Yowza’s, right? I get that this incredible day you are planning seems a little overwhelming at the moment. Especially if your wedding is in the months of March-May. I want you to know I am here to help. Weddings are meant to celebrate you two badass souls becoming official … and let me tell you, it will still be exactly that!!

I get that the Coronavirus is putting a huge damper on your excitement and creating severe anxiety more than anything. Worry for your health, friends/family, and all that you already have invested into your day. 

The CDC is hammering down and putting many bans on gatherings over 10 people. If your event is March-May, you most likely will have to postpone. Which I am sure is making your emotions all over the place. Breathe. I want to help you during this time because it doesn’t have to be this way. 

The more informed you are about all of this and how to move forward, the more confident in the decisions you will make going forward. 

Here is What to Do While Planning Your Wedding During the Coronavirus:

1. Communicate with all your vendors. 

Sometimes, it is best to get it out of your system and consider the worst case scenarios so you can prepare and come up with a game plan. If you have to move your date, you may want to consider a couple of things.

• Venue. This is going to be the most important because a date needs to be nailed out. Especially if your venue is a popular space. Their availability will be much more limited.

• Photographer. If this is an important vendor, you may want to reach out to see what their availability is. I may be bias on this one. But a photographer that specializes in weddings, will book out 9-18 months in advance at times.

Once you have solidified a new date, contact all your current vendors and see if they are available for your new date. Before you do, take a look at the next topic …

2) Take a look at all of your contracts with your vendors. 

You need to know what each of your vendors say about your deposit/retainer fee. Some of them may work with you and transfer your payment to another date if they are available. Most of the deposits/retainers are non-refundable. If your vendor is not available for new date, expect to lose that money if you cancel the date.

Unfortunately, if there is also a force majeure clause in the contract because this is an act outside of you or your vendor to control. They are protected and are no longer responsible for giving you back that money. However, if they haven’t photographed your wedding, you will most likely get anything outside of the retainer that you have paid (minus an engagement session/other sessions you have done with them).

Vendors completely empathize with you on this situation. It’s incredibly crummy. But they also turned down work for your day, and they have business fees and families to feed as well. So please, refrain from being super harsh with them.

3) Consider an elopement or destination wedding. 

If planning one wedding was incredibly overwhelming, and you find yourself having to change many aspects of your original wedding due to the date change. You may want to consider this option. It is less coordination over schedules and allows you to save a lot of stress and money you may have lost in retainers.

4) Darn-it, my venue is booked and we have to choose another venue!

I know some venue owners are so easy to connect with. Their property is incredibly dreamy and beyond perfect. But remember, they are trying so hard to keep you there just as much as you want to be there. You may need to consider a weekday, Sunday or off-season date if your heart is dead set on that specific venue. 

 If it is not possible, know that in the end, it’s just a place where you celebrate together. Ask friends/family, FB groups, etc. if they have any recommendations. The more specific you are about what you are looking for, the better. Not everyone understands the vision you were planning. 

5) Oh poop, our wedding date is on the edge of 8 weeks, what should I do?

I would possibly consider postponing your date. I totally get wanting to get married. Put it this way, if your family/friend got super ill being at your wedding, would you be able to live with that thought? 

6) My wedding is June or after, should I wait or cancel?

According to the CDC as of today (March 18th), they believe that if we social distance ourselves, the phase will last about 8 weeks. Of course that 8 weeks really is contingent with how everyone cooperates in making sure this virus doesn’t continue to spread. If you have a planner, begin to at least discuss a plan b option. It doesn’t hurt to at least get the conversation started. 

7) Should I buy Wedding Insurance?

A typical policy costs $150-$550, depending on the amount of coverage, according to theknot.com. Wedding insurance protects a couple’s investment from circumstances beyond their control. I highly recommend it for all couples, not only right now.

Try to make decisions sooner than later so your guests have an opportunity to rearrange their travel plans without major costs/loss. But remember, at the end of the day, you want everyone to feel safe so they can enjoy your day with you. You can still have the best damn day ever! And you WILL! If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

If your photographer is booked for your rescheduled date and you are interested in having us photograph your wedding, please contact us! I would be flipping honored to be part of this glorious event!

SPECIAL VENDORS WHO MADE THIS DAY HAPPEN:

Officiant: A Sweet Start

Venues: Camden Amphitheater + 16 Bay View

Planner: Samara Josephine Events

Flowers: Flowers by Hoboken

Videographer: Ready Set Film

Caterer: 16 Bay View/ Holy Donut