POSTPONING YOUR WEDDING

Hi everyone. If you had planned a June-July wedding and now find yourself increasingly uncertain about whether it should or even could go ahead, the main thing is to not panic. Easier said than done I know. My heart genuinely goes out to all of you. All of my couples have put a mountain of planning and creative energy into planning the day of their dreams, and I marvel at the humour and lack of petulance they’ve drummed up when faced with MOVING THE WHOLE BLOODY THING.

I’ve spoken to a couple of well-known wedding planners and they’ve offered some excellent advice. “The first thing to do is check the terms of the contracts you’ve signed with suppliers and speak to your insurer to see what your options are there,” says Ellie Kime at The Wedding Enthusiast . “That way then you’re informed as you go for a candid, non-judgemental chat with your suppliers. Get in touch with them as soon as possible to at least touch base - nobody knows how long this will last, unfortunately, but you can at least guage what may be possible. Some registar offices are not booking weddings now until September/October; others are working to the government’s three week lockdown.

“Have a think about what your priorities are: do you have elderly or vulnerable relatives who would love to come but for whom it would still be too risky?”

Andri Benson agrees. “For June weddings I think it would be worth starting to plan for a postponement now, and be prepared to make some compromises on your original plans. For a July wedding I would maybe give it a few weeks to see how events unfold,” she adds. “Firstly talk to your venue. Many may only be able to offer alternative dates within 2020. If they can offer a summer wedding next year it may be on a weekday.

Andri Benson

“Once you have an idea of dates from your venue, talk to your suppliers. Many are kindly offering postponements with no extra charge, but may have to factor in increased costs. some may also need part or all of their final payment to be paid as scheduled rather than prior to the new date.

“Once your new date is confirmed, you need to contact your local authority to Give Notice of the new date. If you were having a civil ceremony, check your registrar is still available to come to your venue. If they aren’t, consider booking an independent celebrant or Humanist to conduct your ceremony and just do the legal bit when you can get an appointment at your local registry.”

Postponing may be more straightforward than you think. I’m actually holding video calls with a lot of my brides, and we’ve gone through dates, and discussed alternative florists, DJs and photographers. Thing is, throughout the wedding industry network, suppliers tend to gravitate towards other suppliers that work with a similar aesthetic so chances are you’ll like the work of a florist I recommend if you like my cakes. It’s no trouble for me to make a few calls, and most suppliers would say the same.

I’m a lot more flexible than many other suppliers, in that I can deliver to two or even three weddings in a weekend. I’m also taking on extra help with deliveries and baking from September. BUT it’s going to be super busy. So get in touch as soon as you can.

Remember it’s going to be worth the wait.

Best, thinking of you all

E xx

Video calls, in my pyjamas with the tortoise chewing my slippers