First of all, deep breaths! That’s survival tip #1. Though breathing is actually super beneficial, I know it doesn’t solve all your thwarted wedding plans due to coronavirus. If you need to postpone your wedding/celebration because the people on your guest list are your rocks and you want them a part of your day - YOU do YOU. I know making decisions about your wedding is not an easy task right now and there is so much to consider. Put your number one priority first, whatever that may be for you.

Let’s get to it:

There’s a few reasons couples are deciding to cancel/postpone their wedding.
REASON #1 - For a while, it has been to keep loved ones safe. Weddings tend have an older crowd on the guest list (think older relatives you love dearly and want to be a part of celebration - grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors…) This demographic specifically may fall into the higher risk category for getting severely sick (or worse) from coronavirus. There may also be people you are aware of on your guest list with weakened immune systems.

REASON #2 - The government shut it down. You had no say in the matter. Whether it was a ban on large gatherings or a ban on small gatherings, the government is really having a say in the matter of people’s “Best day ever” to be postponed. Phases are starting to roll out. I know here in California it seems to be phasing a little slower than we probably all hoped. I can’t say I completely disagree with the government, because honestly I do think if we slow the spread we will help our medical systems not be too overwhelmed and would be less casualties all around, but I do recognize how unfortunate that timing is. Sad face emoji, thumbs down emoji, all the emojis that tell it like it is…

If you’re stressed about your upcoming wedding and not sure what to do OR you’re being forced to rearrange everything, it’s all going to be okay. There are options, there’s ways to approach this mess. Let’s walk through them.

Postpone before you cancel!
Things are changing day by day, certain areas and recreational places are opening up slowly, start brainstorming a plan b, plan c, other options, but don’t jump to a cancellation just yet! If your vendors haven’t reached out to you yet, you can shoot them an email, look back through your contract about rescheduling or cancellation policy, and chat with them on next best steps to proceed (good first go-to’s are your venue, coordinator, and media team). Don’t make any drastic changes to your event until 3-4 weeks before your wedding -you’ll know more about ever changing information on virus and government regulations closer to the date. Keep vendors up to date, work closely with them. They want to help you. They want to lessen the headache for you (trust me, it’s a headache for everyone at this point). If you do have to cancel for reasons beyond your control, I think I can speak for most vendors when I say we understand and we are so sorry you have to go through that.

2. Once you know for sure your wedding will be postponed, don’t procrastinate
I don’t know where you sit with news outlets these days, but I’m just straight up exhausted with the updates, recommendations, and “information” changing at the speed of light. What we don’t know: when exactly “large gatherings/events” will be allowed. What we do know: government regulations will be affecting more and more wedding plans and CA doesn’t seem to be rushing into reopening. If your FAVE vendors or your venue can’t reschedule for a new weekend date this year or into 2021, pick a weekday instead. I know it’s not ideal, but if your hopes are to have your wedding AND your dream vendor team sooner rather than later this might be your ticket! This year I have a Wednesday wedding already scheduled and last year I shot quite a few weekday weddings, including a Monday wedding. I gotta say, I actually really enjoyed it.

3. Simplify and Elope
When the coast is clear, (aka it’s safe to start interacting with people face to face again) elope!! Okay fine, so maybe we can’t be face to face right now, but we CAN be mask to mask. If you absolutely CANNOT wait to get married - I get it - elope and do a big party LATER when all guests can attend. That takes the stress off of you right now for wedding planning while also enjoying the whole point of the party in the first place - to get married!! I think a lot of couples are starting to turn to elopements right now as a growing trend in general and COVID19 has definitely pushed the interest. We are going to see some really clever and creative ways to get married come 2021. At the end of the day if you get to marry your ride or die boo then I’d mark that down as a success. Just make sure I’m there to document the elopement because THOSE ARE SO FUN!

4. IT’S OKAY TO GRIEVE

Finally, and maybe most importantly of all, let yourself grieve. What a lot of people consider to be one of the most special days of their life, has been dramatically affected. It’s okay and honestly probably necessary to take the time to mourn the things you have lost during this time. You spent time spent dreaming, planning, and waiting in anticipation of the perfect celebration. You picked out flowers, candle votives, menus, songs. Brainstormed venues, travel locations, honeymoon ideas. Whether you were planning a massive gathering or a super intimate elopement, your grief is valid and it’s okay to acknowledge these good things that you no longer have. Give yourself that space, then when you’re ready, let’s figure out that plan b that works best for you two.

If you’re looking for more, this article came out a while ago from one of my favorite wedding blogs and I thought it was super helpful.

I respect the decisions every couple is having to make right now. It’s a s!*$-storm, it’s hectic, and as if planning weddings aren’t stressful enough - this is definitely the cherry on top. Please know, my emails are fully open to help brainstorm alternatives, give you virtual hugs, and all the things. Let’s figure this ish out. 🤘

Email me! I'll help <3