Has COVID-19 (Coronavirus) got you a little anxious about your wedding plans? (UPDATED)
There is no denying that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is at the forefront of everyone's mind at the moment and creating a little chaos.
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Our strategy here at Mr Theodore is to remain positive and only create positivity, but the current reality must not be overlooked.
If you've planned your wedding for the coming months, it is entirely understandable that you may be feeling a little uncertain and panicked at the moment. We strongly urge you just to take a big deep breath and remain calm.
If you're unsure how to move forward and how your plans might be affected, we've outlined a rough guide to follow. Bear in mind, the rules keep changing, so stay up to date HERE.
But please remember though, we're not medical experts, so outlined is our personal wedding advice only.
1. Reach out to your venue
First thing is first, reach out to your venue manager. As it stands, all no essential (indoor) gatherings are now capped at 100. This number also includes all staff as well, plus photographers, videographers etc. What's important here is to explore postponing, not canceling entirely, in most cases, this will ensure your deposit is kept safe. If you’re unsure about a new date, discuss the option of holding your deposit in credit for 12 months. Negotiate a deal with your venue, and all other vendors. If you want to hold you deposit in credit, why not negotiate a Monday - Thursday wedding, or perhaps a lunch time wedding. Peak days for 2021 are already fairly scare, however, Monday - Thursdays are usually fairly free.
In most cases, venues will be accomodating and will assist you.
2. Check-in with your dress or suit
Are you still waiting for the delivery of your suit or dress? Get in contact with your designer to see if your order is coming from overseas. If it's coming from overseas, ask for full transparency as to when you can expect to receive your order, or what other options they have for you.
3. Email all other vendors
Everything from your cake to flowers, photographer and celebrant, get in contact. This task alone can be overwhelming, so don't hesitate to write one email and CC everyone in to make it easier for yourself. If you're considering postponing, outline possible new dates so you can get an indication of their availability quickly. But as mentioned previously, if you’re unclear of a new date, discuss your options here too.
4. Seek out alternative options
At the end of the day, why are you getting married? It’s because you want to spend the rest of your life with your significant other.
Why not opt for a legal ceremony with a handful of those closest to you.
Your celebrant can come to your home and perform the legals. Your florist can still bring in some flowers, and why not get a caterer to supply a celebratory meal for you.
Then, once all this passes, head back to you venue, and throw one big party. Re-say your vows, share those special words with your guests, and celebrate the day away.
5. Don't Panic
The most crucial step here is not to panic. Panic only increases stress, and nothing beneficial can come from a stressed state. Take care of yourself and give yourself and your partner enough time to breathe and thoroughly think everything over.
Here’s a little process we use when faced with an issue…
Create a list of worst-case scenario situations on a sheet, then, directly in a column next to them, write a list of positive aspects.
For example, you might write 1. Some family won't be able to attend. Then, directly next to this in another column, write a positive solution. Let us reschedule for 6 months... do you feel a little calmer? Does this make things a little clearer in your mind?
Continue this exercise for everything that comes to mind. At the end of the day, in the absolute worst case, you might need to hold off for a few months, and with that comes some extra time to save.
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, and need someone to take control, we've set up a Mr Theodore Support Program that allows you to take a step back and we'll step in a do all the calling around for you. Send us an email, and we'll do our bit to help you where we can.
Image Credit: Bek Smith Images