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Updated 15th June 2021
As the COVID-19 virus continues to change the way the world connects, celebrates and communicates, we wanted to share with you what we’re doing to help those whose weddings are affected by it:
What you decide to do about your wedding depends on where it is, when it is and who is going. Keep updated as much as possible with the latest government regulations of the country in which you're getting married in, plus the travel regulations of the countries where you and you guests are based if people are travelling from abroad.
Whatever you do, communicate clearly but sensitively to your guests and suppliers and have a backup plan. We’ve got some sample messaging below to help you with this.
Keep up to date with the latest guidance from the World Health Organisation, as well as the official government advice (and new laws) of the country where you’re getting married – and try not to panic. Constantly checking news feeds isn’t going to be good for your mental health, so get time away from screens to exercise or do something relaxing. It’s a difficult time for everyone but together, if we stay calm, there are always solutions to be found.
Speak with your suppliers about what you’re planning, whether it’s postponing, cancelling, adjusting for fewer guests or changing venues. Ask them whether your deposit is able to be transferred to another date if your wedding is postponed, and how much time in advance of the wedding date they would need to know of a postponement. Ask what might be refundable under the circumstances but be aware that not everything will be – it depends on the contracts you’ve signed with your suppliers.
Keep in mind that this is also a difficult period for those working in the wedding industry. So when you have these discussions speak frankly but sensitively.
If you are going ahead with your wedding, then be aware of guests who are most vulnerable to coronavirus. Be supportive and prepare to be flexible in your guest numbers.
Everything is still a little uncertain, so having a contingency plan is a wise idea. Whether it’s being ready to have a smaller wedding with fewer guests and more social distancing, or postponing to another time, chat the possibilities through with your venue and suppliers and keep your guests updated. Having a backup plan is going to reduce your stress.
Some wedding essentials, such as on the day stationery, you can still go ahead and order if you’re clever about how you do it. Menus and place cards for example, you could customise with you and your partners’ name, but leave the rest blank to be filled in with beautiful handwriting or calligraphy when you know what you’ll be serving on the day and who will actually be there.
You could order the guest book for the day too. Just use a title like ‘[couple’s names]’ big day – guest book’ that omits venue, date or other things that might change. Many of our wedding signs (UK customers only) can also be customised in a way that means you’re not committed to a date or venue.
Obviously, your invitations will have to include your date but we’re doing all we can to help you if you do have to postpone your wedding and therefore change your invitations. As mentioned above, all Papier wedding customers can reprint their stationery at a 50% discount if the details of their event changes due to coronavirus.
We’re also offering all existing wedding customers the option to have a digital version of their Save The Date or Wedding Invitation created for free if they want to communicate a change of date, location or just a postponement to their guests via email.
“Dear friends and family/Hi everyone,
Unfortunately, due to you-know-what we have decided to postpone our wedding until a safer date in the future. We are still looking forward to sharing our happy day with you and will keep you updated as soon as we know more.
If any of you have any worries about the plans or your accommodation, just let us know.
All our love,
[couple’s names]”
“Dear friends and family/Hi everyone,
We wanted to update you about our wedding during this uncertain time. Right now, our plan is for it to go ahead but we are preparing for a postponement if it becomes necessary.
Even if the wedding does go ahead as planned, we completely understand that some of you may not want to travel or attend with the current situation. If that’s the case, then please just let us know as soon as you can.
If anything does change, we will keep you all updated. In the meantime, if you have any other questions, send us an email to [email address].
All our love,
[couple’s names]”
“Dear friends and family/Hi everyone,
We wanted to let you know that our wedding is still going ahead and we are really excited to be sharing it with you. However, we completely understand if some of you may not feel comfortable travelling or attending at this time. That is absolutely fine but if this is your intention, please let us know as soon as you can so we can finalise the plans.
If anything does change, we will of course, be sure to let you know.
All our love,
[couple’s names]”
