Scaling Back a Big Wedding
Once again, couples are faced with the issue of changing their wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Delta variant gaining traction across the world, cities and states are tightening restrictions and implementing executive orders once again. If you find yourself in a place of having to scale back and downsize your wedding, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a few key tips to help you out.
First, talk to your vendors. Keeping up with vendor communication during a time like this is so important. Reach out to them first and see what their policies are. You probably already have this information in your contract, but it doesn't hurt to clarify with the vendor directly. If you didn’t ask about this before you signed the contract, that’s okay, but if you are currently booking vendors, asking about their postponement and cancellation policies for COVID and making sure they are in writing on the contract is so incredibly important.
Secondly, build out a contingency plan. Decide what you will do should certain things happen. If gathering restrictions are put in place, will you cancel the event entirely or only invite a certain number of people? Will you ask people to provide a COVID test or proof of vaccination for your wedding? These are important questions. Sorting through them earlier rather than later helps decrease your stress and increase your readiness should something happen.
Third, decide on your options. If your venue and caterer will let you postpone a year, having a backyard wedding with family while friends join in to watch a live stream of your wedding is the way to go. Maybe you can’t move your dates, but the only thing changing is a mask mandate. Send out a note to guests asking them to be extra vigilant about following orders and create extra signage reminding them to wear their masks. Ultimately, these decisions are personal and should be made by you, your partner and trusted advisors.
Lastly, notify your guests. While some might be disappointed to not be joining you physically, they will understand. You can send a second invitation or email to people to let them know of these changes. Here’s an example of what to say:
With the new guidelines set forth by the state on gathering capacity, we have unfortunately had to cut our guest count. In lieu of physical attendance, we would love for you to join us virtually and celebrate our wedding online. We so badly wish you could join us in person and hope to celebrate properly one day soon! Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
LoveStream was created with situations like this in mind. If you’re suddenly forced to cut your guest count, we’re here to make sure everyone can still RSVP “yes!” to your big day.
Our wedding live streaming platform is designed for user and guest simplicity, and we’ve left no stone unturned, meaning you and your guests will have no problem on wedding day. Check out some sample wedding live streams to see how we’ve helped couples all over the world celebrate their love, no matter the circumstances.
Photo Credit: Easterday Creative