Weddings are one of the less important victims of COVID-19, but they’ve been all but wiped out by the ongoing pandemic. Worldwide lockdowns and bans on mass gatherings have pretty much put paid to the entire wedding industry for the moment. But as quarantines begin to ease across the globe, many couples are looking ahead to rescheduling their big day.
We’ve Got You!
In this blog post, we’re going to run through the best options for holding your wedding in 2020 or 2021. Maybe you had a date you had to postpone indefinitely. Maybe you were planning on getting married later this year and are wondering if you can still pull it off. Well, fear not. Your friendly neighbourhood Cronulla wedding photographer is here to ease your mind. With this coronavirus wedding support guide, you’ll figure out the lay of the land and set yourself up for a stress-free celebration.
Let’s Discuss Plan B
So, here’s what to do if you’ve booked your wedding during coronavirus. You must be freaking out, right? Depending on where you live, the virus is either under relative control, or cases are rising once again. Look, I get it. No one wants to postpone their wedding. But if your big day is coming up, it’s worth considering Plan B!
If your wedding is coming up later this year or early next year, you can consider this information lightly. But you should still consider it! There’s no telling what route this virus will take and it’s best to consider all options.
Moving Your Wedding Date
Many people are wondering, ‘how to reschedule my wedding post-pandemic’. If your wedding is coming up right around the corner, you’ll probably want to look at moving your date. Obviously, the closer you get to the big day the more painful this will be, as everything will be organised and falling into place. But it might just be the right call, all things considered.
Touch base with your wedding vendors. I’m sure they’ll be understanding, due to the unprecedented nature of the crisis. Many of them will have rescheduling policies in place anyway. Chat to them and find out what their stance is. There are a lot of people postponing their weddings, so vendors are likely going to have a system in place.
Keeping Your Date
Despite all the madness, you might decide to forge ahead with your original date. Whether you can do this or not depends on two factors. The first is the size of your wedding. The second is where you live. Some countries have lifted restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings. Some haven’t. So while there are still rules in place regarding social distancing, let’s discuss how I can best document your day as your wedding photographer.
The most important thing is making everyone feel safe. The photos won’t turn out so great if everyone is eyeing each other suspiciously or looks uncomfortable in the frame. My job is to work within the current governmental guidelines and make sure you and your guests feel happy and secure.
Before the big day we can chat about social distancing and other restrictions in detail, and I can address any concerns or questions you might have. Together, we’ll draw up an approach which prioritises the safety and wellbeing of everyone who’s having their photograph taken.
I know Cronulla and the surrounding areas pretty damn well having lived and worked here for my entire life, so I can also offer up elopement suggestions for remote locations that are safe, secure and beautiful.
Consider Your Reschedule Date
If you’re shifting your wedding date further down the line you should consider moving to a Friday, Saturday or mid-week. This can actually give you a truckload of benefits:
1: It’s very likely that your chosen vendors will be available.
2: You will be supporting small businesses who have undoubtedly taken some hits during the pandemic. Many are having trouble just keeping the lights on. Sure, there might be a load of bookings lined up for 2021, but first they have to make it through 2020. A huge majority of vendors will enter next year operating at a substantial loss.
3: Sticking together is crucial during unprecedented times like these. We have to support each other as best we can. Considering an alternative day for your wedding is a massive way of supporting local vendors.
4: Don’t worry, your guests will totally understand.
Contact Your Vendors
Whether you’re downsizing your wedding or postponing it to a later date, the first step you should take is contacting all your vendors. Remember, there are loads of people involved in your big day, from the caterers to the photographers. They’ll all want to help you make the most of a bad situation, but you need to touch base with them ASAP.
Keeping everyone in the loop and on the same page will make the whole process a lot more streamlined and ultimately manageable. Don’t forget your venue: a lot of places have been forced to close their doors, some permanently. They should be at the top of your list. Once you’ve chatted with them, work through your list of vendors and ask what their rescheduling policy is. If they’re happy to reschedule (most of them will be), put a few dates forward and go from there.
Postpone, Don’t Cancel
Who wants to cancel a wedding?! No one, that’s who. You’ve no doubt put in countless hours, endless conversations, sleepless nights. Don’t let all that work go to waste. Although postponing seems like a lot more work in these uncertain times, go ahead and touch base with your vendors before you make that decision. You might be surprised at how understanding and accommodating everyone is.
Unfortunately Ben, I Have to Cancel
Sometimes, rescheduling just isn’t an option. When that’s the case, I understand and I’m so sorry to hear this.
I personally offer my clients a credit on my services so that you call me up when you feel ready to plan again post-coronavirus. The credit amount is equal to the deposit you paid to book me, and can be used to book any free dates in the future.
You Can’t Cancel Love
Love is a virus all by itself. Luckily for couples everywhere, you can’t cancel love. You can’t even postpone it. Whatever choice you make, please know that I’m here to support you through all this madness. I’ll look forward to capturing your love story whenever you feel safe and ready to move ahead.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Stay safe!