If you’re thinking about rescheduling your wedding, our hearts go out to you. It isn’t an easy decision to make, even when your reasons make perfect sense.

Here is what you can do to avoid unnecessary hassles and  hold on to the good things coming your way.

First: Relationships are always golden, so contact your closest family members and the people in your bridal party and let them know what you are thinking. After all, you don’t want them finding out after the fact.

Second: Think outside the box and decide on a time that will make you happy. Maybe you were planning a June wedding, yet a cozy winter wedding sounds just as good. If so, changing to fall or winter might be a beautiful idea. Once you’re clear on the time of year you want, contact your venue and see what dates are available. Dates will get harder to come by the longer you wait, especially Saturdays, so consider having your wedding on Friday night, Sunday, or even a weekday. Some places offer discounts on these days and it doesn’t hurt to ask. Last but not least, see if the venue will hold your date for 24 hours while you contact your photographer, caterer, and anyone else you have a contract with and confirm their availability.

Third:  Once you know your venue, photographer, and other critical members of your wedding team are available, confirm your date and ask everyone for written confirmation. 

If you can afford to, consider paying your deposits and balance on the original dates they were due. In this very trying time for the wedding industry, your support could go a long way in helping your team survive now and thrive in the future.

More things to consider:

If you’ve already sent out your invitations, you could follow up with a short note letting your guests know about your postponement. However, given the times, it is absolutely acceptable to send a notice online. 

If you have a website, be sure you add all the new info. Let  people know how you are doing and that you’re still looking forward to celebrating with them when the time arrives.

Stay creative and positive. It may sound like a cliche these days, but now is the time to keep your dreams, stay positive, and believe in your future. Who knows, this experience may compel you to add some more personal touches to your wedding day or make something lovely you can use or share on your big day. You may also find yourself valuing others more deeply and all of your decisions may become more loving and self-compassionate. One thing is for sure; we are all in this together and what we do now will be remembered for years to come.

Best wishes on your wedding, and congratulations on being in love! May you be safe and truly successful now and in the future.