Proactive Preparedness: Back Up Plans for your Wedding

Is your wedding going to be affected by our current world crisis -as optimistic wedding planners we want to say NO! - but as hopeful realists, we are not sure.  What we are sure of is developing back up plans just in case you need to make a decision quickly.  We have outlined examples of different plans you can consider putting in place for your wedding, in case this pandemic inches too close to your wedding date.

Plan A - Party On

We all really hope that your original plans for your wedding are able to happen and as always, Plan A is the best case scenario.  At this point though, if you think that Plan A is not likely, you need to start considering multiple back up plans.

Plan B - Smaller Guest Count & Precautionary Measures

Be prepared.  Start thinking about if the state of Massachusetts does not allow for gatherings over 50ppl or over 100ppl and your guest list has to be cut down or your venue can only safely accomodate your full guest count due to distancing rules.  Ask yourself the following questions:
- What would your guest list look like?
- Would you want to still have your wedding if you had to cut your guest list?
- Would you want to have your wedding if there were rules in place like no dancing, guests have to wear masks, etc?
These are all very personal questions that we do not have the answers for, but it is for you to discuss with your fiancé and family.
If you are to move ahead, think of other things that may need to be in place such as:
- Guests social distancing at tables
- Your buffet dinner turning in to a plated meal to limit exposure
- Hand-washing or hand sanitizer stations for guests and staff
It is all going come down to what the state mandates and what the CDC will recommend, so be sure to follow all updates as close as possible. (We know we will be!)

Plan C - Put a date on hold

Start thinking about new dates.  Reach out to your venue to see what dates they may have available late fall/winter 2020 or in 2021.  Ask what their postponement policy is - will they allow for your deposit to be transferred or is it considered a cancellation?  If they have a  date that you think may work, vet that date past key attendees - family, wedding party, etc. then ask the venue to hold the date for you while you reach out to your vendors. Once you know who can move to the new date with you, decide when you want to make the final call.  Once you have made the official decision to postpone make sure to have the new date in writing from all vendors.  We know the decision to postpone your wedding is not an easy one, so if you feel you need assistance please contact us about how we can help.

Plan D - Out of Options

If you feel like there are not any good options for new dates you and your fiancé and you are just not sure what do to right now, the final plan would be to cancel.  Before you make this final decision, be sure to review all of your vendor contracts to see what losses you may have from non-refundable deposits.  Most vendors are being flexible, but please also consider that this pandemic was not your fault or theirs, so work with them to come up with a fair solution for both of you.