Hello all, sorry to write such a blog post, but I just wanted to send you the information I have at the moment – and let you know I’m here to support you in any way I can, and offer some advice if you are considering postponing your wedding due to Coronavirus or having issues with corona + wedding postponements.
Unfortunately I think this is just the beginning, and the current situation of the coronavirus is likely to get much worse – the latest on the news is that the peak is expected to be in June. Although as you know, this is changing every day.
I’ve already had all of my weddings up until the end of May provisionally postpone (most are officially confirmed postponements, but a few don’t have new dates yet), and clients up until Aug have also been emailing – given that some churches have cancelled weddings up until Aug for the time being.
I 100% support anyone in a decision of postponement, and think they have done the right thing for the safety of themselves, their guests, their staff and suppliers. I know that it will be a much better party celebrated later down the line, when everyone can make it healthily and happily. No matter how gutting is it now, your party will be worth the wait, believe me. And much better for it. I can imagine there would a be lot of fearful parents and grandparents otherwise, besides the travel bans that are already in place.
Postponements
If you are an existing client of mine, I am happy to postpone to an alternative date within 2020-2021, provided I am free, at no extra cost. Please just keep me posted, as I already had 2 clients who wanted the same alternative May 2021 date earlier this week.
However, please know that from a cash flow/rent/mortgage point of view, not all suppliers are in a position to offer a postponement depending on their individual circumstances and if they have dependents – and if you or they have relevant insurance to cover these losses. (We are losing income from this year as well as next, as a result.) And insurance on both our parts is unclear, to say the least. My stance on postponements is a completely personal business decision to me.
Venues
Most of the venues I am speaking to are happy to postpone within one year of your original date, provided it is a like for like day, and excluding Dec. However this is unprecedented territory; they don’t have to offer this and can make their own terms depending on their management, cash flow and current bookings. And they likely won’t let you postpone twice, so do be careful. I’d advise you to email now to see what their stance is, they will appreciate as much notice as possible.
They will be hesitant to help you further however, as insurance regarding Corona is an absolute minefield – for both the consumer and the venue (and suppliers, for that matter) without any official bans in place for liability purposes.
Advice for all 2020 Weddings
Check your contracts with all suppliers regarding cancellations; the most common term is that you will forfeit your deposit, but depending on how close your wedding is, you could be liable for the full chargeable amount. Then it would be a good idea to ask if they would be willing to offer you a postponement – and any costs associated with this. While also asking for all available alternative 2020-2021 dates.
However, as I’ve already said above, please know that from a cash flow/rent/mortgage point of view, not all suppliers are in a position to offer a postponement depending on their individual circumstances and if they have dependents – and if you or they have relevant insurance to cover these losses. (We are losing income from this year as well as next, as a result.) And insurance on both our parts is unclear, to say the least. My stance on postponements is a completely personal business decision to me.
Last Word
Please get wedding insurance. It will not cover you for Corona, but this is a wake up call that anything can happen. John Lewis and Debenhams are the market leaders, but you can compare insurers via MoneySupermarket. However last I heard, new policies were suspended for the next 3 months and weddings dates within the next 3 months.
Secondly, check you have a contract in place with all your suppliers, as your wedding insurance won’t cover you otherwise – say if a supplier goes bust (and I know of a couple of fellow suppliers who have employees who have already gone under).
Sending everyone lots of love and strength today and for the next few months.
Keep an eye on the latest from the NHS here too.
*please note, all of the above is my personal opinion and experience, and not any form of formal or legal advice.
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