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Here are the Top Questions Engaged Couples Have About Coronavirus Right Now and Brides Magazine’s attempt to answer them.

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For a May 2021 wedding, what should I think about/include when sending save the dates?

Now more than ever is a really great time to be sending out save the dates for your upcoming weddings. You'll also want to include a wedding website, which will help allow your guests to be kept in the loop with any updates and make for a much easier transition if postponements do arise.

-Heather Balliet, wedding planner, on August 28, 2020

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When is it too late to postpone?

The latest that we would suggest holding off to postpone would be about six weeks (when your invitations are supposed to go out). That said, we also strongly suggest having a back-up plan in place and having a date confirmed that works for all your vendors and your team.

-Heather Balliet, wedding planner, on August 28, 2020

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Will indoor weddings be permitted in the fall?

So from what we're seeing indoor weddings are highly unlikely to be taking place in the fall. But this is the time to take advantage of the great outdoors and all the beauty that it has to offer.

-Heather Balliet, wedding planner, on August 28, 2020

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Micro wedding tips???

Splurge! Spend that money, honey! Now that you have less guests, wow them! This is the time to go all out. Upgrade the florals, update the menu (maybe some caviar!) or maybe take advantage of some of the vendors that were originally booked for your day.

-Fallon Carter, wedding planner, on August 28, 2020

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How to plan a Spring 2021 destination wedding? Need advice during this crazy time!

For your international wedding, make sure that you and your vendor partners are all aligned when it comes to cancellation policies, rescheduling and/or potential travel bans. But also consider when are you communicating that to guests? And also consider domestic destinations.

-Fallon Carter, wedding planner, on August 28, 2020

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Will November weddings be able to go ahead?

November holds a special place in my heart—I was married myself in November! So, go ahead with your November wedding! But just make sure your guests feel extra safe. Make sure you implement safety measures to make them feel comfortable coming to your celebration.

-Darryl Moore, wedding planner, on August 28, 2020

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Should I still have bridesmaids?

COVID has taught us less is more! So I would say have those bridesmaids support you from the audience. They can still be celebrating on the first row or second row but make this time a little more intimate for you and your [partner].

-Darryl Moore, wedding planner, on August 28, 2020

I mean, I'm a huge fan of zero wedding party, especially now with COVID. Less is more! So when you're thinking of hair and makeup and getting ready consider the essentials.

-Fallon Carter, wedding planner, on August 28, 2020

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Is it totally irresponsible to have a wedding right now?

You shouldn't feel irresponsible for having a wedding during this time. This is your moment! It doesn't have to be big and elaborate. It can be very beautiful and small and intimate in your home or in a private space around close friends and family.

-Darryl Moore, wedding planner, on August 28, 2020

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International wedding in January 2020—postpone or downsize?

For destination weddings internationally, you want to make sure you're checking on the regulations to make sure you can go safely. If not, postpone! If you can, make the plans. See if everyone wants to go with you and you might just have to scale back.

-Brian Green, wedding and event planner, on August 1, 2020

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How should I celebrate my original wedding date?

Celebrate as fabulously as you want to! Have a glass of champagne, have a fabulous dinner and cheers to your love.

-Brian Green, wedding and event planner, on August 1, 2020

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Postpone or scale down?

The answer is both! Do what feels right for you and your circumstance.

-Brian Green, wedding and event planner, on August 1, 2020

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Micro-wedding tips?

So now that your guest count is smaller, this might be an opportunity for you to refocus your budget. You can get the photographer that initially felt out of reach to you when you had 250 guests, or maybe the wedding planner you wanted to design the most incredible dinner for you and your nearest and dearest.

-Corbin Gurkin, destination wedding photographer, on August 1, 2020

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Can I elope and party later?

Absolutely! My favorite part of photographing a wedding is the portraits and an elopement can be a great extension of that time. Focus on the two of you guys now and party later with your people when it is safe to do so.

-Corbin Gurkin, destination wedding photographer, on August 1, 2020

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How can I make my at-home wedding extra special?

