Tips for Cancelling 2020 Summer Weddings

No one has seen it coming… But it’s a reality we can’t ignore anymore. Covid-19 has been affecting our lives in ways we couldn’t have foreseen. Many areas of our lives have been heavily impacted, from going to work to visiting friends and family. And now you even have to postpone your own wedding…

I know how you feel and I totally understand your frustration. With a heavy heart, many brides and grooms were forced to call their big day off, after months or years spent planning it. While some had no choice but to cancel, do not despair as options are still available if you are hoping to tie the knot later this year.

1. Postponing your wedding can be worthwhile

This is the fairy tale you have been dreaming of since you were little. And of course, you want this celebration to be perfect. After hours and days spent planning your wedding, you most likely realised that it’s no walk in the park. There are many aspects to factor in and it can be quite a daunting experience. Believe me, I have been there too… Fatigue has probably taken its toll on you and the virus outbreak most likely added more distress.

However, keep a cool head and don’t let your emotions take over because you still have options. Rather than cancelling, postponing your celebration would be wiser. Instead of being upset about it, have a chat with your fiancé(e) and find a new date. Whether in winter or on a weekday, choose a time that matches your preferences. If you fancy a sunny one then postpone it to 2021, either in spring or summer. Whichever you pick, don’t forget to make sure it suits your guests too.

Whatever you decide, act fast to avoid losing any deposit or being charged extra fees. Take some time to review your contract and insurance beforehand – if you have one – to check the conditions. Get first in touch with your venue and discuss their availabilities. You are not the only one postponing so they are surely overwhelmed with enquiries. Keep in mind that the quicker you act, the more flexible the venues can be to accommodate you.

Don’t waste time and make a list of all the suppliers you need to contact and get in touch with them quickly. If you don’t feel up to the task, then ask a friend you can rely on to take care of it. Another great option is to entrust a wedding planner. After all, they are more experienced in dealing with this kind of unexpected circumstance. Also, have follow-up emails with everyone and keep written records of all the discussions and agreements for your own protection.

2. Get in touch with your favourite suppliers

As for the venue, the same rules apply to your suppliers. Before anything else, have a look at the contract you signed with the venue and check their cancellation policy. Bear in mind that despite the existing clauses this pandemic has also been affecting their businesses. So, if you’re lucky enough and act fast, they may be flexible. They can help you find a convenient solution without losing money if only to keep a good reputation or in exchange for a referral to your friends.

While everyone will probably show more empathy and be keen to negotiate with you, timing remains crucial. Changing plans 6 months in advance can offer more options than doing it within 6 weeks. The more you wait, the less accommodating they will be and the harder it will be to get refunds or favours, especially if they already started preparations for your wedding. Also, remember they will have a lot more requests than usual so their agenda will fill up fast.

Knowing that it would be wise to set priorities. If there is a supplier you absolutely want to work with, then be sure to have it on top of your list. Whether it’s your photographer, florist or caterer, contact them at the soonest. Find out if they are available on your new date and discuss the terms with them. In case they are already booked that day, you can always ask them for recommendations. Just make sure the quality of their services remains the same and within your budget.

Depending on the leeway you have, it would be a good idea to get in touch with a wedding planner. Due to their extensive experience, it could be your best asset. They are used to work on short notice and have access to a wide network of contacts which can save you a lot of trouble. Right now, they will probably offer free consultations you can benefit from. This is your chance to get insightful advice and tips from experts. Who knows, they may even cheer you up…

3. Keep your guests in the loop, they’ll appreciate it

Making sure your venue and suppliers are taken care of is paramount. However, don’t forget to notify your guests if you cancel or postpone the wedding. There is really nothing to be ashamed of and – if anything – they will feel relieved. They surely don’t want to miss that special occasion and would be disappointed if they can’t attend. Remember they are well aware of the situation and will never hold you accountable for changing the date.

That said, get in touch with your guests before making decisions. Your marriage is an event that matters a lot to them and they don’t want to miss it for anything in the world. After all, your celebration wouldn’t be as memorable without them. Find out if they are available on the new date so you can make arrangements. Avoid bank holidays, half-term breaks, or any major time where they most likely will not be able to travel.

There are different ways to inform them about the change depending on the size of your guest list. If few people are attending, it would be nice to call them personally. For a bigger crowd, write a message on your website if you have one. Another option is to put an extra note with your invitations if you haven’t sent them yet. If yes, notify them by sending a new customised card. Adding a touch of humour can definitely help ease things off.

Lastly, think about health and safety restrictions. Aside from the precautionary measures (masks, gloves, sanitisers, etc.), remember that big gatherings are still prohibited. Also, keep in mind that some of your guests may not feel comfortable attending your wedding and will probably cancel. It’s up to you to decide whether you mind downsizing your guest list or not. If you are not ready to compromise on the number, then it would be best to postpone.

While this pandemic has led to many wedding cancellations and postponements, think about the silver linings. This isolation helped us realise what matters most, reflect on priorities, and appreciate life even more. Some of you may even have discovered new passions and hobbies.

Also, remember that this gives you extra time to review your wedding plans and make additional adjustments for a more memorable event. And you can be sure that after months of quarantine, people will be more excited to celebrate your day. No matter the hardships, love always finds a way!