“We’ve got to cancel…”

These might not be the worst words a couple hears, but it ranks right near the top. With the current pandemic (which we all hope is short-lived), it's possible that your wedding plans could be impacted and rescheduling rears its ugly head. Your special day can still thrive and survive. How do you protect your wedding investments so cancellation doesn't take plans and money with it?

1 - Revisit your wedding vendor contracts and their cancellation policies. Will your deposit/payment be applied towards a rescheduled date? Write this information down and keep it with your contracts. If you don't understand the information, ask the vendor to explain it in a way you understand.

2 - Figure out your “plan b” date/ time. If you know this and the cancellation must happen, you are ready for the rescheduling game. This will help you stay ahead of the curve.

3 - Tell your parents and immediate family first, as well as your wedding party. If you have a wedding coordinator, get hi/ her involved immediately as they can be a great source of help in the postponement and rescheduling.

4 - If you are the party cancelling, contact your wedding venue next. (If they are cancelling, they will let you know immediately.) Usually the venue is one of the more challenging aspects of wedding planning so if you are releasing the space, let the venue know ASAP.

5 - Contact your vendors: caterer, cake designer, decorator, florist, transportation (limo), photographer, videographer, dj, officiant, and whomever else you hired. Lay out whether you’re planning to reschedule or postpone. Put your “plan b” on the table.

6 - Honeymoon plans may need addressed. If you purchased trip insurance, check into your policy and whether or not it applies to a pandemic. Ask about cancellation refunds and how they apply to areas currently experiencing the pandemic virus (i.e., Italy, France, Brazil, Australia). Consider changing your plans and taking that special trip in the future when concerns are mitigated.

7 - Finally, don't forget to inform your guests about the cancellation/ postponement. This is something that is most likely not in your control, so your guests will look at this as a way of protecting them from harm's sake. If you know your rescheduled date, you can include it in your communication.

If cancellation happens to you, remember that it does not mean that you will never have the special day. You still have each other, your families and friends. It's just another wedding adventure story to tell your future generations. It isn't the date or venue that makes you married partners for life - it's the love that you grow, build, and share. That's the real story isn't it?