Should I Cancel My Wedding Because Of Coronavirus?
I just sent out many emails to our April and May brides. Going to fell asleep after a full day of phone calls and chats about one question – should I cancel my wedding because of coronavirus? Anyway, I decided to write this blog post before I expire ?
As you know by now, yesterday, March 15, the CDC issued a recommendation to postpone gatherings of more than 50 people across the US for the next 8 weeks. So my day started with this text: “apparently, CDC came out saying to refrain from having gatherings with 50 or more people the next 8 weeks… I’m literally about to cry.” And at that moment, I knew that this unique news has left many couples scrambling and pondering the same questions.
For the brides who have to postpone or cancel all wedding-related events, I understand it’s tough. The stress, the finances, it’s all very overwhelming. At the end of the day, remember that by doing so, we are taking care of each other. Social distancing will literally save lives, and statistically speaking, it will also save the lives of your guests and loved ones. So as crappy as the situation may be, just remember, you did your part in helping humanity.
As I wanted to help, I also contacted some insurance companies regarding wedding insurance. You can imagine how busy they are. But I received a recommendation that you DO NOT purchase a new policy to specifically protect against the cancellation of a scheduled event because of coronavirus. Insurance policies contain exclusion “Any circumstances known to you or the honoree at the date of issue as likely to give rise to a cancellation.”
Are you wondering about vendors? I texted a few of our team members. Celebrity wedding photographer Jan Freire said: Whatever you need, I’m here to help. I wanted to comfort my brides that I’ll do whatever it takes to make their weddings a success, whether that’s modifying it or rescheduling it. Their safety and making sure we figure out the best way to make their weddings memorable are my top priorities these days.
And I feel like when it’s over, we better start accepting that even Wednesday is a day for a wedding.”
Peter Kiral with Kiral Artists said: We are in difficult times, and we are being called to be safe at home for the well-being of humanity, these temporary precautions are to prevent any major damages in the future, let’s be responsible. The good news is that everything will go back to normal sooner than what we think; that’s why we shouldn’t cancel our events, we should postpone them, so when the good times come we will be able to appreciate even more the time we spend to celebrate with our loved ones and never take it for granted.
I also wanted to bring some insight from real brides. Maria has been planning her wedding for the past 10 months. She said: Here is my perspective to help those who are struggling with having to cancel or postpone events!
This week my mom, who is also my best friend, and wedding planner in chief, passed away unexpectedly. I am utterly heartbroken, particularly when I think about having my wedding without her.
For those who have to think about postponing, I know it must be incredibly challenging after all the planning and effort and stress you have put into this one big day, but know it will still be the perfect day, as long as all of your loved ones are safe and healthy! Keeping your loved ones safe is worth anything in the world! As much as it sucks right now, when you have your big day with the most important people in your life there with you, in the end, it will all be worth it.
I just thought this might be a helpful perspective during a tough time for many brides, from someone who can’t have that dream of having my family whole and healthy at my wedding. The most important thing is marrying your rock, the most significant person in your life, and having the ones that mean most to you there to celebrate with you.
Things suck, but then things get better. I have faith that better things are ahead. Well, they can’t get much worse. We will get through this. I’m sure every one of you ladies has been through tough times and made it out stronger. This too will pass.
Lisa said:
My wedding is May 30th and the CDC just advised a stop on gatherings of 50 or more for eight weeks, that’s 2 weeks before my wedding. I was hoping this would all be over by April, but I feel like it’s going to go well into the summer. In the worst-case scenario, our photographer goes with us to the courthouse. I have my dress, so I should be okay with that. I’m honestly just super sad about the fact that my people can’t be there, I am past worrying about the money.
Patricia:
My wedding is on May 2nd. I’m honestly just holding out and hoping for the best. I’m going to continue to plan as if this wasn’t happening and reevaluate about a month before. I’m also going to give my caterer a lower number than what I originally planned just in case. We sent out invitations about two weeks ago, and I’m just going to wait until the majority of them come in to make a final decision.
Paula:
We just rebooked for April 3, 2021. We plan to get married on April 4 this year legally and will have our wedding/vow renewal one year later. You gotta have a sense of humor in all of this! Wishing all you postponing brides the best of luck, no one could have predicted this!
