POSTPONING YOUR WEDDING? UPDATES ON COVID-19
Important updates on the Covid-19 pandemic in Greece and how to handle postponing your wedding.
You are probably sick of all the coronavirus talk and posts by now. But in this post, we are sharing with you only the important information about the situation in Greece that might affect your wedding plans!
Obviously many things have changes in this week after our previous post and you are probably either used to the quarantine by now or really sick of it!
Remember, there is still no need to panic!
The main thing to focus on at this moment is your health and wellbeing and the health of your family and guests. All the rest will come in place when the time is right.
Of course we are all hoping for the summer and late summer/autumn season to be ok, however things are changing daily, therefore make sure to have that plan B in place!
NEW ACTIONS IN GREECE
Greece has accepted some new firmer restrictions in order to save the summer season and to contain the spread of the virus.
In the next few weeks or even months, expect the unexpected. The whole world is on a lockdown, although we would never have expected this to happen! At the moment Greece is practising the curfew hours and movement is restricted to only for necessary tasks. All weddings, events and gatherings have been suspended and hotels are ordered to remain closed till end of April. As well as no external flights are allowed, with some exceptions.
Many companies work normally, some also from home and deliveries are possible! If you need any specific company or product make sure to check their announcement and feel free to get in touch over socials if necessary, and ask about their schedule affected by the coronavirus.
Greek authorities are urging the public not to travel within Greece to places and villages which can cause the virus to be transmitted to the rest of the population. That is to say that the traditional Greek Easter on 19th of April is also cancelled!
IS YOUR WEDDING OR EVENT AFFECTED?
You are probably asking if you should postpone your wedding or not. You would like to hold on to your date as long as possible but are not sure if you should postpone now or later? This is a question that only you can answer! Arm yourself with the facts and make your own decisions. It depends on many things.
First is to follow the news and see when the restrictions will be lifted. Secondly, has your country already experienced the peak? What is the size of your wedding and of course your wishes. Can everyone fly over to meet you in Greece even though you can? Are you willing to do some sacrifices if you do go ahead with your date?
Do you want the same wedding as you planned, the same venue, the same season and your selected vendors? Then best would be to postpone on the next year. However, keep in mind that this might be difficult to achieve as well.
Your country is most probably in the same situation by now as Greece. Some countries are experiencing their peek while others are just approaching it. It is important to know on which stage is your country in correlations to Greece if travel will be allowed for you or not. Nevertheless, we cannot know exactly if the summer season in Greece will be saved or not. Therefore, we urge all “early season” couples to act sooner rather than later. Postpone, don’t cancel if you don’t need to.
In our opinion, if your wedding is in late summer or autumn it is still too early to actually make any firm decisions on postponing. But do keep a close relationship with your planner or other vendors to schedule a plan B if the new development will show that there is a need to do so!
HOW TO DEAL WITH POSTPONING YOUR WEDDING
#1
If you think you might have to postpone, we urge you to do it sooner rather than later, as the dates can get booked up. Couples getting married early summer might still get affected. As of now most May events have been already postponed while June is still unknown. Although some June couples are already in the process of doing so. Again, all this depends on your own situation. Nevertheless, be mindful of your guests as well. If you get any news about your countries situation of travel and social restrictions which might affect your dates, act fast and offer this information to your family and guests as soon as possible. They need some time to make informed decisions about attending your event.
#2
Ask your vendors what is the latest deadline for your decisions about postponement or cancelation. Obviously we do not suggest you to cancel your wedding, however we know that this situation is different for everyone and for some postponement is just not possible!
#3
Ask for contingency in case your supplier cannot provide what you need for your wedding. Some things such as flowers, fabrics, special food or other imports might get affected by the Covid-19 pandemic because of the late or impossible deliveries. Make sure to get all the agreements to the new decisions and possibilities.
#4
Make a pros and cons list. Is getting married this year no matter what more important? Or is a wedding in the later date or next year with less sacrifices the experience you would prefer? Answering some of these kind of questions will help you make the right decision!
#5
If you decide on postponing your wedding, get in touch with your planner and the vendors immediately. Discuss their terms and conditions and what will happen if you postpone or cancel the wedding. Now is the time for reading the small print, and get second opinions. Postponement and cancellations clauses are different for every vendor you are working with, however cancellation from your side, usually means loss of deposits.
#6
If you have a bigger and more complicated wedding, you might be better off postponing your wedding to the next year. This will give you more room to organize all the aspects you were wanting to have at your wedding. You should consider to be flexible regarding the dates and the venues. Take this time to research all your secondary choices.
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR SUPPLIERS
In order to get the best possible new plan in place for your wedding, be mindful of your vendors. Think of how you can be helpful and support your vendors with all the postponements they need to handle.
#1
Of course this time is difficult for everyone, as brides and the suppliers alike. Therefore the best idea is to work together on the new plans and possible payment options. Give constructive ideas and be more flexible so your suppliers can be there for you while postponing your wedding!
#2
All your suppliers are aware of this situation and they are all trying to accommodate all of their clients. Think that giving away all the new dates in the new season means they cannot accommodate new clients in order to grow their business. Remember that this situation is probably causing no income for many months for some, where they still have their business to run. However again, this is not true for everyone. In any case, be mindful of each situation and try to understand everyone’s side.
#3
Some of the suppliers have already put a lot of work in your wedding planning to date, therefore don’t think of the non-refundable deposits as money lost, rather than payment for the services they have provided you so fa. This is of course different for every supplier. Keep a constant contact with all your vendors regarding their cancellation policies and what this means for you.
#4
We know this situation is so difficult for all 2020 couples, however, keep in mind that it is even more difficult for some of your suppliers. If you feel that your vendors have supported you in this difficult time and helped you in any way, make sure you help them with a nice review! Your reviews will also help then grow their business after the crisis.
#5
Another great way to help your vendors or suppliers, is to send your wedding story to be featured to some blogs or magazines! You can do this if your wedding has already happened or after it will happen. We are sure that your #coronawedding story will be more than intriguing for all the publications! And this kind of promotion and good words from you are more valuable to your suppliers than any other advertisement.
This might not be your area, however wedding blogs make it super easy for you to do this. Keep in mind to ask permission from your photographer first. Then write down your wedding story. Remember all the beautiful moments and details about your wedding day. At the end make a list of all your suppliers and add their website links. You can submit your wedding which happened in Greece to Ellwed anytime! See more guidance on our Submission page.
See this awarded wedding inspiration and the full lust of credits in our magazine or on our blog.
