A lot of people with wedding plans for 2020 have been forced into making changes. This happens to couples all the time. But this year, perhaps like never before, there have been so many postponements, cancellations, and alternative plans like virtual weddings.
If you fall into this boat, it’s surely disappointing. But whether you postpone or move your wedding online, it’s important to maintain clear and consistent communication with guests.
Fortunately, most people will understand at this point; after all, we’re all being forced to make day-to-day adjustments. Still, there are some rights and wrongs — do’s and don’ts — about the best way to break the news and keep people informed about the future.
The following tips will help guide you as you let people know your wedding plans have changed:
1. Breaking the News
The earlier you can let people know, the better. This is especially true if the date is upcoming. At this point, if we’re talking about a 2020 wedding, many guests will already assume things are changing. But you want to give them as much time as possible to rearrange their travel logistics and start asking for refunds from airlines or hotels. Given the state of the world, most people should be able to recoup any losses, so hopefully, that won’t be a major concern for guests.
2. Distributing New Information
In many cases, the best way to inform your guests will be through digital means. This can be done over email that directs them to your wedding website with all the latest details if things are still in flux. Alternatively, especially if you’re postponing to a new, known date — or changing to a virtual wedding that’s already scheduled — you can also send out a new physical save-the-date card. Nobody can — or should — be mad at you for changing things up right now, but it’s polite and helpful to give guests all the information you have as soon as possible.
3. Sparking the Right Tone
There’s more to how you break the news than logistics. Be sure to take the right tone as well in any announcement no matter the form. Nobody will be more upset by the change than the bride and groom. And some couples may truly feel devastated — especially if they are losing out financially on deposits and other payments.
But it’s important to recognize there are other true tragedies happening all over the world. Some of your guests may have lost loved ones, been laid off, or otherwise confronting massive catastrophes. So, have some empathy and keep your news in perspective. Express your disappointment, but don’t go overboard and come off as egotistical.
Letting Guests Know About Wedding Changes
If you must change your wedding plans — for any reason — it’s a big bummer. You’re probably not in a good mood and just want to sulk about it for a while. Nobody will blame you! So, go ahead and feel bad about it.
But don’t forget that you have a responsibility to your guests. Break the news as quickly as possible so they can make adjustments, figure out the best way to distribute this information to everyone, and be sure to strike the right tone with empathy for everyone who may receive the message.
Eventually, even bad times pass. Things will improve again — and hopefully soon. Now, you unfortunately must deal with this setback. But taking the right approach and adopting the right perspective will help make dealing with it as easy as possible.
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