Simone:
We sent out our invites before this got serious. We finished most of the planning. I have been really stressed the past few days, but we have decided to keep our date unless we are not allowed to anymore. We realize we are going to have way fewer people, and I’m honestly okay with it. I’m going to get back to my planning in a few weeks and ride it out.
Andrea:
Our conclusion? I really like the idea of dividing the wedding ceremony from a wedding reception at this tough time. You can get married now and celebrate next year.
And once everything is over, we should start considering all weekdays as perfect wedding days, as there sure will be too many couples for only 52 weekends of 2021.
If you are still not sure if you should cancel my wedding because of coronavirus, we surely wanna help. You can post a comment or shoot DM on our Instagram anytime or shoot us an email.
In the meantime, check our wedding planning tips, tricks, and advice, and our amazing vendors.
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A really important and interesting topic to consider. My mom and brother cater weddings and this has certainly been top of mind for them as well. Thanks for sharing!
I know some weddings have still gone forward without a hitch. Definitely a difficult decision to make though…
The conclusion you reached is I would say the most sensible thing to do. I would have preferred it myself.
thank You, dear!
I feel so terrible for those that are having to cancel things like this. I hope everyone gets refunds and can re schedule.
well, I hope no refunds … just rescheduling
I can imagine the anxiety for the brides to be at this turbulent time. The idea of divying the wedding and celebration is a great one. You can always wear the wedding gown twice.
I was just talking about this with my girlfriends. I just got married in October and I would be in complete shambles if i had to cancel ?
It is tough times for everyone, especially for people who have booked their weddings. My friend is going through the same.
Wow! I hadn’t considered what would happen for those that were expecting to get married during this time. Thank you for the information on what to do for couples!
So many people are questioning this right now. Cancelling, postponing, weddings are such a huge moment in life. Thanks for this post!
I feel for anyone who had a wedding planned for this spring. We just had to cancel a planned vacation, and that was hard enough. Best wishes to all the brides and grooms out there who are having to make tough choices!
It’s so awful because all events are cancelled due to Covid-19 crisis this is so terrible for all of us!
People who continue to have weddings during this time are a bit inconsiderate. When were supposed to be practicing social distancing. Also many people aren’t going to risk it just to attend a wedding. I actually know a few people who are still persisting their wedding will happen next month. It’s a crazy time but its’ affecting everyone and every business.
Many events are getting cancelled due to this pandemic. U are getting refund but yeah u can throw a big party after Covid is gone and finally u get married.
What great advice on whether or not people should attend or hold a wedding during this chaotic time. I hope those who are holding weddings can find this advice useful.
It must be so hard to be faced with this decision around a wedding day. Great advice though.
It is in our power to stop the virus. A wedding can be rescheduled, so yes, it should definitely be cancelled. It’s enough for one member to be sick, to spread it to all the other guests.
I don’t understand… why canceled if it could be postponed?
I am sure this has to be so hard for anyone going through this. I couldn’t imagine having to cancel the wedding. I hope all the vendors allow postponement for a later date.
I also know someone who has planned for a wedding this summer! Not sure how the world is going to look like then but hopefully it will get better
Many people are now questioning this. Cancel, postpone, weddings are a great time in life. Thanks for this post!
I absolutely love looking at everything about weddings but never thought about possible insurance on them. Very necessary as so many are being cancelled and postponed now.
Many couples have wrestled with a vendor over receiving a refund or a credit after the coronavirus crisis derailed their wedding plans. But a cancellation because of a government order to shelter in place, for example, or a ban on public gatherings, would qualify, she said. Cuneo encourages couples to request that a vendor provide an alternative service — a post-pandemic family photo session, for example — instead of a return of their deposit.
As of this publication, wedding insurance agencies are no longer covering weddings that are canceled because of COVID-19, although you may be covered if you bought insurance before cases spiked. But there are still reasons why insurance may be useful now — specifically in mitigating the ripple effect in the months after the virus has dissipated. Berke, who was a wedding planner before starting eWed, points out the importance of brides thinking long-term about the fallout of the coronavirus on the industry.