride and groom facemasks. Put the word “postponed” at the top and then say something like, “We will still say ‘I do,’ but on a new date,” with all the important details below.
Yes, you’ll pay an additional expense for cards and postage, but resist the urge to use the invitation itself to notify everyone of your new wedding date.
Step 2: Update Your Wedding Website
In addition to sending out updated save-the-dates, you’ll also want to update your wedding website as soon as possible with the new wedding date. Include a brief explanation about why the change was needed. A simple statement about COVID-19 interfering with your plans should suffice — and virtually everyone will understand. Now, you may get some messages from concerned friends and relatives who are checking in about your health and safety, so watch your inbox closely and respond as quickly as possible to reassure worried guests that you’re doing just fine.
Step 3: Inform the Venue
It’s also imperative to let your wedding venue know about any change in plans. Due to the many cancellations and postponements throughout the past year, chances are reps for the venue will be understanding and happy to help reschedule your big day. Of course, if you encounter a Negative Nellie who’s cranky about your having to reschedule, use this as an opportunity to look at other venues that offer greater availability — and overall flexibility — six months to a year from now, and may be even nicer than your original chosen spot.
Step 4: Let the Vendors Know, Too
Even if you haven’t formally ordered your flowers, food, and wedding cake, you may have vendors who have marked your original wedding day on their calendar. As such, call each one as soon as possible to update them on the new date. If you’ve been pleased with their service thus far, you can certainly assure each vendor that you still want to work with them, but just in a few more months.
Step 5: Keep the Joy
In spite of the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, rescheduling your wedding date can be an emotional undertaking. As you’re addressing your new save-the-dates and making phone calls, do what you can to maintain your feelings of joy and excitement. Moreover, try not to make a proverbial mountain out of a molehill over the situation. Instead, stop, breathe deeply, and ask yourself if all of this will matter five years from now. Chances are the answer is “no.” What is important, however, is that you’ll be marrying the love of your life, even if it’s later than you originally planned.
Don’t Stress: You’re Making the Right Decision
There’s so much unease and stress surrounding COVID-19, but postponing your wedding date is absolutely a good decision. Once you make this tough choice, focus on keeping all invited guests updated on your new date, get ready to answer some tough questions, and keep your vendors up to date. Before you know it, you’ll be saying, “I do” to your beloved in the ceremony of your dreams.
–