can you postpone your wedding

It is not absurd to be melancholy about the wedding day you should be experiencing. Hitched's Advice: It is perfectly OK to postpone your wedding for as long as you require. If you're supposed to have a May wedding but are offered a December date, you don't have to take it. You can always reschedule things like weddings and funerals.

Full Answer

What does it mean to postpone or cancel your wedding?

She's worked in research for nearly two decades. While your wedding is first-and-foremost your wedding, a wedding postponement or cancellation means a change of many, many plans—for many, many people including family, guests, and vendors.

Should you postpone your Honeymoon?

If you're postponing your wedding, don't forget to also postpone your honeymoon if you'd like it to take place after the wedding. As with wedding postponement policies, your ability to recoup any honeymoon-related expenses will depend on the type of tickets and reservations you made.

How do you tell someone that their wedding has been postponed?

"Just let them know that the wedding has been postponed, date TBD. Ideally, you'd have a new date, but it may take a week or two to set a new date and that’s two weeks they’re in the dark, traveling, renting a dress, et cetera." Valley reiterates this point.

Can I postpone my Wedding during the pandemic?

Postponing your wedding is never easy. Get through it with our guide to postponing your wedding—from how to talk to your vendors to how to tell your guests and everything in between. Planning A Wedding During A Pandemic: Every wedding planning journey has its twists and turns.

Is it okay to postpone your wedding?

Postponing a wedding is a very personal choice, and only you and your partner can know what's right for your relationship. It doesn't mean your marriage is doomed if you have to postpone a wedding — it just means you should take the time to figure out what you truly want.

How can I reschedule my wedding date?

Here are two simple options. Send an email announcement to your entire guest list and then give each member of your wedding party a list of guests to contact. Ask them to call each guest personally to check they got the email and find out if they plan to attend. Send a digital or formal postponement card.

What does it mean to postpone a wedding?

While your wedding is first-and-foremost your wedding, a wedding postponement or cancellation means a change of many, many plans—for many, many people including family, guests, and vendors.

What to say when you postpone a wedding?

"We are saddened by [add situation here] and have decided to postpone our wedding until we choose a new [date and/or location] to celebrate. We will share the updated details with you as soon as they're available."

How easy is it to postpone a wedding?

Postponing your wedding day is an incredibly hard decision to make. Not only may there be financial factors involved, but delaying a day of celebration with all your loved ones is emotionally very difficult. However, there's plenty of official advice which will make your decision easier.

How long should you postpone wedding?

How far in advance do need to decide if we should postpone our wedding again? We recommend making the decision to postpone your wedding three to six months prior. Three months in advance for a smaller wedding that has more local guests.

How do you postpone an event politely?

We made this difficult decision to ___________ (postpone or cancel) because of _________________ (reason for cancellation or postponement). We understand that this change may cause great inconvenience for you and are sincerely sorry. [You may add on something about “circumstances beyond our control” if that applies.]

How many weddings are called off on the day?

Research shows that there are over 115,000 weddings per day worldwide. The average engagement is 12-18 months long and about 20% of all weddings are called off after engagements.

How do I cancel my last minute wedding?

There's only one way to start.Step 1: Make the Decision. The first, most important thing you need to do is decide to cancel, or not. ... Step 2: Cancel With Your Vendors. The first people you get in touch with, outside of those who help you make your decision, should be your vendors and venue. ... Step 3: Notify Your Guests.

How do I cancel my wedding ceremony?

How To Cancel Your Wedding, In Six StepsTell your family. Ideally, they will be unconditionally supportive. ... Send out a message to all the other guests. ... This might be a good time for a break. ... Reach out to vendors. ... Cancel travel arrangements. ... Cancel your wedding registries and return any gifts that have already arrived.

How do you postpone an event politely?

We made this difficult decision to ___________ (postpone or cancel) because of _________________ (reason for cancellation or postponement). We understand that this change may cause great inconvenience for you and are sincerely sorry. [You may add on something about “circumstances beyond our control” if that applies.]

How do I cancel my last minute wedding?

There's only one way to start.Step 1: Make the Decision. The first, most important thing you need to do is decide to cancel, or not. ... Step 2: Cancel With Your Vendors. The first people you get in touch with, outside of those who help you make your decision, should be your vendors and venue. ... Step 3: Notify Your Guests.

What do you say when changing dates?

I am available on [reschedule request date] and [additional reschedule date]. However, if these dates or times do not work for you, please let me know when you might be able to meet. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and I look forward to meeting with you on a different date.

How do you get a postponement announcement?

Put simply, your postponement announcement wording should read something like this: "We regret to inform you that the wedding of Jane Doe to John Smith will not take place as scheduled on June 9, 2020, due to COVID-19. Please save the new date of October 9, 2021. Formal invitation to follow."

How to start planning a wedding?

1. Start with an open mind . One of the most valuable pieces of advice we’ve heard comes from an unexpected place. As Elsa in Frozen belted, just “let it go.”. Let go of all of your preconceived notions of what your wedding “should” be.

Can you give out favors at a fall wedding?

