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Brides and grooms all around the world have had to deal with some tough decisions this year. While some have decided to elope or throw a virtual wedding, others are opting to reschedule their big day so they can celebrate with all of their friends and family members at a later date. And that means there’s still plenty of work to do when planning your special event. Before you start, though, check out these seven mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.
1. Rescheduling too early
"I would recommend jumping at least one year before assuming COVID-19 will be a thing of the past. You can even postpone without a new date yet and see how things go before you announce the new date," suggests Jennifer Borgh of Borghinvilla Wedding Venue.
2. Not budgeting for rescheduling fees
Many venues and vendors are charging rescheduling fees to move dates into 2021 and beyond. Whether it's a flat rate for moving the date or an increase to next year's booking fees, couples should plan for price increases, explains Taryn Blake of Taryn Blake Events.
3. Assuming vendors are free
Before you finalize the new date with your venue, make sure your preferred vendors are free as well. This will keep you from the disappoibtment of losing the photographer or band you love, or having to change the date yet again.
4. Forgetting to keep VIPs in the loop
"Don't forget to confirm your new date with your wedding party and VIP guests! While it is most important to align on a new date with your family and vendors, you'll want to run the new date past your bridesmaids, groomsmen and any other guests you can't picture your big day without to ensure they can attend," says Katie Brownstein, wedding expert at Joy.
5. Failing to adjust for the new season
Another mistake brides are making is not adjusting their plans to the new season. "Although having an outdoor wedding in September is usually still pleasant, depending on where the wedding is taking. place, November through March can be chilly, so make sure you plan a new date with an indoor backup plan that will be up and running and is large enough to accommodate double the amount of guests you are inviting so social distancing is possible," says Lynne Goldberg of Ms. Wedding Planner.
6. Not checking hotel room blocks
Some brides will forget to check if their hotel room blocks will carry over to their new postponed date so that their guests don't get hit with canceleation fees or lose out on a reservation, says Melanie Levin of LuckEleven Events.
7. Ignoring your wedding website
One important detail not to be overlooked would be updating the wedding website, notes Kelley Nudo of Momental Designs. "Guests often rely on the wedding website for information and updates, so if the date, times, location, etc. have been changed, be sure to reflect updates immediately to avoid confusion."
