A destination wedding is probably one of the most difficult types of nuptials to deal with, under the current circumstances. Social distancing and international travel bans essentially ensure that these weddings can’t happen.
At this point, you’re most likely extremely worried about what to do with regards to your destination wedding. Lisa Sheldon operater of I Do Island Weddings & Honeymoons in Janesville and president of Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association, told Boston Globe that it might be a bit of a tough situation.
She said that the honeymoon side of things can be quite flexible. However, “it’s a little bit harder when it’s a destination wedding. This is a day that a couple has dreamed about for a long time and planned and spent money on. It’s already an emotional trip — and then to have something like this come in and affect it. . . . That really is out of their control,” she said.
Her advice was to cancel as much as possibly as quickly as possible, in order to get refunds. When the health crisis is contained and things go back to normal, everything can be rebooked.
Many airlines and travel agents have adjusted their policies to allow for cancellations at this time. There is more flexibility now, as suppliers are aware that everything is not in the control of travellers.
Some have advised to change the location to one that is more local. However, in South Africa, no gatherings are allowed so this would not be a viable option.
Unfortunately, the best you can do is chat to all your suppliers as quickly as possible, and attempt to have everything postponed. People will be very understanding during this time, so we’re sure you don’t have that much to worry about.
What’s most important right now is that you consider the health and safety of yourself and your guests. You wouldn’t want to put anyone in to harm’s way. It is an unfortunate turn of events, but things will turn out fine if you put your best foot forward!
If your destination wedding is planned for much later in the year or next year, you may want to have a chat with some travel agents and keep your eyes peeled to the news. You never know, it may still be possible to carry on as planned if the situation surrounding the spread of coronavirus takes a turn for the better.
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