Wedding Postponed - How to Announce It?
Everything you need to know about sharing the news.
In life, nothing is ever guaranteed. You may plan an event to the umpteenth detail, when all of a sudden something unpredictable happens, like a natural disaster or like the dreaded c-word this year. Although no couple ever wants to, its this unpredictability that makes you consider postponing your wedding.
To all those couples who are currently facing this reality of postponing due to Covid-19, my heart goes out to you. It’s an incredibly emotional decision to have to press ‘pause’ on something you have planned for months (or even years!) on end.
If you have made the hard decision to postpone, it’s important to have a chat with your venue and vendors as soon as possible for you to select a new date which is open for all of you. Once this is known, you will need to inform your loved ones of your decision. The question then arises of how, and when? Below I have detailed various ways you can communicate your change of plans to your family and friends. I do hope that the information alleviates some of your stress during this time.
Understand that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way in announcing your change of plans, as each couple faces different circumstances. Choose the option that best fits you.
BY THE WIRE - PHONE & MESSAGING
When your wedding date is near, it’s best to notify your loved ones as soon as possible. To do so, you may wish to call, email, text or Whatsapp message your guests. Make use of those group messages to save a little bit of time, especially if you have a large guest list! Don’t be afraid to hit them in one go.
Simply telling your loved ones that you're planning to move your wedding, and that the new date is to be confirmed will suffice. This will give them time to cancel flights and make alternative arrangements. Whilst people innately want to know everything, remember that it’s okay to let people wait. The most important people who need to know your changed wedding date are the two of you.
iI you are at a loss and not sure how to word your message, below are a few examples you can use (or modify to suit!):
After careful consideration, and in light of the current situation globally, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding celebrations that were to take place on (insert date). the health of all our loved ones is our priority and we want to wait until it’s safe for everyone to attend. We will be sending out more details in the coming weeks.
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Your health and our health is the highest priority, so we’re rescheduling our wedding. We’ll let you know when we’ll be celebrating soon, but for now, please join us in keeping the world safe.
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We hope your dancing shoes can wait a little longer, as we are postponing our wedding. We are still utterly in love, but it’s important to us that everyone is safe. We are waiting to celebrate after the coronavirus crisis has passed.
BY THE CABLES - WEBSITES
A website is a really efficient way to communicate important information to people in one go. If you have yet to create one for your wedding, it’s something i recommend to all my Clients to do, as it allows for ‘live’ updates to be provided should any details change. It’s also a good tool for collecting your guests rsvps.
Once you have made the decision to postpone, create a notice to your home page announcing the postponement. Be sure to continually update your website, as you finalize your wedding details including any accommodation or transport arrangements if there is any. This ensures that your guests are kept in the loop.
BY THE BOOKS
Postponement Cards
If your wedding date has only been postponed by a few months, you can opt to send out a ‘postponement / change the date’ card. I think of these as a variation to save the dates, outlining the basic (yet important!) details of your wedding day, such as the new date. The card may also include a note that more details are to follow, or if you have a website, direct your guests there for key updates. Remember to also include a way for your guests to rsvp again - note down a phone number, email address or your wedding website.
Wording Suggestions - Rescheduling But Yet to Have a New Date
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are changing our wedding date. New details to come soon.
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We have decided to postpone our wedding to a future date. Please stay tuned for details.
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Our wedding is still happening... just at a later date! New wedding date to come soon.
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Social distancing just isn’t our thing. New wedding date to come soon so we can party properly!
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Sadly we have had no choice but to postpone our wedding. We know our day will be that much more special to spend it all with you when we can. We will be sure to update you with our new wedding details soon.
Wording Suggestions - Rescheduling with a New Wedding Date:
Get ready to mark your calendars with our new wedding date! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
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Don’t dust off your dancing shoes yet! Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are now getting married on [insert date].
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We still do. We still will, but just for now, let’s just chill. Regretfully due to unforeseen circumstances we are postponing our wedding to [insert date].
Wording Suggestions - Not Re-Scheduling
due to unforeseen circumstances, we decided to elope! We’re planning a celebration soon and will send you the details.
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We do. We did! Since we aren’t able to celebrate in person, we decided to elope! more celebration details to come.
New Invitations
If your new wedding date is more than six (6) months away, I suggest re-sending invitations with all your new wedding a few months prior to your new date. You may choose to update your existing wedding stationery suite with the new details, or alternatively, par it back yet keeping with your wedding theme and style. Remember to include a means for your guests to rsvp.
NEXT STEPS
If you have one, update your wedding website
Talk to your wedding party and closest family and friends, so they understand what's happening and your reasoning as to why
Email / phone your vendors to let them know - they will understand
Decide how you will celebrate your original date. don’t think about the ‘what ifs’ but celebrate. Whether you decide to have a special dinner with your partner, or a video call with your wedding party.. make it memorable and special for the two of you!
I wish to send lots of love to all those reading this. If you have any questions about the postponement of your wedding, and would like some help, please get in touch.
| Cynthia xo