Yes, your now-fall wedding can have a color scheme that feels more spring-appropriate (your guests won’t know the difference). Yes, you can give out the favors or programs you ordered with your original date printed on them (people will just be happy to celebrate with you).

Do weddings have to be on Saturday?

Your wedding doesn’t have to take place on a Saturday, doesn’t have to occur during a certain month, doesn’t have to have the “right” color scheme, doesn’t have to have a perfectly seasonal menu to be amazing.

How to reschedule a wedding?

Your first call should be to your venue to see what dates they have available for your wedding. Once you and your partner choose a few dates, call your other vendors and ask their availability and discuss their rescheduling policies further. If a vendor agrees to a new date, make sure you have that confirmed in writing along with how the new date affects your previous agreements.

What can a wedding planner do?

If you’re using a wedding planner, they may be able to help with some of these calls and emails or provide a list of everyone you need to talk to. They can also help you read through and navigate the vendor contracts you had in place. As you reach out, keep in mind that your vendors are, oftentimes, business owners.

How to notify guests of a wedding?

You can notify guests in a few different ways. An individual phone call to everyone might not be practical, but you can send a mass email or text. (This is probably the easiest and safest bet for reaching everyone if your wedding is soon.) You can also bulk notify guests via your Zola app and/or wedding website.

What to do on the day of a wedding?

Some options include picking up cupcakes in your wedding cake flavor, spending the day relaxing together with your favorite movies, or taking a walk or drive to the spot you got engaged or had your first date.

Can you postpone a vendor meeting?

As you reach out, keep in mind that your vendors are, oftentimes, business owners. A postponement will impact them, as well. Understand that everyone will need to work together to find the best possible solution for all parties. Be polite and professional as you explain your situation, concerns, and request for guidance. It’s fine to email the vendor initially but plan to set up a time to discuss on the phone, in person, or via video chat, if possible.

What to do if your parents are financially involved in your wedding?

If your parents or others are financially involved in your wedding, you can also use this time to discuss the numbers and how the change in date may impact the budget. Be understanding if they don’t have additional funds to help cover all the changes. Continue to express your gratitude for whatever assistance they can offer.

Is it easy to postpone a wedding?

Postponing your wedding is never easy. Get through it with our guide to postponing your wedding—from how to talk to your vendors to how to tell your guests and everything in between. Being faced with the decision to postpone your wedding comes second only to actually needing to postpone it until further notice.

What are the challenges vendors face?

Chances are, your vendors are experiencing childcare issues, emotional stress, or other personal challenges, all while trying to determine the future of their small business.

How to improve relationship while engaged?

While there are some key ways to improve your relationship while engaged, there are also times when the relational tension between partners becomes too much to move forward. Couples counseling is a wonderful place to start, but if your relationship is still in an unhealthy place, delaying your wedding may be the wisest option of all. Of course, you may lose out on some nonrefundable deposits or upset guests who have pre-booked their travel. However, keep in mind that confidence in your relationship is the most important factor to consider before making a lifelong commitment.

Why do couples push back their wedding date?

Financial stress. The cost of a wedding can add up quickly and even leads some couples to push back the wedding date they originally had in mind. In some circumstances, couples realize they need more time to save for their dream event and decide to wait until they have all the funds in place.

Who should couples seek guidance from?

Most importantly, couples and their vendors should seek the most recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and other federal, state and local officials, in an effort to prepare but not panic, as they take any necessary next steps.

Do you have to give your wedding venue second thought?

Once you’ve toured wedding venues, asked all the questions, and signed the dotted line, you might not need to give your venue choice second thought. However, some couples are faced with less-than-ideal circumstances, such as a sudden venue closing or a natural disaster near their venue.

Is it necessary to postpone a wedding?

Postponing your wedding isn't ideal, but it's sometimes necessary. Here are six situations when you may need to postpone your big day. Selecting a wedding date is one of the very first steps in the planning process, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely set in stone. In fact, there can be many valid reasons when postponing your wedding is necessary.

What does wedding insurance cover?

Typically, wedding insurance covers things like damage to the venue, any possibility of injury or illness that occurs at the event, and may cover postponement or cancellation. You can also get deposit coverage for your expensive vendors.

Why are weddings cancelled in 2020?

Due to venue and vendor closures, social distancing guidelines, and health and safety concerns , many couples in 2020 have been forced to postpone or even cancel their long awaited weddings. While this has been devastating for couples around the world, the good news is that you can always postpone.

Can you celebrate your wedding date?

Finally, celebrate your original wedding date with your fiancee and any other family and friends you wish to see. Depending on your original date, you may have to limit your social circle or wear masks to protect yourself from COVID-19, but you can still commemorate your original wedding date. Some couples may even choose to get legally married on their wedding date and save the ceremony and reception for later.

Is it bad to postpone a wedding?

Planning a wedding is stressful enough on its own. Postponing your wedding is a huge disappointment and adds even more stress to your life, as you have to go back through the planning process all over again. It’s okay to feel upset and overwhelmed, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.

Can you have already purchased airfare?