Think of all the things that are sentimental to you about home and what spaces really have meaning. Your favorite tree in the backyard where you used to do summer reading? It sounds like the perfect spot for your ceremony and know that each time you return it's now going to be all the more special because you exchanged vows there.

-Corbin Gurkin, destination wedding photographer, on August 1, 2020

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Is it worth it to even book a DJ with social distancing expectations?

What's a celebration without music? Don't let coronavirus take away your spark. Play some mid-tempo music—I promise you you'll thank me later!

-Guerdy Abraira, destination wedding planner, on August 1, 2020

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I feel so bad about downsizing. How can I still involve those who don't make the cut?

Cut them out—literally! Make life-size cutouts of your friends, which will not only help to show the love you have for them but also will make a pretty good photo backdrop.

-Guerdy Abraira, destination wedding planner, on August 1, 2020

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January wedding planned, should we be contacting venue to see about postponing now?

Just for peace of mind, absolutely! Contact all your vendors ASAP to ensure that they all have a courtesy hold for you on your second date so that you already have a rollover option in case January doesn't work out.

-Guerdy Abraira, destination wedding planner, on August 1, 2020

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How to "disinvite" guests due to COVID size restrictions?

I think when it comes to downsizing your guest count for your wedding right now, people are really understanding. Maybe you can explore other options such as live streaming in private groups or video conference call-ins so that people who can't be there physically can still celebrate with you.

-Morgan, photographer at In Frames Photography, on May 7, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Virtual Wedding

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What should 2021 couples be doing now?

As a 2021 bride myself, I know that it can be hard to be excited right now. But my advice to you is: Stay patient with yourself as things unfold and to go over any and all booking policies that your vendors have intact so that you guys can be on the same page if things change.

-Morgan, photographer at In Frames Photography, on May 7, 2020

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How do I tell people we are postponing if we don't have a new date yet?

I think when it comes to postponing into the unknown, communication is key. This goes for guests and vendors. Just keep people up-to-date with any and all changes that you've made to your wedding plans by utilizing online resources, your wedding website, and social media.

-Morgan, photographer at In Frames Photography, on May 7, 2020

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How can I still take good photos for my at-home wedding? Self-timer?

One of the ways you can get creative if you don't have a photographer for your ceremony is by setting up a camera on a tripod and recording it. Then, at a later date, have your photographer come and get those quality photos that you want.

-Tec Petaja, photographer, on May 7, 2020

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

Speaking as a photographer, if I'm booked on your rescheduled date, I will try my hardest to find someone that's available, and I will give you a list of recommended photographers that I trust—and that I would want to shoot my own wedding.

-Tec Petaja, photographer, on May 7, 2020

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What are some ways I can still celebrate my original wedding date? We postponed our bigger party.

One of the ways you can celebrate your original wedding date is getting dressed up and hiring a photographer to come shoot you guys from afar, whether it be at your house or in a field. But definitely celebrate somehow!

-Tec Petaja, photographer, on May 7, 2020

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What is the most recent (May) recommendations for summer weddings?

I know brides want to wait and see, but I felt strongly that moving our weddings until next year was the smart thing.

-Laurie Arons, wedding planner, on May 7, 2020

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How to politely downsize postponed wedding?

I think the global pandemic is such a new thing that no one has ever experienced that breaking the rules of etiquette is not a problem in this situation. I think people will be very understanding. I just think the right way to do it is to have the couple call their guests individually and let them know that, unfortunately, you're going to have to downsize for these reasons and that you're sorry.

-Laurie Arons, wedding planner, on May 7, 2020

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Do we continue with our July wedding as scheduled or push to our backup date in 2021?

I think you should be looking to postpone at this time unless you're comfortable changing the scope and making it into an elopement instead. Then, I think you'll be totally fine.

-Laurie Arons, wedding planner, on May 7, 2020

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Moved my wedding from May to September. Do I need to rethink colors?

