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If your wedding has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re definitely not alone. Couples around the world have been forced to make some tough decisions about their big day, and it can be hard to figure out what to do when there is so much uncertainty. But one thing all wedding experts agree on: It’s better to postpone a wedding than cancel it altogether. Still not sure? Take a look at these seven reasons why delaying the event is the way to go.
1. You won't lose money
"By postponing a wedding rather than canceling, couples can avoid losing the funds they'd put down as deposits for their wedding planner, venue and vendors. If the couple can align with their vendors on a new date, they can save a significant amount of money by applying their deposits toward their new date versus forfeiting their deposits by cancelling." - Katie Brownstein, wedding expert at Joy.
2. You can pick a preferred date
Rescheduling in the moment ensures you can your pick of prime dates, says Trevor Brune, Director of Catering and Events at Conrad New York Downtown. "Many events are looking to re-book in the future, causing a strain on available dates and demand."
3. You can keep your venue
If you cancel your wedding now, but decide to plan something next year, there is no guarantee your venue will be available again. "All the efforts to finalize the venue is down the drain when you cancel it," says Sarah Jones, of Wedding Tag Maker.
4. You can keep your wedding gifts
If you cancel your big day, etiquette says you should return all of your wedding gifts. However, as Kristie Forsman of 28 Collective explains, because a rescheduled wedding is going to happen eventually, it is totally appropriate to keep your wedding registry live and accept gifts from invited guests.
5. You won't have any regrets
While it might seem easier to cancel now, you might regret that decision later on when the world goes back to "normal." "You worked hard on creating the event of your dreams. Rescheduling will allow you to make use of that hard work; it just means delaying for a little bit longer," says Samantha Bellinger of 620 Events.
6. You'll be supporting small businesses
"The wedding industry is a conglomerate of small businesses that all join together to do something wonderful--and we are are also one of the hardest hit industries at this time," notes Laura Maddox/Owner of Magnolia Celebrates. "Rescheduling or changing your event but keeping your vendors on and fulfilling contracts is helping keep us in business!"
7. You'll have something to look forward to
Postponing your event gives you a reason to celebrate your love when we are beyond this. "Love never dies and it shows that you can endure anything," explains JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli. "It also allows the family to gather for a great party to celebrate with you. After this is over, everyone will want to gather and see each other, and your celebration will give them that chance."