Depending on your unique situation, some guests may have already purchased airfare and booked hotel rooms. Try to assist those guests as much as possible. For instance, if you secured a block of rooms at a hotel, try to negotiate with the hotel to get your guests a refund or to accommodate your new date.

Can you email your wedding guest list?

You can also choose to email your guest list – just keep in mind that some guests may not check their email regularly. If you have a wedding website, you can post updates on there as well. When you inform your guests, let them know how and when to expect updates on the reschedule date.

Is March rescheduled for August?

Some couples in March may have rescheduled for August, not realizing just how long COVID-19 would stick around. Be sure to postpone long enough to account for health and safety regulations. You should also consider more than just your venue and vendors when picking your date.

Start with your venue

Your venue is likely your largest investment and is paramount for setting your date. Considering the latest restrictions and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as federal and local governments, some venues may find themselves forced to close their doors for a period of time.

Contact your other vendors

While most vendors will be understanding given the circumstances, it’s always a good idea to review your contracts first. There may be a clause that covers cancelations or rescheduling due to an “act of God,” which means something beyond your control.

Notify your guests

Delegate this task; you have enough on your plate. Let each set of parents handle spreading the news to their family members, and designate a few friends to tell the rest. Follow up with a printed card in the mail to be absolutely sure everyone receives the information, and ask them to contact you if they’re unable to attend on the new date.

Handle your honeymoon

Even if you booked a non-refundable rate, most airlines and resorts are allowing customers to cancel or reschedule without penalty. Check their websites for more specific information, as each company has its own policy.

Cancel your hotel block

If you reserved hotel rooms for your guests, call the hotel to cancel the block. This should automatically cancel your guests’ reservations for them. Then you can set up a new block around your new wedding date.

Consider the alternative

Don't want to wait to get married? Consider eloping! You can still host a reception later, when the situation has settled, to celebrate your nuptials with your loved ones.

How many people can attend a large gathering?

National guidelines were issued March 16, requesting the public's compliance with limiting mass gatherings to no more than 10 people. The announcement was made just a day after health officials from the CDC noted it's essential in now containing the virus. "Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities," CDC officials said. "Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals."

How to communicate with wedding guests?

You may also want to consider creating a list of FAQs if you think your guests will have similar questions around travel refunds, your new date, etcetera. Other communication options include sending your guests an email or splitting up the guest list between you, your partner and close friends or family so that you can start making calls.

Can you postpone a wedding?

As a result, some couples are either postponing their weddings or considering alternative options. In an official statement from its website, the CDC states, "Officials may ask you to modify, postpone, or cancel large events for the safety and well-being of your event staff, participants, and the community.

When was the Knot updated?

The Knot. Updated Jul 13, 2020. In these unprecedented times, more and more couples are taking the advice of both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to limit group gatherings because of COVID-19.

Can you reschedule a wedding date on a Saturday?

While your original date may have landed on a Saturday, securing another Saturday later in the year may not be possible. Consider other days of the week like a Monday, Thursday, Friday or Sunday. You'll have a better chance of securing all of your vendors, and, yes, your guests will still attend!

Is it okay to be disappointed?

Real talk: It's ok to feel disappointed or upset. Are there bigger issues we're facing as a country and as a world? Yes. But it's important to acknowledge your feelings and understand that they are valid. Voicing them to your partner or a close friend can help you start to cope.

Can you get a refund for a room block?

If you have a room block, you may want to reach out to the hotel to see if you can negotiate a full or partial refund on behalf of your guests. Taking the burden off of your friends and family will go a long way for those who had made plans to be there.

Talk to everyone involved in the wedding

Be sure to keep friends and family who are involved in the wedding in the loop. This includes your parents, close family members, and members of the wedding party. Since you’re trying to figure out how to postpone your wedding, now is probably the perfect time to start talking to them about it!

Speak to your vendors

Have you made the decision to postpone and have a general idea of when you want to postpone to? Now you’ll need to discuss this with all of your vendors.

Find the best way to inform guests

There are a few different options for informing guests of your new date. Sending out a postponement card seems to be the most effective. Many online companies are offering up unique designs and sayings to make it a little easier for you.

Take a look into your wedding insurance policy

If you took out a wedding insurance policy when you first started planning your wedding, now is definitely the time to review it. Does it cover any postponement or cancellation fees? What circumstances does it cover? If your honeymoon needs to be postponed, does it cover that?

Stay flexible

Remember to keep an open mind as you’re going through the process of postponing. For example, your original date may have been on a Saturday. New Saturday dates may not be available at your venue for the rest of the year, though.

Celebrate your original wedding date

Even though it won’t be the day that you originally planned for, you should still take some time to celebrate your original wedding date with your partner! Plan a date night at home, order cupcakes from your wedding cake vendor… whatever you choose to do, spend the day together.

Public Health Concerns

Family Emergency

• Life happens even when you’re engaged, and sometimes unfortunate events lead couples to consider postponing their wedding altogether. Whether it’s a situation of illness, an accident, death of a loved one, or any type of family emergency, moving forward with your original wedding date might not feel appropriate, considering the circumstances. Befor...

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Relational Conflict

Financial Stress

Venue Concerns

Weather Threats

New Surprises