You can stick with your original color scheme. The only colors that really change a lot in the seasons are shades of green. So in the springtime, a bright green might be a good olive green for the early fall.

-Colin Cowie, wedding and event planner, on April 19, 2020

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My wedding will be by end of June. Should I postpone it? If yes, what should I do first?

I would probably air on the side of caution and I would plan a second date as a back-up date. June is not far away. We do not know what the situation is going to be—better to be safe than sorry!

-Colin Cowie, wedding and event planner, on April 19, 2020

Need to Postpone (or Cancel) Your Wedding? Here's How to Do It

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If you need to reduce your guest list due to COVID-19, how do you uninvite people?

Send a letter explaining exactly what the situation is. You'd love to have everyone but with only 50 people, you look forward to celebrating with them at a later time when all is back to normal."

-Colin Cowie, wedding and event planner, on April 19, 2020

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Advice on collecting 150 people's email addresses for email updates?

I know this is a daunting task but what we're recommending at Ceci New York is that on your actual RSVP card you include a line that requests your guest to please provide their email so you can update them should your date have to change.

-Ceci Johnson, founder of luxury wedding stationery studio Ceci New York, on April 19, 2020

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Do you need to send new save-the-dates and invitations if your wedding has been postponed?

I know this is a very complicated question and it depends on so many scenarios but if you've already sent your invitations, don't feel pressured that you have to send another save-the-date and another invitation. I think just sending one really great invitation announcing the new date will do the trick.

-Ceci Johnson, founder of luxury wedding stationery studio Ceci New York, on April 19, 2020

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Getting married in late August, should I wait to send invitations or go ahead and mail them?

It's such a tricky thing but I do believe you should go ahead and mail them and then include a card that says you're closely monitoring everything and that you will update your guests if things should change.

-Ceci Johnson, founder of luxury wedding stationery studio Ceci New York, on April 19, 2020

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How do I make sure my in-laws feel included in our small elopement (ceremony delayed)?

I think one of the sweetest things to do if you have decided to elope and you still want to make your family feel included would be to make a personal video right after your ceremony so they can see your emotion and share that moment with you.

-Jana Williams, wedding photographer, on April 19, 2020

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Best friend is eloping now instead. I'm MOH—how can I help and can I still do a bachelorette still?

One way to still be an amazing maid of honor if your bride has decided to elope is throw her a virtual bachelorette party. Make it really cute: send out invites, have everyone dress up, have a signature cocktail. Make it really special. It can be really sweet.

-Jana Williams, wedding photographer, on April 19, 2020

8 Ways Bridesmaids Can Support the Bride When Wedding Planning Stress Hits

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Are all of the weekend wedding dates basically gone for 2020 and 2021 now?

I absolutely do not think that all of the weekend dates are booked up for 2020 and 2021. From my personal experience, all of my brides that have rescheduled have rescheduled for later on in 2021 and mostly they have rescheduled on weekdays.

-Jana Williams, wedding photographer, on April 19, 2020

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Can my florist still send me my original wedding flowers if I'm getting married at home now?

I think that's a very easy request and I also think it's kind of an honor. I love at-home weddings! But, just make sure you realize that what you were going to do for one venue won't necessarily look good in your home.

-Mindy Rice, floral and event designer, on April 9, 2020

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How to coordinate your summer colors into a fall wedding?

I wouldn't worry about the color you chose! I can't think of one color that wouldn't be beautiful. Mix in the seasonal branches, berries, etc, and it will be spectacular"

-Mindy Rice, floral and event designer, on April 9, 2020

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Will floral wholesalers have any florals to provide once this is all over?

The reason the market seems slim now is because the demand isn't there. I mean, it's affecting everybody all the way down to the growers. Once wedding season kicks in, the flowers will be spectacular—I promise!

-Mindy Rice, floral and event designer, on April 9, 2020

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What if we postponed to fall and then things are still bad then? Postpone again?

