When you get married, you are starting something new, a new journey, life, and goals. Many couples haven’t just planned for their wedding, but well beyond that, it is a life they have envisioned. Whether that’s going on a carefully planned and saved honeymoon, moving in together, starting a family or even relocating, all these plans are now ultimately in limbo. Since Toronto went into a State of Emergency last week, things have taken an even more difficult turn.
And the only thing to do it seems, is wait. Waiting. It’s a hard thing to do nowadays. But now is the time, if any, to adapt. Remembering what is most important and taking comfort that we are all in this together. Your wedding is about you and your love, celebrating your relationship and starting the next chapter in your lives. Its okay to be upset, you have been planning your wedding for months, maybe even years now. You’ve invested time, energy, hopes and yes, money.
So how do you deal with what to do next? To postpone or to cancel.
Well. I can only speak as a wedding photographer and a small woman-owned business in all this. I’ve also been a bride, and can’t even begin to imagine how stressful and heartbreaking it must be to face this question. Here is my advice, based on how the industry is currently working around this pandemic and knowing that the only way to get things back on track, is together.
So, deep breath, and let’s begin.
No one wants their wedding to have a new date, and that includes your hard-working vendors who have put aside time, energy and money on their end also, to assure you have the best of their services. It’s tough. Bear in mind, that first and foremost your vendors want to help plan and make your wedding day a reality. So when you reach out to them, remember they are wanting what’s best for you too, while trying to keep their small business afloat. Be level headed and clear in what you’re able to adapt to on your end.
The hard and fast rule will be to re-schedule and avoid cancelations. Be well organized and email your vendors with a few dates that work for you. If you cancel your date, not only will you lose out on the money from your deposit, you run the risk of not finding another vendor that is available for your future date.
By now, most Toronto wedding vendors have what is called a ‘rescue plans’ in place, including wedding photographers. These rescue plans consist of recommending and advising what are the next steps to take if you have a wedding planned in the next 6 months. They will help you find a new date, without losing your deposit and more times than none, make changes without additional charges, not to mention industry advice and much needed support.
Ultimately, time is of the essence when deciding to re-schedule, as more desirable dates for 2021 next year might already be booked. But this is also an opportunity to embrace the change and book off-season, or even go for a date during the week. Believe me, in a few months from now, your friends and family will be more than happy and excited to attend your Monday or Thursday wedding to celebrate and be together on your big day. No weekday snobbery here! This earlier postponement might guarantee an earlier date too and more chance of keeping your original vendors.
*Tip: create a newsletter or wed website to keep your guests posted on all and any changes happening wedding related.
Its also worth bearing in mind that the wedding industry is largely made up of women-owned businesses, both small and medium. So when you choose to post-pone and re-schedule for another date, you are directly helping these independent-businesses, stay in business. Trust me, it wouldn’t go unnoticed, your wedding vendors are your front row cheerleaders.
Ultimately, people are not not going to get married. Yes, much has been lost, time, money, let’s be honest, a little optimism, but what is true is the line of hearty, dedicated Six wedding vendors and well, your love for each other! And this will stand the test of time, and yes, even a pandemic. You might not be getting married on your intended date, but you still have each other and there will be a new date to celebrate all that love and togetherness, soon 🙏🏼.
And in the meantime, let’s hang in there!
If you have any questions about needing to post-pone your wedding, or engagement session, direct message me at info@laurennewmanphotos.com. For livestream weddings, elopements or scaled-down affairs be in touch for discounted rates.
If you are an essential worker living and working here in Toronto, or are the friend or family member of one, be in touch for more details on how to be part of the First-Line Heroes Sessions.
For other celebrations affected by COVID-19, such as confirmations, bar/bat mitzvahs or couples photoshoots, email directly for more information.
Thank you for your love and patience, and ultimately your support in keeping our Toronto wedding vendors afloat, so we can keep serving this wonderful city of lovers, including you.
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Lauren Newman is a Wedding & Engagement Photographer for those seeking candid, authentic and vibrant imagery.
Everyone has a story to tell. What’s your story?
Be in touch for engagement, wedding & elopement packages. Serving all of Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, and any destination love goes 🖤
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