There are plenty of things brides and grooms think about going wrong when it comes to their big day, bad weather, getting sick, funerals, etc. However, i’m sure couples have never thought about the possibility of a worldwide pandemic happening. 

Covid-19 aka coronavirus has unfortunately forced many brides and grooms to cancel their big day. As of March 15th, 2020 the CDC recommended postponing weddings to help prevent the spread of this virus. They have recommended to postpone for AT LEAST 8 weeks, if not more (to read more, head to the CDC website). 

Keep in mind a few items when trying to determine whether or not to cancel your wedding:

1. How many guests will be traveling to your wedding? Plenty of flights are being grounded and cancelled due to the virus. 
2. Do you have a handful of elderly people attending your wedding: 60+ year olds are at high risk for getting the virus, therefore should not be around others who potentially could carry the disease. 
3. How many guests are attending? The White House has discouraged any social gatherings of 10 or more between the time frame of March 17th – April 1st and could possibly carry on longer. 

Alternative options: 

1. You can have a micro wedding ceremony where you and your significant other gets married, and then reschedule the reception for later
2. You can elope! Forget the big wedding and just elope on your original wedding date. 
3. You can postpone. Still plan on having the wedding of your dreams but schedule for a date that is in the clear. 

Here are a couple of of tips and suggestions for postponing your wedding:

1. Be prepared & informed. Keep up on the news to get an idea of when this all might settle down or resolve. Make sure to keep track of not only the news but the CDC guidelines as well. 
2. If you haven’t already, hire a wedding planner! They will help you organize, navigate and keep your sanity when trying to plan your big day around a pandemic. 
3. Speak to your vendors: Keep an ongoing and open conversation with your vendors. Ask them for advise or possible solutions to postponing and planning your wedding. You will also want to talk to your vendors right away about their policy for canceling or postponing events. 
4. Update your guests: Your guests should not be surprised when letting them know your big day needs to be postponed. However, make sure you contact every invited guest to let them know what is going on and keep them informed on when it might be rescheduled for. You can even send out “unsave the date” cards to let them know the event is postponed. You can also simply text, call or email your guests. I would even let those traveling know about the current flexible flight and travel policies to ensure they will not lose any money on their already purchased tickets. 
5. Hold off on any major decisions: Do not make any major decisions until you are sure. This way you won’t lose any more money, time or effort. You also want to make sure you don’t end up confusing your guests with several dates, times, places, etc.

Elegant Events wants to send all the love and support to those who have been affected by Covid-19. We wish you the absolute best and hope you stay safe and healthy!