At this point, we are hopeful that things will resolve themselves by this fall so continuing planning and moving forward. You've waited this long to celebrate your love and you should continue to do that! Hire a great wedding planner if you don't already have one who can be an advocate and stick by your side.

-Heather Dwight, wedding planner, on April 9, 2020

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How do you suggest handling relatives that insist on you postponing your July wedding?

Approach with a lot of communication and empathy when discussing postponement with relatives during this time. Is their reasoning purely financial? Is it your guests' inability to travel? Is it your wedding location that's causing concern?

-Heather Dwight, wedding planner, on April 9, 2020

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What is the latest consensus on June weddings? And how far out to reschedule?

Advice right now for April and May weddings is to postpone. For June, July, August and September weddings, [my advice] is to get a good back-up date in place, but don't actually move your date until you're 30 to 45 days out.

-Heather Dwight, wedding planner, on April 9, 2020

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How will I know if I need to postpone my wedding?

We're experiencing a lot of postponements from our couples who are getting married in the next eight weeks. You can follow the CDC guidelines and your state governor's orders to keep everyone safe. And remember, before being a bride or groom, you're a person first!

-Sam and Sola Lee, photographer and videographer, on April 9, 2020

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Advis for our September 5th destination wedding? When should we decide to postpone?

So, we won't know what will happen with travel regulations in September, but I think it's safe to say to postpone any international destination weddings until 2021. If your destination is domestic, I would wait it out until June and see where things are.

-Sam and Sola Lee, photographer and videographer, on April 9, 2020

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What's an alternative to doing a big reception?

You can do an elopement or maybe do an intimate ceremony in your backyard or in nature. And then, maybe throw a big reception after COVID-19 is all over. One of our favorite weddings happened in their parents' backyard and it was so amazing you have no idea how much we cried! It doesn't have to be a back-up plan because of COVID-19.

-Sam and Sola Lee, photographer and videographer, on April 9, 2020

What Is a Micro Wedding and Should You Have One?

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Any advice for a bride who is going to make her own bouquet?

If you're wanting to make your own bridal bouquet, my best advice is keep it simple. Maybe try to pick one singular bloom—something hearty like roses, maybe tulips. Add that with a little greenery and keep it very basic.

-Maxine Owens, floral designer, on April 4, 2020

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Postponing wedding and florist won't get back to me on new dates. What do I do?

Like with any vendor, if it's only been a couple of days, just be a little bit patient with them as they're trying to reorganize and reschedule a multitude of events. Also, reach out to your planner if you haven't and try every outlet to reach them—IG, Facebook, call and email.

-Maxine Owens, floral designer, on April 4, 2020

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Should I postpone my May 29th wedding now? My venue only has June 2021 available next!

For May 29th, I would go ahead and ask your venue if they have any off-peak days open (like Thursday, Friday or Sunday). It might not be as ideal as your Saturday option but hopefully, it can still get you in within the year.

-Maxine Owens, floral designer, on April 4, 2020

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May 30th wedding—think the timing is OK?

I think it's going to depend on what state you live in. In Virginia, we are shuttered in place until June 10th. So, at Easton Events, we have moved all of our brides from April through July forward either to the fall or next year.

-Lynn Easton, destination wedding planner, on April 4, 2020

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Will floral wholesalers have any florals to provide once this is all over?

I have it on really good authority from my dear friend David Beahm, who is a world-renowned floral designer, that flowers will be available once we are able to host events. It may not be exactly what you want, but they'll be available!

-Lynn Easton, destination wedding planner, on April 4, 2020

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Can you ask for a refund on your deposit if your vendor isn't available on your postponed day?

I think if you read your contract you'll find out that your deposits are non-refundable. But what we are finding is that the vendors that you are moving to that when they know that you lost your original deposit they're being a little bit more flexible on their pricing.

-Lynn Easton, destination wedding planner, on April 4, 2020

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My wedding is in Spain in mid-July. Should I consider postponing now or wait?

