So you’ve made the tough and necessary decision to postpone, cancel, or reschedule your wedding. While it’s normal to feel disappointed with the outcome, the harsh reality is that additional steps are necessary to resolve the situation effectively. Of course, we understand that this might be the last thing you want to do after making the difficult choice about your big day, but taking action now can make your life easier once you’ve picked up your plans again. To help you out, we have created a mini checklist that you can use as a guide to making things easier for you.
Step 1: Review your vendor contracts
Get rid of the most headache-inducing part of your canceled or rescheduled wedding by tackling your vendor contracts. Review their policies on postponement or cancellation of services and create a simple spreadsheet where you can put down all their terms, so it’s straightforward for you to review.
Determine the potential amount you may be required to pay. Once you have a clear understanding of the situation, initiate contact with each party to explore potential adjustments that could benefit both parties. For example, ask them if they can still accommodate you on a new date without incurring a full new cost.
Step 2: Create a new plan with your suppliers
Now, don’t forget to be fair when discussing new terms with your vendors. Keep in mind that these individuals depend on their businesses for their livelihood, and the pandemic has significantly impacted their operations. Negotiation is acceptable, but ensure that the adjustments you propose do not negatively impact them.
When it comes to payments, for example, you can offer to pay them a portion of the full price of their services (if they are open to moving the schedule) and just settle the remaining once your new plan is finalized. This way, you both win. They receive payment immediately and guarantee a reliable client once the situation stabilizes, while you retain your original team and potentially experience fewer financial setbacks.
Step 3: Be open to making adjustments about your plans
Indeed, every couple aspires to marry during a weekend with moderate temperatures, yet challenging circumstances necessitate significant adjustments. Imagine all the other lovebirds who also postponed their weddings vying for a favorable schedule once things have lightened up—it will be a tough competition! As early as now, try to look at other less competitive slots (e.g., weekdays), which you can explore in the—hopefully—near future. Once you’ve decided, discuss this with your suppliers to check if they can accommodate your new plans.
The same rule applies to your guest list. Will some guests be unable to attend if your wedding is scheduled on a weekday? Should you consider removing certain individuals from your guest list? Even after the quarantine lifts, opting for a smaller crowd could be a prudent decision. Again, if you’re planning to reduce the number of guests, don’t hesitate to share your plans with them; hopefully, they will understand your decision.
Step 4: Try exploring a Plan B that you can act on now
Even if some negotiations go well, expect disappointments. If your original Memphis wedding photographer is unable to accommodate you on a different date, consider negotiating an alternative method of providing their services to ensure you receive value for your money.
Organize a pre-engagement shoot at home with your significant other, and collaborate with them to enhance the images for a more professional-looking photo album. Inform the wedding guests you excluded from your list that a separate wedding dinner will be held for them, ensuring their inclusion in your celebrations. If you properly communicate with them, chances are they will be willing to assist in any way they can.
Just because you had to cancel, postpone, or reschedule your wedding doesn’t mean that you will not be getting the special day that you deserve. The key is to shift your perspective from being “I’m doomed” to “This is just temporary, and I can use the time to make plans for the future.” While we may have limited control over what we can do now, we have no limit on what we can arrange for the future.
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