CORONA VIRUS & YOUR WEDDING: Postponing, Resizing, Rescheduling Tips Here!

[UPDATED DAILY FROM THE 27/03/2020]

The world is going through something very crazy and unprecedented right now with the coronavirus outbreak. Every day, new developments are happening and things that seemed normal are changing. The health of everyone is absolutely paramount but what’s happening at the moment bloody sucks. People are having to postpone a lot of normal things, including weddings, which would be a tough thing for any soon-to-be wedded couple to do.

So legends, what do you do if you are faced in the coming days and weeks with the harsh reality that your wedding may not be able to go ahead?

Here’s a few tips that I hope can help you out, oh, and by the way, I’m no expert on the virus (No bloody photographer is, or wedding vendor so DO NOT take medical advice from them), so you should take what I say with a grain of salt. I do however know my weddings, what makes a wedding freaking awesome and how to plan them, so if you’re getting married and need a few tips on how to cope, read below!

Postpone if Possible, PLEASE!

While it will suck having to move your wedding and all you have planned mates, if you can postpone, this is a much better outcome than having to cancel the whole thing. You know that concept of you should always have something to look forward to? Try and adopt that here!

Your vendors will love you for it and go above and beyond if you keep them in the loop, schedule a day that works for both of you and best of all, you’re helping keep them in business! Its’ tough times like this that we really need to support each other.

Keep Your Current Suppliers, PLEASE!

Again, if possible, keep a hold of the suppliers you have already engaged with and probably spent money with. With all that’s going on in the world at the moment, it’s small businesses like theirs that are going to really need support and cash flow. Think of the sizes of the businesses you’ve locked in for your wedding – florist, cake-maker, photographer/videographer, hair, and make-up artists. They are the little guys of the business world and will be hit hardest during this global crisis. Obviously there might be situations where you can’t keep a hold of all of your wedding suppliers, but if you can with most, it will also bring you some peace of mind. There was a reason why you wanted to use their services in the first place so it’s important to keep that in mind.

Minimizing Inevitable Costs

If you are postponing or canceling and selecting a whole new date, there are gonna be some extra costs no doubt to hit your wallet. Considering tweaking a few things you may have had in place before. An example would be, have your wedding on a weekday. This will save you some cash that might help make up for some other costs you have to fork out.

Reach Out to Your Mates!

Going through this is going to be stressful, so make sure if you are dealing with the postponement or cancellation of your wedding that you’re reaching out to your mates, family and other people you trust.

People who love you will be there for you and will be able to support you through this process. You might find they have good advice, recommendations or an ear to listen to your frustrations and concerns.

Your vendors are also your friends and will be happy to assist you in this time as they’re most likely dealing with the situation on a lot larger scale. I know I am!

Split up the wedding? Hey! It’s not a bad idea! Just word it well so you don’t look like a jerk! Haha!

I’ve been hearing quite a few people are splitting up their wedding day to the point where they’re having an outdoor ceremony which is totally fine with under 500 guests (Honestly who has more than 500?) and then at night, they’re giving the young ones and elders in the family/friend circle an early mark… I guess this is the polite way to say rack off, we want to party and not get fined, haha! Word it however you want, but I think you could make it work if postponing isn’t an option!

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

You’re probably going to feel crappy about your wedding changes for a bit and there might be some guilt or sadness if some guests can’t make the new date. No one could have predicted just how fast this virus was going to spread and what’s happening isn’t your fault. Try and remember that on your hard days. And more importantly, remember that your big day will happen!

Wedding Day’s don’t have rules

I’ve pushed this concept so often on blogs & social media over the past 7 years of being in the industry. You may have been to a few weddings, but there are no rules mates! I once shot this immaculate wedding in the Southern Highlands where they set up an outdoor reception, people were sitting on esky’s, couch’s and they had a live band. With the under 100 rule for indoor events, why not start your wedding earlier in the day and have an outdoor sunset reception! I’ve shot them before and they’re honestly so beautiful! Receptions DO NOT have to be at night!

[update]
The 100 rule is now done and weddings of 5 and under are only legal in Australia now. Best not risk it!

Stay safe and read below for my advice!

If it all gets too hard, what do you do?

Simply postpone or elope. Easy!