As of right now, I think you have maybe one more month until you have to decide but I think even in July it will be risky for some of your guests to travel—like elderly or immune-compromised. And so, if that's not something you're willing to sacrifice then I would maybe think about postponing.

-Melissa Marshall, wedding and elopement photographer, on April 4, 2020

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If you need to reduce your guest list due to COVID-19, how do you uninvite people?

Remember that your guests love you and they support you and they want the best for you. So, this is what's best, unfortunately! And, if you just send them a message, let them know the situation and how you wish they were there and maybe you can create a virtual link to where they can watch from home and celebrate you guys in spirit.

-Melissa Marshall, wedding and elopement photographer, on April 4, 2020

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August bride: How can I continue with planning when things are closed?

Start emailing vendors that you're interested in working with and have some virtual time with them where you can explain your ideas and your mood boards and they can show you what they have to offer. And then I would set appointments in place for when the quarantine lifts so you guys can get together in-person and get the ball rolling.

-Melissa Marshall, wedding and elopement photographer, on April 4, 2020

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Should I be worried about my vendors going out of business?

So, something to think about for this one is most of your vendors are freelancers so they work from home and they can't necessarily go out of business per se. They'll be able to do your wedding no matter, even if they were to go get another job. That's kind of the beauty of freelancing. So I wouldn't worry about that!

-Peyton Byford, wedding photographer, on April 2, 2020

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My venue is asking for $1,500 extra to postpone to 2021 due to inflation. Fair or negotiable.

So this is definitely going to be different for everybody but it's important to remember that your vendors really want to support you so badly but they also need to protect their businesses. And they need your help with that! So, even by charging you $1,500, they're still going to be losing thousands and thousands.

-Peyton Byford, wedding photographer, on April 2, 2020

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How long should I wait before rescheduling my wedding (planned for end of July)?

Of course, no one knows what the future holds for sure but for a wedding in July or anything past July I think waiting, kind of seeing how things progress at least until May to really start exploring other options. You just wouldn't want to jump the gun and wish you hadn't rescheduled your wedding.

-Peyton Byford, wedding photographer, on April 2, 2020

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Is it possible to come up with a plan B before we're ready to decide on postponing?

The answer is yes! You should 100% be working on a Plan B right now. If you're marrying in 2020 it doesn't hurt to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Talk to your vendors, find out their availability, their postponement policies and more and hopefully, we'll get through this and you won't have to move it!

-Beth Helmstetter, destination wedding planner and designer, on April 2, 200

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I moved my wedding from May to September—do I need to rethink colors?

My general philosophy on color palettes is you should have whatever color you want no matter what the season is. However, if you're feeling obligated to be a bit more seasonal you can always add small accents of a deeper, richer tone to your existing palette. Think chocolate brown, navy, deep gray.

-Beth Helmstetter, destination wedding planner and designer, on April 2, 200

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Honeymoon in Italy in September. Keep our plans?

The answer is yes, you should still be planning for your honeymoon in September. However, as a back-up plan, always, just find out your cancellation policies with the airlines and the hotels. Maybe identify a local destination that you can drive to just in case things don't clear up before then

-Beth Helmstetter, destination wedding planner and designer, on April 2, 200

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What's your point of view on a virtual wedding?

If getting married on a specific date is really important to you as a couple, then absolutely use technology to be able to do that and share it with others. And then, do the real-life, in-person larger celebration when the situation allows.

-KT Merry, destination wedding photographer, on April 2, 2020

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I'm a June 20201 bride. Should I be booking vendors now due to others postponing?

Yes. If having your first choice of vendors is a priority then I would absolutely move forward with booking for 2021 now. We expect it to be a very busy season for vendors with them booking out further than normal.

-KT Merry, destination wedding photographer, on April 2, 2020

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Can you ask for a refund on your deposit if your vendor isn't available on your postponed day?

First and foremost, you are going to want to reference your contract to find out if your deposit was refundable. Next, you're going to want to communicate with your vendors, be calm, remember that we're all in this together and work to find a creative solution that you're both happy with.

