If you were planning on getting married in the next few months, you’ve most likely decided to postpone your wedding on account of the coronavirus pandemic. This can be an overwhelming task, and it’s easy to forget simple things like asking your vendors the correct questions.

If you’re not sure where to start with the postponing process, then we suggest you start with your vendors. Make enquiries with them to find out everything you need to know. From there, it’ll be a much simpler task.

Additionally, starting with your vendors could lead to some refunds if you’re lucky. Not all of them offer refunds, it often depends on individual circumstances. However, it is commonly said that the earlier you cancel, the better your chances of getting a refund.

Here are some questions you should ask your vendors:

– Wedding Planner 

What are our options if we decide to postpone?

Are you able to coordinate with our other vendors on our decision?

If we reschedule, will you be available in the coming months?

– Florist 

What happens if we cancel or postpone our wedding?

Is it possible to use the deposit for a new wedding date?

Will there be an issue with sourcing the chosen flowers and if so will you be available to assist with choosing new ones?

– Caterer 

Are there any cancellation fees, and are they applicable for postponing too?

Will postponing mean we have to redo the menu?

If the number of guests decreases, will we pay the original amount or an adjusted amount?

Will you handle food and serving of food differently as a result of coronavirus?

– Photographer 

Are there fees related to cancelling or rescheduling?

Are we able to apply the deposit to the new date?

Are you available in coming months if we do postpone?

If you’re having a destination wedding, enquire whether vendors such as the photographer are still comfortable to travel.

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Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting quarantines and self-isolation regulations, many are postponing their weddings. However, moving your wedding doesn’t mean your orginal wedding date has to be any less special.

You may have had your heart set on your original date, it may have been a sentimental choice, or perhaps it was the perfect date for you. Whatever the reason for the original choice, you should still celebrate! Just because the actual celebration won’t be on that day, doesn’t mean you can’t do something special to comemorate what the date means to you now.

Here are some ways to celebrate in self-isolation:

– Have a mini photoshoot 

Set the self-timer and get posing! You could dress up in your wedding outfits if you have them, or formal attire if you don’t. You could even make it light hearted and take some funny photos of the two of you dressed up in costumes put together with household items. If you’re feeling extra creative, you could create some fun backdrops.

You and your partner can cherish the photos for years to come. It’ll be a fun way to comemorate the day, and will bring back all sorts of memories every time you come back to them.

– Host virtual drinks with your wedding party 

The bridesmaids and groomsmen have been commited to your wedding for a while! Why not celebrate the day with them by you side? Hop on Zoom or Skype, and have a drink with them in comemoration of the day you all have spent so long preparing for.

– Make a wedding cake 

Spend some quality time in the kitchen creating a wedding cake. You may not have the one you ordered on hand, but that doesn’t mean you should go without! And of course, what is a celebration without a cake?

– Write wedding day letters 

In place of saying your wedding vows to each other, why not write letters to exchange on the original wedding date. This way, you’re celebrating in a special and intimate way, while saving your actual vows for your postponed date.

– Have your first dance 

You’ve practiced it for so many hours! Pop some music on the speakers and have your first dance.

Image: Unsplash

Let’s be honest, there are quite a few wedding guests who fall under the ‘non-essential’ category. We tend to invite people to be polite, because our parents expect us to, or because that’s what tradition dictates.

Eventually, the list will grow too long. Your venue’s capacity may not allow for the long list of guests, or it could be the gaping hole in your pocket calling for you to cut down on the invites. Whatever your reason for a shorter guest list, you need to remember that in the end it’s your special day. You can invite (or not invite) anyone you please.

If you’re wondering where to start trimming, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some people you can leave off your wedding guest list:

– MIA friends and family 

Your wedding is an opportunity to celebrate your love and the big steps you’re taking in life. Those who are present in your life should have a chance to share that happiness with you. If there are family members or friends you haven’t spoken to in years, there is no need to invite them. This is not a reunion, it’s a wedding.

– Neighbours 

Physical proximity should not be a factor in choosing your wedding guests. Just because they live next to you, doesn’t mean they get an invite. If you’re very friendly with them, it’s a different story, but if they’re the “wave and keep it moving” types of neighbours, then an invitation is not necessary.

– Kids

There is a lot of debate about whether kids should be invited to weddings. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But if you wanting to cut down on the amount of mouths you need to feed, this is a great place to start.

– Your parents’ friends 

No doubt your mom’s friend will see all your wedding photos on Facebook (and like them all individually). There’s no need for her to see it live.

– Badly behaved guests 

If you have a friend who is notorious for getting smashed and wrecking the cake at weddings, why would you invite them? Be smart, don’t do it!

Also read: Should you invite kids to your wedding? 

Also read: Wedding plus-one etiquette: Rules for the couple

Also read: The ex-factor: Should you invite them? 

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