It’s unfair. It’s super stressful. And it’s very real.
Postponing your destination wedding because of the Coronavirus can really feel like the world has come to an end.
Months of planning and booking, going through Pinterest boards, sending emails, making big decisions and rethinking small details – you had put all this work into your dream destination wedding. Suddenly a world pandemic has started: countries have closed their borders and all travel and group gatherings have been banned until further notice.
And though it is overwhelming, here’s an unpopular opinion:
Replanning and reorganizing will actually HELP you fight anxiety and stress.
That’s right. Even when it feels like the world came crashing down (because it kind of did) refocusing your energy is what will keep you going.
Also, here’s our little grain of sand to help you get through this:
1. Time is on your side:
Having decided on a destination wedding in the first place means you are definitely comfortable with going off the beaten path. Plans can change and we just need to go along with it.
Staying flexible is crucial at this point.
If your wedding date is not in the upcoming 2-3 months, you may not want to reschedule right away.
Things can get better just as quickly as they have gotten bad. Until you have more information on international travel, we suggest keeping your original wedding date and waiting it out.
But if you feel waiting will complicate things even more or that rescheduling your wedding is simply inevitable, you have more than enough time to start rearranging things.
Remember – more time means more great ideas.
More time means more room for improvement. You may even end up with better plans than the original one.
2. Know your priorities:
If there is one thing that COVID-19 has shown us it’s that family and friends are the most important thing in life.
Talk to them (online or over the phone) and let them know your plans.
As your guests, they will also need time to adapt to the new situation, change travel plans and reorganize things. They should be able to understand and support your decision.
And once you have a few new wedding dates in mind, touch base with all of your vendors, starting with the ones you consider most important (we suggest your destination wedding planner, travel agent, etc).
Ask for any available future dates.
They should be able to offer a solution. Remember that most of your vendors are small businesses that are also being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
You’re in this together.
3. Put it on paper:
Once you’re set on a new date, let everyone know about it.
First of all, get all of your wedding contracts and bookings updated.
Just as important, make sure to send out e-cards to your guests informing them about your new wedding date. (you can find some awesome customizable templates, we recommend these designed by Story Native)
Putting it in writing makes it both reassuring and official.
Even if a vendor is unavailable for your new date or some of your guests are not sure they will be able to attend – at the end of the day you will get to marry the love of your life. Focus on that.
Once it’s safe to travel again you will have your destination wedding.
It will be even more amazing because you will simply appreciate it more.
You will appreciate life more. You will appreciate love more.
We promise you it’ll be worth the wait.