-KT Merry, destination wedding photographer, on April 2, 2020

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Is it safe to keep my wedding dress in a garment bag for 8 months?

I recommend keeping it hanging in the garment bag on the hanger strap, not on the shoulder strap because you don't want it to stretch. And if you get a moment to kind of give it some breathing room every couple weeks that's also a great idea.

-Hayley Paige, wedding dress designer, on March 30, 2020

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What should I do if my dress is for spring but my wedding is postponed to winter?

I think there are no rules anymore and a season should not dictate or restrict the style you go with. So, whether you are rocking a strapless in the winter or a sleeved style in the summer, it is your prerogative! Ultimately, this is your magic moment and you feel in love with dress so have conviction in that and don't let anything take that away from you.

-Hayley Paige, wedding dress designer, on March 30, 2020

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My wedding is in November, do I still have time to find a dress with all these store closures?

Bridal stores and designers are dealing with restrictions and safety precautions across the board so the most important thing is to set realistic expectations. As an industry professional, we are here to serve you and I do know that we have zero interest in taking an order that we cannot fill. But, every single store is different so if you are anxious to get shopping, stay on it because updates are happening every single day. Your dream dress is out there so stay persistent!

-Hayley Paige, wedding dress designer, on March 30, 2020

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How long do alterations take?

On average, alterations can take anywhere from three to six weeks but it does depend on the dress and how drastic the changes are. You're just going to want to give yourself some breathing room here and if you're in a rush or a dire situation there will be some seamstresses that are working from home—you'll just have to do a little bit of research and due diligence on that.

-Hayley Paige, wedding dress designer, on March 30, 2020

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Is there any chance wedding dress production could be delayed?

This is such an unprecedented time and having flexibility and patience is absolutely key. I know I speak for a lot of businesses in that our primary concern is fulfilling the orders that have been placed. If you're worried about delays, do your best to reach out to that store via social media or their website because a lot of these businesses are still working from home even if they are physically closed.

-Hayley Paige, wedding dress designer, on March 30, 2020

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Saturday bride here—wedding postponed, and our venue is only allowing new weekday weddings, no refunds. What should we do?

Weekdays are the new weekends! I know it's a bummer to have to switch to a weekday, but I do believe it's going to be a common trend for most couples to have their celebration during the week, so embrace it.

-Amy Anaiz, wedding photographer, on March 28, 2020

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Virtual bridesmaid proposal? I wanted to ask at engagement party but that was canceled!

If you're planning a bridesmaid proposal, I would totally move forward with it. Send your girls their gift, let them know not to open it to X date, then send them an invite to meet you virtually. Have a bottle of bubbly ready for them and let them know that you'd for like them to join on your big day.

-Amy Anaiz, wedding photographer, on March 28, 2020

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If I must have less people, how do I un-invite people who got save the dates?

Alert your guests that, due to the unforeseen circumstances, you've needed to make changes to your wedding. But still, give them the opportunity to celebrate with you by looking into some virtual streaming options.

-Amy Anaiz, wedding photographer, on March 28, 2020

Should We Live Stream Our Wedding?

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Our band is requiring a postponement fee. Do you think this is open for negotiation?

Yes, 100 percent. I feel like this is a crazy situation for all of us and vendors should try to be as flexible as possible. For me, personally, I'm not charging anyone a rebooking fee as long as they book within one year of their original date.

-Jordan Voth, wedding photographer, on March 28, 2020

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If rescheduling to 2021, do you still have to make vendor payments in 2020?

It's important to reach out to your vendors and open up that line of communication about this. If you're worried about making full payment in 2020, maybe suggest making smaller payments extending into 2021. That way, it eases the burden on both sides.

-Jordan Voth, wedding photographer, on March 28, 2020

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June 6th wedding in Colorado with lots of out of town guests. Should we postpone?

With so many people traveling from out of town for this wedding, I would probably look into postponing. We have yet to reach the peak of this and getting a jumpstart on looking at dates now versus later is probably going to be more helpful.

