FAQS - Rescheduling Your Wedding due to Covid-19 in 2023

We know how disappointing it has been for couples around the country (and world!) who had to reschedule their weddings in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. We have been busy rescheduling for our clients and fielding tons of related questions along the way. For those of you who don't have a planner, we are sharing some of the most-asked questions. Want to know more about the Shoreline Weddings Covid-19 Rescheduling Policy? Read about it here.

Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions we see regarding Rescheduling Weddings.

1. Should we postpone our wedding?

COVID-19 has lasted longer than anyone would have thought or wanted. 90% of 2020 weddings were postponed to 2021 or 2022. An estimated 662,000 weddings were cancelled or postponed in 2020 as a result of Covid-19. As of December 1, 2020 we are currently seeing 2021 couples begin discussing postponements to 2022 or coming up with a back up plan. Although this may seem like an extreme decision for weddings in the 2021 season, we unfortunately do not know what the future holds or how long COVID-19 will affect our lives.

Your wedding day is supposed to be the most magical day of your life and we want to ensure that your day is exactly how you envision it.  Keep in mind that there may be procedures that vendors have to implement to ensure your safety, or restrictions on guest sizes in required states. Food & beverage restrictions may be enforced, or masks could possibly need to be worn in group settings.  

Remember-There is no wrong decision! You know each other, your family and your guests and you must do what is best for you and your comfort level.  First and foremost, talk to your partner and come to an agreement that works for you both.  Marriages are hard and take work, and this is your first real (and big) bump in the road together.  Love each other, and support one another during this time, and you will get through it together, and the right decision will reveal itself, making you stronger together!

1. You have decided to reschedule - now what? 

Now that you have decided to reschedule your wedding, there are a few steps to take to make sure you have a smooth transition. 

First, reach out to your venue to get their available dates. Make sure to also confirm that there are no fees associated with changing your date. Once you pick a date that you think will work, make sure to ask your venue salesperson to hold the new date for you and to let you know if anyone else inquires about it so that you have first dibs!

Next, before signing a new contract with your venue, make sure to reach out to your family and friends to make sure they are available for your new date.

Then, reach out to make sure that the rest of your vendors are available for your date. Make sure to also confirm with each of them whether you will have to pay a rescheduling fee.

Finally, make sure to READ all of your new contracts to ensure they still include solid force majeure and rescheduling clauses. Many vendors are making edits to their contracts due to the pandemic. In the case you need to reschedule again, you want to make sure you are covered (again)!

2. Your vendor is charging a rescheduling fee - is this normal? 

Although Shoreline Weddings does not charge a rescheduling fee, many vendors are charging a rescheduling fee to move clients' wedding as a result of Covid-19. The main reason many vendors require this fee is because your rescheduled wedding is taking a (often prime) date away from their calendar next year. For vendors who have had to fill next year's calendar with rescheduled weddings, they will have to survive on income spread over two years. This includes having to keep their doors and studios open, lights on, keep insurance policies active and all other fees that come with running a business active over a 2 year period with a half the income. Additionally, some vendors have already paid their team members non-refundable income to hold your date this year and will have to pay the fees again next year. We understand that this feels like a penalty but, in most cases, it is truly helping

3. What do I do if my deposits are nonrefundable?

This definitely would have to be answered on a case by case basis but remember we are all in this together.  It was no fault of anyones that this COVID-19 pandemic happened. Small businesses are trying their best to survive right now and are seeing some of the biggest effects to maintain their livelihoods.  We have seen many vendors try to be as accommodating as possible, so communicate with your vendors and make sure that you have those open conversations.  the businesses that you love stay in business!

4. How should I update my guests? 

Now that you have decided to postpone your wedding, it is time to let your guests know. There are a few ways to let your guests know you have decide to move your date. If you have not sent out your wedding invitations yet, including a cute note inside of your current invitations is a great way to communicate your date change with your guests. If you have sent out invitations, you can send an evite (email) a message to all guests (we suggest creating something that matches the invite for a special touch!)  

If you are not comfortable sending another mailing (or don't want to invest in it) it is perfectly acceptable to send an e-update via Paperless Post or Greenvelope. Guests can usually also RSVP via these services make it a quick and easy update for both the guests and for your guest list!

Canva is a great (and free) tool with tons of amazing “Save the Date” and wedding design templates if you need help and don’t want to spend money!  If you have a wedding website, we suggest you update that as well so that your guests can reference back to it, as they need it. 

5. What if not ALL of my vendors are available for my new date?

If you have specific vendors that are booked or unavailable on your new date, communicate with them & see if they have any alternate options. The wedding industry is quite large, and we are all trying to make things work and be as flexible as possible. Your vendor may be able to give you some direction with a list of others in the industry they recommend and trust.

6. What’s an elopement or Micro Wedding?  

Back in the day, when you heard about an elopement wedding, you thought of running away without telling friends or family…. but that definition has changed over time!  Elopements (or “micro weddings”) nowadays are smaller & more intimate weddings set up in your backyard, or celebrated with a smaller group of people.  Elopements are a great way to still celebrate your special day, and you can always have a celebration next year when things go back to “normal”.  

7. I still want to celebrate my special day.  Do you have any recommendations?  

Of course! Many engaged couples aren’t letting things like a global pandemic get in their way of getting married! You know why?! Because love always wins! From zoom bridal showers, to video consultations with vendors-we are here to help you get creative! Where there’s a tech-savvy will, there’s a way!

Have an Elopement! If you have already moved your date to 2021 or 2022, you could still celebrate your original day and celebrate two magical days! Buy a little cake, throw on a white dress and get hitched in your backyard!  Don’t forget to Zoom your family and friends and pop the champagne!  If you are looking for something more elaborate or curated just for you, we are happy to help with our brand new speciality elopement packages.

8. Reset your mindset. 

Reminding yourself of the positives and putting things in perspective is important - especially during this uncertain time. Try to put a spotlight on the things that are certain in your life. Remember how lucky you are to have found the perfect partner and to be planning the wedding of your dreams regardless of the date (or year). Plus, think about how much more excited your family and friends are going to be to celebrate with you when the time comes!