1) Keep A Cool Head
Should you and your partner decide to postpone your wedding, the first people to contact are the ones tasked with making it happen. Your specialists should be understanding of your decision and can help provide additional guidance on next steps, from securing a future date to contacting guests.
However, keep in mind that most of your wedding specialists are small businesses and probably dealing with an influx of calls just like yours, so try to be patient. They also may be impacted by things like childcare issues as schools have been closed for a few months already, and figuring out how to keep their employees safe and healthy.
Everyone is in this together so approach discussions calmly with compassion and flexibility—these are by far the most effective ways when trying to negotiate a win-win situation.
2) Find An Auspicious Wedding Date
Given that symbolism and superstition play a huge role in Chinese traditions, it’s no surprise that many couples look for auspicious dates on which to host their weddings.
To the Chinese, having the right wedding date is key as it plays a great role in the kind of marriage you have. The common belief is that marrying on the right day will guarantee the strength of the union, as well as the prosperity and wellbeing of the couple. For those that adhere to tradition, only a few specific combinations of years, months, days and even hours, as they relate to the bride and groom’s birthdays will coincide to create an opportune moment in which to conduct the ceremony.
Choosing the wrong date is believed to cause marriage problems, and even failed marriages. Many couples seek out help from a Chinese wedding master. But whether you do or do not, we’ve compiled an updated list of auspicious wedding dates in 2021 for your convenience.
3) Make Plans To Re-Book Now
Your wedding venue serves as the “hub” of your wedding (and probably your biggest expense), and you’ll want to begin your postponement planning there. Find out which dates your venue still has available for 2021, and don’t let weekdays scare you off (hello, Monday weddings!). Work with your future spouse and your families to find a workable date given the circumstances, and book it as soon as you can.
2021 is set to be a busy year for weddings with this year and next year rolled into one, so don’t wait up! To help you save time and efforts, we can provide venue recommendations based on your budget and preferences.
Then talk to each of your wedding specialists to find out their availability on your new date. Wedding vendors may have different policies about switching dates or cancellations, and there may be some difficult conversations ahead. Be honest with your vendors and tell them that you still want to work together, and that you understand that they have a business to run. Hopefully, your vendors will all be available on your new date, but unfortunately, you may end up having to find new specialists (and potentially lose deposits, as well).
4) Inform Your Guests
In an age where information is being sent to us in every direction, it can be tricky to understand what to follow and what to heed. Guests of any upcoming wedding will have concerns over your big day, even more so if they are making the trip from abroad, making communication essential.
The easiest and most effective way to relay your message is via your wedding website, if you have chosen to build one. A simple message that’s to-the-point is best. You may also want to consider creating a list of FAQs if you think your guests will have similar questions around travel refunds, your new date, etcetera.
Other communication options include sending your guests an email or splitting up the guest list between you, your partner and close friends or family so that you can start making calls. While it can be overwhelming to respond to all of your friends and family, it is necessary to prevent panic.
And if you're looking for a more official way to send the news, you might want to consider sending a "change the date" card. Here are some creative "change the date" cards to send your guests.
5) Expect The Unexpected Again
Though you might not want to think about it, black swan events like COVID-19 can strike your wedding day again. From a sudden cancellation to stolen gifts to a damaged gown, wedding insurance can help protect you against the unforeseen, and can also afford you great peace of mind.
Basically, wedding insurance protects a couple's investment from circumstances beyond their control, and reimburses expenses incurred. For example, what if your limo driver doesn't show up and you have to book another one the morning of the wedding—for three times the price? Or what if the groom's custom-made tuxedo is lost in airport baggage, and he has to buy a new one the day before the wedding? What if your reception space goes out of business a month before the wedding, and you lose your deposit and have to book another space? These are the types of wedding day financial losses that wedding insurance can help to protect.
Before you buy wedding insurance offered by companies like CCW Global or MSIG/Aon, check with each of your vendors to see how well they're covered—your reception site may already have their own insurance, so you wouldn't want to pay for overlapping coverage out of your own pocket. Ask your vendors for a copy of their policy, and then figure out where you aren't fully covered.
Here at Our Big Day, we are focused on how to best assist our couples and partners as the pandemic continues to evolve. No matter what phase of planning you're in, we're here to help. Stay safe and well!