-Jordan Voth, wedding photographer, on March 28, 2020

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Should I cancel a bachelorette party scheduled for late April?

I would postpone it. I wouldn't cancel it. And I would consider doing something a little more low-key, perhaps, and, hopefully, close to home for these women who are going to be out of work before that. But I would never cancel it—just postpone it!

-Marcy Blum, wedding planner, on March 28, 2020

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All of my vendors want to/are willing to schedule late May wedding except my venue.

You have to decide what's more important to you: the venue or the various vendors? Because everyone is really getting pushed at the moment. Of course, you could possibly have it on a weekday.

-Marcy Blum, wedding planner, on March 28, 2020

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How do I get excited and what should I do now that I have a new date?

How do you get excited? I imagine it's going to be even more exciting now when everyone is allowed to be back together and celebrate. I think weddings are just going to be fabulous. I would just start planning slowly!

-Marcy Blum, wedding planner, on March 28, 2020

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What questions should I be asking my vendors?

It's so important to get ahead of it and see what it would look like if you did have to reschedule your wedding. You know, we're all in this together and we all want to support each other but every contract is different between each vendor and you just want to make sure you're ahead of it and understand what that might look like.

-Valorie Darling, wedding photographer, on March 26, 2020

What Questions You Should Be Asking Your Wedding Vendors During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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Cancel or postpone? I can't imagine planning/the expenses all over again.

Postpone, postpone, postpone! Do not cancel your wedding, don't ask for your deposit back, keep your original vendor team—we want to give you the wedding of your dreams that you deserve and that will happen. But, otherwise, you might be losing out on some of your deposits because not all of them will be refundable.

-Valorie Darling, wedding photographer, on March 26, 2020

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In the middle of doing my legal paperwork for my wedding in Italy in May, do I carry on?

I personally would postpone any European weddings until 2021, just the current state of Italy and the world in general right now.

-Valorie Darling, wedding photographer, on March 26, 2020

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Should I postpone my June wedding?

Currently, none of my four June weddings are postponing. We are discussing potential dates that all vendors are available for in the fall, but nobody, at this point, is actually pulling the trigger to postpone their wedding. I think they are waiting for a couple of weeks.

-Eric Kelley, wedding photographer, on March 26, 2020

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My planner doesn't agree on postponing the wedding at the end of May. Who do I do?

I actually have a wedding on May 30th and the venue is close until May 21st. I think you are going to need to wait two to three weeks to see where things fall.

-Eric Kelley, wedding photographer, on March 26, 2020

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Should I still out save the dates for my September wedding?

If you're getting married in the fall, I think it's totally fine to send out save the dates. But I would know, are you in the window of when you should send out save the dates? If you're pushing up that deadline, maybe consider sending a digital save the date instead of a hard copy.

-Eric Kelley, wedding photographer, on March 26, 2020

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If I postpone my wedding, do I need to pay my planner more?

This 100 percent depends on the contract that you have with your planner. Some of them will base it on their pricing structure/if the design needs to change/how far out your new date is. I would consult your contract and planner to figure that out.

-Wendy Kay, designer/planner at Birds of a Feather Events, on March 26, 2020

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Late May bride! 5/23. Still holding out hope! Advice?

If you haven't already, you should start working on your plan B. Send one group email to check available dates to see if everyone can make one date work, and then you'll be in a much better position down the road to make a quick decision if you need to.

-Wendy Kay, designer/planner at Birds of a Feather Events, on March 26, 2020

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Is it seriously bad karma to ask for a lower price tag at your venue if you're still negotiating contract?

It's actually in your best interest to pay the venue what they've asked. They have come up with that pricing based on their overhead and what they need to do to maintain business. The last thing you want is for any of that to be in jeopardy by the time your wedding comes around.

-Wendy Kay, designer/planner at Birds of a Feather Events, on March 26, 2020

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Wedding is 5/9! Is it fair/possible to ask venue to hold a future date for now?

