In this unpredictable and scary time, it’s hard to know how to navigate wedding planning. If your wedding is in the next 8 weeks, we advise you to reach out to each and every vendor individually to see if they already have a backup plan in place. We reached out to Richmond Weddings™ members to get their advice on how to make your way through these unchartered waters.

Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“As a business owner, balancing both strength and flexibility is a must…managing staff and clients’ expectations require empathy, calm leadership, and a fluid plan of action. At this point, we’re taking strategic steps in intervals, offering to postpone all April & May events to available Sundays within the next 12 months. At the end of each month, we will address the following month’s events until life settles. The feedback we are receiving thus far in regard to either cautiously hosting or postponing events, has been nothing short of relief and sincere gratitude. It’s important for us all to work through this together and come out on the other side stronger and wiser than ever.”

– Paula, with Historic Mankin Mansion

“If looking into postponing, ask all vendors, starting with your venue, what their available dates would be and go from there. MOST vendors will work with moving dates if they have the availability.”

– Tatiana, with Simply Charmed Weddings & Events 

“Ask your day of coordinator to have contingency plans for vendor call outs. He or she is likely a wealth of knowledge regarding what vendors are the best choices to step in on short notice and in difficult situations.”

– Ron, with RW Bagley Photography

“I reached out to ALL of my Spring brides and advised that they need to do what’s best for them and their guests. I offered to reschedule for no additional fees if they can find a date that we are available within the next year. I also offered to reach out to all of their vendors on their behalf to gather info on cancellation/rescheduling fees. For instance, my April 11th bride is from Colorado and 95% of her guests are from out of town and half of them are elderly. She had to make the difficult decision to postpone. We are currently working out a new date with her and all of her vendors.”

– Angela, with XOXO Wedding Co.

“I would recommend reaching out to your venue ASAP if you’re considering changing dates. We’re trying to make it as easy as possible!”

– Crystal, with Main Street Station

“Be open to alternate days of the week when re-booking, such as Wednesdays or Thursdays.”

–Matthew, with Bow Tied Weddings

“Remain calm, breathe. It will be okay. You and your loved ones are healthy. This too will pass.”

– Debra, Relish Photography by Lee LLC

“We are readdressing how we handle buffet and hors d’oeuvre events to prevent contamination and exposure from the guests. For instance, a dinner buffet will have the tables released one table at a time, and the silverware at the buffet table will be changed before the next group goes through the line.”

– Bonnie, The Boathouse (multiple locations)

“I have communicated to my clients that hand sanitizer would be near my table, and that I will be wearing gloves for set-up and service.”

– Tammy, with The Candy Lady

“I am reaching out to all of my 2020 couples – letting them make the best decisions for their friends and family. Of course they may host as scheduled or find a date that is best for them. #coronakindness is important”

– Peggy, with The Apple Blossom Inn

“Although the honeymoon is post-wedding, those who have already booked need to contact their travel agents to see what, if anything, needs to be done to protect their trip. For those who have not booked yet, they should contact their travel agent to see if there are special deals and to take advantage of some seriously reduced airfares. Ask about cancellation policies, and seriously consider purchasing travel insurance. Beware of scammers when booking online. A professional, trained, and experienced travel advisor can save you time and money!”

– Ruth, with Ruth Stirling Travel

“Most venues give you the option to add event insurance within the rate you paid, or sometimes it’s mandatory. I have a couple that found they have event insurance and didn’t even know!”

– Amy, with AC Events and PIXRUS Photobooth

Our advice is to get in contact with your vendors as soon as possible. Even if you’re not planning on rescheduling or postponing, you should create a Plan B plan with your vendor team!

As always, Richmond Weddings™ is here to help in this difficult time! Please use both our vendors and our website as a resource. Stay safe and happy planning!