Can we all agree that this one heck of a time that’s happening right now? Imagine telling your future grandchildren about this… it will be wild. But for now, let’s focus on what we can control and being proactive about this situation instead of panicking and making reckless decisions.
Having a world pandemic right now sounds scary, yes. It is a challenge for every single one of us. So many couples are having to postpone their wedding date and the thought of having to do that when they’ve planned for this day for months or even years is so tough. Everything seems to be shutting down more and more. And the entire world just seems so uncertain right now.
However, in the midst of all the uncertainty right now, what we all can do is shift our focus from being afraid of the things we can’t control to focus on the things we CAN control and be optimistic about.
Yes, you can’t control the fact that all events over 10 people need to be canceled, but guess what? You CAN control what you do about that.
- Will you let that ruin the excitement and happiness you had leading up to your wedding day?
- Will you let that stop you from celebrating yours and your partner’s love?
- Will you let that stop you from rescheduling to a new date later on that will allow you to celebrate with all of your loved ones when things are back to normal?
Remember, you can’t control what’s happening in the outside world but you CAN control your thoughts, mindset, and optimism. That’s why I’ve decided to write this blog post to help you navigate through this time and provide helpful resources and tips.
1. What You Should Know About Covid-19 (updated March 20th)
As of March 15, 2020, the CDC has officially recommended the cancellation of weddings for 8 weeks in the United States (read more here). While this is hard to hear, this means that weddings in the U.S. are out until mid-May. If you find yourself in this situation—I’m here for you! Please know that you do have options, and your vendors will be there to guide you through the process of postponing your wedding due to covid-19.
Be prepared, follow the news closely, and maintain an open conversation with your vendors and guests. If you can, hire a planner so they can help you navigate this crazy industry and offer up options. Whenever there is a problem, there is always a solution.
2. If Your Wedding is Planned in the Next 8 Weeks
As a wedding photographer, I want this to happen for you because you deserve to celebrate! You can still celebrate… it will just have to be at a later time, and I want you to know that everything will be okay and will work out in your favor. If you need help navigating through the process of postponing your wedding, check out this helpful resource: step-by-step guide from BRIDES.COM.
- Follow CDC Guidelines
- Wash Your Hands!
- Get in Touch With Your Vendors (if they haven’t already contacted you)
- Inform Your Guests
- Consider Eloping
- Consider a Livestream of Your Elopement
3. If Your Wedding is Planned After Mid-May
If your wedding is planned after mid-May, it’s still OK to plan for the wedding to go on as is. However, it’s important to stay informed and make educated decisions as more news about covid-19 become available. Things are changing day by day — don’t make any drastic decision before you have a chance to be properly informed.
Wedding industry experts are not recommending you to change plans if your wedding is set after the recommended 8-week ban. If your wedding is in June or later, I’d recommend continuing your planning process as of now.
However, I would suggest you get in touch with all of your vendors and gather some plan B dates JUST IN CASE the ban on events extends and you’re having to postpone everything last minute.
That being said, it doesn’t hurt to know what your options may be if the current covid-19 regulations are extended to include your wedding date. Speak to your planner or call your venue to see what your options may be (if you don’t have a planner), especially as you approach your wedding date and most final balances will be due. Before then, come up with a plan B for your entire wedding just to be sure because you want to plan ahead and be prepared, especially knowing the current circumstances.
In short: It’s best to plan smartly in a time of such uncertainty, so have an open and honest conversation with your vendors and follow the below suggestions come showtime. Don’t forget to update your guests too!
4. Helpful Tips to Help You Navigate Through This Time
Take some time to reflect with your fiance on what you truly, deep down in your hearts, want to do during this time. Ask yourselves these questions to help you:
- What do we want to do, and not what everyone else is telling us to do? (Should we…. postpone? Cancel and elope instead, then throw a big party later? Take a break from planning for a week? Etc.)
- What feels like the right thing to do right now?
- What decision will make us the happiest?
- What CAN we control? Let’s focus on that vs what we cannot control.
5. Free Resources You Should Check Out
- Blog Post: “Let’s Talk About Covid-19 And Your Wedding”
- Blog Post: “How to Postpone Weddings in the COVID-19 Pandemic“
- Blog Post: “These Are the Top Questions Engaged Couples Have About Coronavirus Right Now”
- Blog Post: “What to Know if You’re Planning a Wedding During the Coronavirus Pandemic“
- Blog Post: “How Should We Tell Our Guests That We’re Postponing Our Wedding?“
Conclusion and Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, all that truly matters is that YOU and your love are happy. Of course, you want your family and friends to be happy and satisfied with everything, but it’s more important that you are happy and satisfied first. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself because guess what? You can’t show up for your friends and family if you’re not taking care of yourself and if you’re not happy. You can’t fill anyone’s cup until you fill yours first.
Take a deep breath and remember to take care of yourself and that things will work out. You will get through this stronger together. Sending you all my love!
Special Offers for Couples Affected by COVID-19
- If you’re a bride or groom that’s been affected by covid-19 and had to postpone your wedding, I am offering the following specials to help you during this time:
- 50% off retainers – reserve your new date with a $500 retainer (regularly $1000)
- Flexible payment plans to help ease up any financial stress
- $750 off elopements happening between July and December 2020 on weekdays (Mon-Thurs)
- $300 off Saturday weddings booked between July and November
- $500 off Friday and Sunday weddings booked between July and December 2020
- $750 off weekday weddings booked between July and December 2020 (Mon-Thurs)
- Free 1-hour engagement session with any wedding or elopement package booked by April 30th
- There is only availability for 5 couples who have been affected by covid-19 to claim one of the offers above.
- Now more than ever, fall 2020 dates are filling up very quickly due to spring and summer weddings being postponed to later this year. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer and are interested in working with VASVA & CO Photography, please reach out ASAP to check the availability of your date.
- Click here to inquire about your wedding.
- Follow along on Instagram for more tips and resources – @vasvaandco.photo
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