I know by now you’re just sick and tired of seeing COVID-19 and Coronavirus everywhere you look…not to mention every single email you’re being flooded with from businesses you didn’t even know you were on their mailing list before, but this is one is especially important to note.
Out of all the warnings and preparations that surround wedding planning, nobody could have predicted a global pandemic like coronavirus (COVID-19) being the culprit. If you think that your wedding date may be affected, i’m sure there are a whole new list of questions you need answered.
This virus is serious. Globally, nationally, and locally there are restrictions and bans happening and changing each and every day. Resuming wedding plans like normal within the next few weeks without having a plan B is just not possible at this point, unfortunately. Please make sure you rely on both local city and county government sources for ongoing news as this is fluid.
As your wedding photographer, I want to help you out with some tips and options that hopefully help you get through the process.
“WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON CORONAVIRUS AND WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE YOU TAKING AT THIS TIME?”
Currently, I am keeping as informed as I possibly can be with credible sites like the CDC and WHO along with Government mandates and releases to follow their guidelines + recommendations. As always, I am a bit of a clean freak/germaphobe but I am taking extra precautions to keep myself, along with those I am in close contact with, as safe as possible. I am currently self-quarantining to reduce the risk, as I hope others that are able to do so are as well. All appointments, until stated otherwise, will be done virtually via Zoom video chats, Facetime, or audio phone calls.
As long as nobody is displaying signs of sickness, along with myself, I will do everything in my power to be at your wedding. Please note, there will be some extra precautions on the wedding day that we will have to be aware of like the following: I will not be able to help physically move you into poses; to get close enough to help carry your dress/bouquet; to move hair out of your face, etc.; I will likely wear gloves during the getting ready process where I am handling a lot of your personal items; I may be visiting the restroom more frequently for hand-washing; I will also have to “hug” the outside of the dance floor and will be unable to get in the middle of the party like I typically do.
Rest assured that all the emotional and important aspects of your day will be captured and well documented!
SHOULD YOU CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE YOUR WEDDING DUE TO CORONAVIRUS?
One thing to consider is your guest list, especially if it is currently larger than the limit (as of 3/16/20 in the city of Pittsburgh, it is mandated to less than 50 total people for the next 8 weeks). Today, President Trump just issued a guideline (as of 3:30pm on 3/16/20 that across the United States that for the next 15 days, no more than 10 people should be gathered together), which hopefully slows down the spread of the virus at a more relaxed pace. With that in mind with your approaching wedding date, that is something to consider! If your guest list is larger, you may either have to cancel or reschedule your wedding at this time if you can’t imagine your wedding day without all those in attendance. If your guest list is below the limit, you must decide if it’s safe for your wedding guests to be interacting as that can add to the spread of the virus, especially if you have anyone that you would want to be in attendance that would be more susceptible and at-risk.
Instead of rescheduling your entire wedding, there are a few things you can consider:
Hold your ceremony on the planned date but postponing your reception until later
Get married at your local courthouse (if open)
Condense your guest list to fit the mandated number of guests for an elopement style wedding ceremony and reception (if venues are open)
For Happy Out Photography couples, I am happy to divide your coverage between a ceremony now and reception later to make sure you have photography (and any paid services) at both.
Overall, it is easier to postpone your wedding instead of outright cancelling and starting over. All vendors are working very hard to coordinate and make these new plans work so that your payments can be transferred to your new date. You’ll have quite the story to tell someday, and you’re going to want those photos to go along with it, no matter how your plans are changing.
I suggest waiting 3 weeks out to make any final decision if you currently are planning outside of the 8 week ban, as early as late May 2020-but having a plan b is your best bet-just in case up until July 2020.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR WEDDING VENUE CANCELS BUT YOU STILL WANT TO GET MARRIED?
Some venues have come out recently that they cannot hold guests safely so they are cancelling for the time being. If you are unable to postpone your date, we will have to get a little more creative. As long as you are keeping it to a smaller number of guests in attendance, there are local parks and even backyards as options for alternate ceremony locations.
Of course, you’ll need to check with your officiant to discuss their availability and willingness to officiate your ceremony. It’s not a bad idea to check with friends and family to become ordained-just be sure to check our city and state’s laws pertaining to the legal validity to complete your ceremony).
SHOULD YOUR WEDDING GUESTS TRAVEL?
Several regions around the world have already enacted travel bans and limitations. If your guests are coming from high-risk areas, they may not be able to travel or may be quarantined.
If your guests are legally able to travel, they must use their personal discretion whether to travel or not. No one wants to potentially carry or come in contact with the virus. It may ultimately be best for some of your guests to stay home, especially if they have weakened immune systems.
In order to include guests who decided not to travel, consider using Facebook Live or Facetime to include them in your celebration! If you hired us for videography, we are working to see if we can professionally stream your wedding for you, in higher quality and so you don’t have to stress about this part of the day—please tell me if this is something you’d be interested in! If not, we will be happy to give you our tips and tricks so that it can go off without a hitch just using a smartphone and a few tools.
HOW TO RESCHEDULE YOUR WEDDING
First of all, start off by sending an email to all of your vendors informing them of the decision to reschedule or postpone. Be sure you check the contracts of all your vendors looking for the retainer or deposit policy. While each vendor is different, most are trying to help out all their couples as best as they can! Some are allowing couples to hold onto your retainer until we have a timeline on coronavirus relief.
For Happy Out Photography Couples, I am more than happy to coordinate with you so that we can find a wedding date where our team is available within the next 12 months so you don’t lose any money you have already invested into your wedding experience with us. This would move your retainer + all payments to your new contracted date with a new updated contract.
I purposefully make sure that I have gaps in my availability each year, so I’m sure there is a date that we can all make work! You may consider Fridays, Sundays, and even weekday weddings as you contact each vendor, starting with your venue. If you know certain dates or a time frame you are looking at to reschedule, I will send you my availability and we can jump on the phone to talk through it!
If you reschedule to a date that I am unavailable for, I will hire an associate photographer team to take my place and I will continue to be your point of contact, edit your gallery, and deliver your photographs (+ video). *This is something that I do as a normal practice within my business, so this is not the first instance. One way or another, I want to make sure your wedding is covered and make the decision to reschedule as easy as possible.
After you confirmed all your vendors’ COVID-19 policies, you should inform your guests of the change(s). Thankfully the internet can be pretty useful sometimes when it’s not kicking you off Netflix. It should be rather simple to spread the word via social media and/or your wedding website. If you post on your wedding website (The Knot, Wedding Wire, etc.) it should notify your guests who RSVP’d with an email straight to their inbox. If your guests are not active on social media, call and text them directly-even ask for help in notifying other friends on your guest list to relieve yourself of the extra conversations.
SUNSHINE AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
Once your vendors and guests are informed of the plan to reschedule your wedding, take a deep breath…and another…and another.
Listen, as unfortunate and stressful as this time is, this is completely out of your control. These things happen and everyone involved will understand. Whether you decide to go to the courthouse or reschedule for a new date, you will still get married.
My couples are one of my highest priorities-please feel free to contact me directly via email or we can schedule a phone call.
If there is any way that I can make this process smoother or alleviate any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’ll do whatever I can to assist you!
Please remember that I am a wedding photographer, not a coronavirus expert. Like others, I’ve been keeping my eye on credible online sources and I encourage you to do the same. Be as informed as possible so you can make decisions in everyone’s best interests.
Lots of love, clarity, and good health to you-
Katie