For your wedding on May 9th, I think it's not unreasonable to ask them to hold another date. It's so close. And, yet, if somebody else calls for that date, you'll have first right of refusal.

-Mindy Weiss, wedding planner, on March 21, 2020

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My wedding is in Hawaii in mid-April. Should I cancel using force majeure in contract?

I think you'll need to cancel in Hawaii. And, hopefully, the hotels want you to rebook, find a new date...you won't' have to use force majeure, and they'll put your deposit towards the new date.

-Mindy Weiss, wedding planner, on March 21, 2020

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Do I send an announcement about the postponement AND new invites later?

You should send your postponement through the mail or email. If you have the new date, include it in that email. And then mail your invitations.

-Mindy Weiss, wedding planner, on March 21, 2020

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If your wedding is postponed, when is a good time to reschedule?

The best time to reschedule is now! Do not wait! Because just think: Everybody else is trying to get a new date. You will lose dates if you wait.

-Mindy Weiss, wedding planner, on March 21, 2020

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How should brides who are still a few months away be adjusting planning? September bride, here!

For those brides planning weddings in the fall or July and on, continue planning as normal. Let's hope this is all done by May!

-Mindy Weiss, wedding planner, on March 21, 2020

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My planner doesn't agree on postponing the wedding at the end of May. What do I do?

We actually have a backup date for our couple who has an event at the end of May. Our cut-off for a decision is April 1st. Find a backup date!

-Mindy Weiss, wedding planner, on March 21, 2020

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What is the best way to keep guests updated about the status of the wedding events?

If you guys have a website, that is the best way to keep your guests updated. If not, you can send texts and update that way.

-Mindy Weiss, wedding planner, on March 21, 2020

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Etiquette for moving the date of a 4/4/20 bridal shower? Notification via text?

It's perfectly acceptable to send a text to guests that you are changing the date for a bridal shower. People want to know what the new date will be as soon as possible.

-Mindy Weiss, wedding planner, on March 21, 2020

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If we postponed, should we re-invite guests who originally declined?

If you postpone the date, most definitely you should invite guests who declined your last date. They may be available now!

-Mindy Weiss, wedding planner, on March 21, 2020

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If we do postpone, how far in the future should we do it?

So, no one really knows when exactly that safe period is going to be again. But what I'm telling my couples with events in the next eight weeks, is let's look at dates in August and beyond. And, you know what, if September comes, and we have to push it again, we'll push it again.

-Annie Lee, wedding planner, on March 18, 2020

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How do I get my venue to help us out even if our contract says things are not refundable?

OK, so there should be a clause in your contract, and even if it's not there, they should do this, where they move the deposits towards a new date if you are postponing. And, if for whatever reason you have to totally cancel, talk to them about the force majeure and what happens during a natural disaster.

-Annie Lee, wedding planner, on March 18, 2020

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June destination wedding in Italy. How to prepare for the worst from afar?

For a June international wedding, I would definitely say you probably should be looking at a new date. If you need help from a local wedding planner, go on @askplannie, and you can work with someone by the hour so they can move all your people from the old date to the new one.

-Annie Lee, wedding planner, on March 18, 2020

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If my wedding is postponed, shouldn't my payment be delayed too?

Make sure you look through your contracts because a lot of them say that your final payment isn't due for a certain number of days before your wedding. So, if you move your date, then now you have a new payment schedule.

-Chi-Chi Ari, photographer, on March 18, 2020

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We want to keep our date! Should we elope instead and party at a later date?

Yes! Definitely do something special on your original date so you have that memory. Then you can have a larger party when this whole thing clears up!

-Chi-Chi Ari, photographer, on March 18, 2020

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What do I do if my deposits are nonrefundable and my vendors won't cancel/postpone. Do I continue?

Talk to your highest priority vendors first. We're all in this together and try to be as accommodating as possible but safety is the number one priority so do go ahead and postpone your date to keep your guests and family safe.