planning guide: planning a wedding during a pandemic

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We know that this has been a stressful and uncertain time to try to plan a wedding and we wanted to put together a guide that we hope you will find helpful in navigating and preparing for your special day during a global pandemic.

The honest truth is,  no one knows what the state of the virus will be in the future or what the restrictions will be until the date is closer. It is important to stay up to date on the current restrictions. Here is a link to more information:  https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ . Although the virus might not have a significant effect on events later this year, we still want you to be prepared and make sure you have a backup plan in place "just in case" (whether that might mean planning ahead for a reduced guest list or possible postponement backup plan). 

The sooner the better.  You might not end up needing to use the backup plan as your date gets closer, but it is best to have a few different plans just in case. We would suggest going through the different scenarios with your significant other and other important loved ones so that you are prepared. It will be best to have some type of way to easily keep your guests updated, such as a wedding website, group email, or social media page where your guests can check in on what is going on. 

• Take a deep breath and remember that you have options. Remember that this is about celebrating the love between you and your most loved ones and that you will still be able to do that, even if a global pandemic has changed some details.  Being prepared is a good thing. Being prepared does not mean that you will have to use a backup plan (remember that things might be so much better by your event), it simply means you have options.
• Reach out to your vendors (venue, caterer, wedding planner, photographer, DJ, etc) as soon as you can. Ask what your options will be if strict restrictions are in place at the time of your event. Re-read your contracts. Make sure you understand them and if you have any questions reach out to them. Please please remember to be kind and patient. We know this is a very frustrating and stressful situation, but kindness will get you so much farther than anger. This is not your fault and this is not their fault.  Most of your vendors are small businesses who are struggling right now. Many have not gotten any financial government aid for their business during this crisis. Most do truly care about their clients and want to do what they can to work with and help them, but they have to also protect the viability of their business so that they are able to stay in business and continue to fulfill their obligations to the majority of their clients. Understand most will not be able to offer refunds because the costs of maintaining their business are non-stop, even if they are unable to host the events due to restrictions. The honest truth is that some compromises may have to be made on both the vendor and the client's part to come up with what is best for both. Many are willing to work with you to postpone or come up with some other way to help you have as close to your dream wedding as possible. 
• Keep your guests updated: It will be best to have some type of way to easily keep your guests updated, such as a wedding website, group email, or social media page where your guests can check in on what is going on. Here are some great email templates from The Every Last Detail. There is even a template on how to politely "uninvite guests" due to pandemic guest limit restrictions: https://theeverylastdetail.com/coronavirus-wedding-postponement-email-templates-to-send-to-guests/

We would suggest making a final decision about 6 weeks before your wedding/event date.