Covid-19: How to Reschedule My Wedding?

Update: Monday, May 24th, 2021

This is the final update to a blog we first published over a year ago on April 2nd, 2020. Since then, we’ve seen our world change in ways we never imagined. The loss has been staggering, the challenges immense. And yet, we find ourselves doing what we always do; pushing through, seeking silver linings, and emerging stronger.

This past week marked a momentous time for the MA Wedding Industry. Gov Baker announced that as of 5/29/2021, all restrictions will be lifted on business. In essence, this will enable WS to perform for our clients as initially intended. To say we’re excited would be an understatement.

So while Covid-19 will forever exist in the fabric of society, the immediate implications on our wedding industry are beginning to fade. We’ll continue with responsible steps such as vaccination and weekly testing to ensure a healthy environment for all. Most of all, we’re excited to share in much-needed celebrations. It is long overdue!!

The remainder of this blog will be preserved; unchanged since our last update. It will serve as a record of what transpired. But for you Patriots fans, “we’re on to Cincinnati.”

Take care and talk soon:)

_______________________________________________________________

Updated Monday, May 3rd, 2021

Dear Friends,

Our world is grappling with an issue of enormous scale and human impact. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

At Wilson Stevens, we are staying focused on the health and safety of our community. All the while, we remind ourselves of a truth worth shouting aloud:

The good times will return. The global coronavirus pandemic will someday be over. Humanity will be stronger for it.

In the meantime, there is only one area we can advise with authority, and that is entertainment and event management…

When this blog was published on April 2nd, 2020, Wilson Stevens had rescheduled 54 weddings. As of May 3rd, 2021, the number of re-scheduled events has grown beyond 300. This in addition to over 200 cancellations, resulting in over $1,000,000 in refunds. These numbers change daily.

We’re committed to providing ethical options to our clientele. We’re also grateful to see Massachusetts support self-employed artists via the same unemployment benefits others find readily accessible. If you have the opportunity to watch an artist’s FB live, or IG TV, please consider donating to them. They need it now more than ever. You can assist with artist relief funds compiled by Billboard Music, HERE, in addition to signing the following petition urging congress to include music makers in Coronavirus Relief Funding.

Day by day, the folks at WS are doing the work of “rescheduling” from our respective home offices. This process is incredibly overwhelming for couples. As such, we have some no-nonsense advice as to how couples can proceed when faced with the need to reschedule their wedding.

Note: This is for the couples that don’t have the benefit of an event planner. For those of you that do, they will guide you through the process.

1) Breathe, we’re all in this together

Sounds corny, right? It’s not. We’re humbled by the kindness and empathy we have seen across the industry. Your vendors want to help you through this!

2) Be Flexible

You have to be realistic. The possibility exists that you may not be able to reschedule every single solitary aspect of your original itinerary. This could mean moving your date from Spring to Fall, or Friday to Sunday. Try and keep an open mind, your blood pressure will thank you later.

3) Establish Ideal Date Range

Ultimately, certain dates or seasons will be non-starters for you. For example, you may not be able to wed during a specific season due to your fiancé’s work schedule. Or you may need to be married on a Sunday due to religious reasons. Establish these parameters before attempting to put the pieces together.

4) Contact Venue

Regardless of your priorities, your venue was likely your most significant investment and all-encompassing wedding vendor. Contact them first to address 1) their rescheduling policies and 2) their availability within your ideal date range.

5) Contact Vendors

We recommend you write one email and blind copy all your remaining vendors so they can respond privately with ease. Request 1) their Covid-19 wedding policies and 2) their availability within your ideal date range. Hopefully, a trend will emerge. We’ve even seen couples use Google Forms Surveys such as:

6) Re-Visit Top Priorities

After gathering info on your vendors’ policies and availability, a trend will emerge. Either everything is lining up for a specific date, or it isn’t. And if it isn’t, you’ll need to make tough choices about which vendors you are willing to replace.

This subject is controversial and multi-faceted, and each vendor’s cancellation policy comes into play. Will your deposit be refunded if the vendor is unavailable for your new date? Or will it be held as damages? Answers to these questions will affect your resolution.

But if you know your priorities, it will help inform decisions about how to proceed.

7) Review State Marriage Licensing

Ensure your new plan complies with your state, so you don’t get caught off-guard.

8) Review and Update Your Wedding Insurance

If applicable, you’ll need to update your Wedding Insurance.

9) Make The Switch!

All these suggestions are aimed towards successfully executing a change of date. The sooner you get there, the sooner you’ll have your ideal date.

Rescheduling your wedding can feel overwhelming, but it’s like everything else in life: If it feels right, it probably is. Conversely, if you aren’t feeling it, it’s probably not for you. Go With Your Gut.

Here is a checklist for everything we described above:

Bear in mind the Wedding Industry is primarily composed of small businesses. They genuinely care about their couples but also face devastating losses due to mass rescheduling. If wedding insurance does not cover your deposits or payments, you may find vendors who uphold their “non-refundable” deposit terms. If so, this is not personal, nor was their decision made lightly.

Having said that, we’ll obviously share what we have done for our clients in this unprecedented time:

* We can reschedule your event, with the same band (if available), for a new date

* We can reschedule your event, with a different available band, for a new date

* We can postpone your event and apply your deposit to a future event

* If you are forced to cancel your reception due to State Regulations or Government Restrictions less than 120 days prior to the event, we’ll refund your deposit, minus a $295. administrative fee.

We are all in this together. You can read what our clients have said publicly about how we protect their interests, HERE.