Covid-19 has arrived in Calgary and it’s time for many couples to start considering how it will affect your wedding and wedding planning.
Here are some steps you can take as you navigate these challenging times. But, before we get into that, we want you to know that we are here for you. Any questions and concerns you have, or if you just want to talk. We want to support you through these challenges, and help you in any way we can!
Reschedule or Restructure
- Consider first the chances that a wedding during the Covid-19 pandemic will result in your wedding being rescheduled or restructured. In the peak of the pandemic, you may not be able to have your parents or loved ones travel, or entertain groups of people more than 15… or 5… or 2. For all weddings scheduled from now until June, we are suggesting that you immediately reschedule. This is because you may not be able to find an officiant.
- For our clients we are providing priority for those who need to reschedule. This means you will have first choice for the rest of 2020 with no restrictions or additional fees.
- If your wedding is scheduled between July and September, we suggest that you take a few minutes to discuss a back up plan. This will likely mean a smaller wedding, or a wedding that reschedules until 2021. I personally think having a large group of people might be a challenge for the remainder of the wedding season this year. So, can you cut your guest list to 50? Or can you plan a beautiful ceremony and meet back up for a party next year? Or, would you like to have the wedding you dreamed of (but have it in 2021)?
Know your options
- Take a look at your contracts for all your vendors, and send out an email asking what your options are. If you need to have a smaller wedding, are you able to change your services and adjust your contract? Most vendors in the wedding industry do not provide a refund for your deposit, but they will be willing to be flexible with rescheduling. The wedding industry is filled with small businesses, people who would likely go under if they had to refund a full year of deposits.
- Ask your vendors about alternative dates. It might be easier to send one general email out and ask everyone at once. You could even send out a set of preferred dates. Remember you may need to plan a back up for late summer or fall, but being these are unpredictable times, don’t be surprised if you need a plan for the best and worst case scenario.
I know what I am going to say is easier to say on this side of the wedding, but in the end, 3 months, 1 year… it won’t matter. You will get through this, and we are all in it together. So be kind to yourself, and each other. Changing wedding plans can feel really difficult because you had your heart set on a plan and it all seems so uncertain right now. But in the end, being healthy and having your loved ones healthy is what really matters. We will be here with you, with that goal in mind, and also we have you in mind. We will help you navigate these murky waters!!!
Yay!