Coronavirus and Wedding Planning: A checklist to reschedule your big day
Moving your wedding during coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic has thrown daily life into a spiral of confusion. With the new norm cascading everyone’s home and work lives up in the air, wedding season has inevitably been pushed to the backburner. Here at 123 Brides, we know this has been extremely disheartening and stressful for our brides and grooms to be. Postponing the big day can be an incredibly difficult task but we are here to help you along the way. Follow our checklist and divulge in our supportive directories to guide you along your wedding organising journey!
What are the rules for weddings due to coronavirus?
From the 5th November 2020 the national restrictions for weddings and civil partnerships state that ceremonies shall not be permitted to take place. Gov.uk discussed that a maximum of 6 people are allowed to ‘deathbed weddings’, where one of those getting married is seriously ill. Regulations have a quick turnover so we suggest to keep updated.
Checklist for moving your wedding during Coronavirus
1.Read your contracts
No one likes paperwork, but when it comes to moving your wedding day, the small print is where all the details lie. Sit down with a cup of tea and figure out what your resources are; what choices are your contracts giving you? Check for any extra payments and costs for postponing your wedding day. See if you could receive a refund or exchange for cancellations of events and services. Although many suppliers and venues are accommodating during this time, keep in mind they are not required to oblige. Stay calm, be flexible and consult a lawyer if you are worried.
2.Check your wedding insurance
Ensure to double check with your insurance company surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and wedding cover. Gary Rycroft, a consumer law expert, states that “it will all depend what your wedding insurance specifically covers”. While many providers have halted applications and released new guidelines, you may still be covered for any money lost so give your provider a call.
3.Keep your venue and suppliers in the loop
As soon as your decision to cancel or postpose is set in stone, be proactive and let your venue and suppliers know immediately. Not only will you be on a first come, first serve bases but you will be updated with their latest plans. They understand that this is an especially hard time and will provide as much guidance and support as possible; you will not be left in the dark! Transferring bookings, dates and fixing payments plans during this hectic period may take time, so be patient. Remember we are all in this together!
4.Guest arrangements
Guests are integral to your wedding and so it is in yours and their best interest to know about the big days rescheduling. Resend invitations detailing the weddings move date, why you decided to postpone and your condolences to those who it may cause inconvenience. There are many websites such as vistaprint and zazzle where you can personalise, create and send wedding invitations right from the comfort of your own home. A phone call also goes a long way, so get in touch with those near and dear to confirm your big move. If you or your guests have booked accommodations, get in touch with the companies and negotiate refunds or moving dates. You may feel overcrowded by a multitude of tasks but ensuring your guests are happy is a priority. They will be pleased to know their money is safe and you can but your feet up knowing another issue is resolved.
5.Planning your wedding day
Everything booked up? Contacted your legal advisers, suppliers and guests? You now have time to sit back and fill in all the gaps. Pinterest and bridal magazines are a fantastic way to spark your imagination and get inspired for new trends in 2021. Since moving your wedding you may find it falls in a different season. Switch up your aesthetics by discussing with catering, beauticians and florists to ensure your wedding day fits the season in calling. See our beauty, entertainment and florist listings for guidance.
6.Take care of yourself
Pamper, pamper, pamper. You have been through a whirlwind of a year. From lockdowns to endless restrictions and disappointing cancellations; you need a little time for you. Give you and your partner that special day you planned by hosting a little wine and dine night. Do something extra romantic by lighting a candle, snuggle up on the sofa and enjoy your favourite film; don’t let this year get you down!
All together now!
All in all, remember to act fast. Reorganising your wedding day during the Coronavirus pandemic may seem an impossible task but the more proactive you are, the more likely your big day will be secured for a later date. Be cautious to seek legal advice from a solicitor, our guide is simply here to support you on your wedding planning journey. Check out our wedding planning directories here!
Top tips: Be patient, be flexible and don’t forget, your day will be fantastic when the time is right. We hope you keep safe and wish you the best of luck rescheduling!
