A wedding postponement or cancellation means a change of plan for many other people including family,guests and vendors. Therefore, it is important to handle it professionally but above all to always follow your heart. We should agree that the logistics depend on your particular circumstances like how far you’re with the planning among others but here are some major tips to guide you through it;
- Understand the Financial implication; With any change of plans comes a financial implication including losses on pre-paid fees like retainers and non-refundable goods and services and some times additional costs. To help you understand the financial implication of postponing or cancelling your wedding you need to reread and understand all contracts with the different vendors. Your vendors are happy to support you but be mindful of the cost because they possibly had hired staff,held the date and turned away other potential clients so should be compensated depending on the change or changes.
- Talk to your venue; Speak to your venue first asking for open dates around the time you plan to reschedule. it is important to keep an open mind when considering available dates since most venues are booked in advance close to a year ahead of one’s function. If they’re unable to accommodate you as early as you plan to reschedule,consider asking if they have a sister property that could accommodate your wedding.
- Let your Guests Know; As soon as you have confirmed your plan to cancel or postpone your wedding,you will need to send out clear messages to your guests to let them know of this decision. Please note that elders and VIPs will appreciate a phone call too. If you would rather speak to everyone on the phone,you could split the calls up between you and your partner and also seek help from family and close members of the organizing committee as it may be too much work for you as a couple.
- Discuss with Hired Vendors; Let your hired vendors know of your plan and when discussing a postponement and are considering re-booking particularly be aware that they may be booked or unavailable for your new date. If a vendor is unavailable,you have to understand that they did not decide not to do your wedding and will be willing to make a new recommendation. You hired them for a reason, you trust them,and if they can’t at all accommodate your new date,they will recommend a fellow vendor.Please try to be calm and flexible.In case of cancelling,understand your vendor contracts and cancelling clauses.
- Choose a new Date; Once you have decided to postpone after making an informed decision,the next thing is to reschedule on a new date considering how far you want to postpone. To avoid feeling sad that your wedding day did not go as planned,we recommend that you acknowledge your old date with a simple celebration like a fancy dinner,a picnic or even a couple shoot. Make the day also special and memorable.
- Rethink the Details; After you have finalized with the venue and vendors and now set a new date for your wedding,it is now time to rethink the details. Do you still want your special day to look the same as earlier planned or you want to make some adjustments!
Conclusion; If you find yourself with no choice but postpone or cancel your wedding,try to speak to a nonpartisan person whom you can ask for their opinion and advice. If you have a wedding planner,this is the first person you should talk to. You’re emotional and it is an emotional decision,you need an independent party to help you process and share ideas. Your vendors can also be great help.
At Paramount Images,we are not just Photography Professionals but also that nonpartisan board to guide you through your entire Wedding planning process.
Contact; +256 776 818 763
Email;ask@paramount.ug/jameslubinga@gmail.com
Location; Serena Conference Center Front Basement Room 4 Kampala-Uganda