Okay, so it looks like this isn't a joke and the media isn't overacting (well, maybe they are just a LOT!!). However, we can’t ignore what is happening, and I know the Coronavirus will have been a worried topic for all bride/ grooms to be. So let’s talk options...
Firstly, it’s important to say that I intend on attending every wedding I have booked in my diary, nothing about my coverage will change, I won’t wear a hazmat suit and I am as excited to be there as I ever was.
Your wedding means so much to me too, I'm going to be there every step of the way. We're in this together.
At this point I also want you to know I am taking serious precautions to ensure I do not catch it. I am self employed. I work alone. My partner suffers from asthma. I work with vulnerable people every day. My studio and home is drenched in bleach and anti bac. I'm scrubbing door handles. I'm avoiding large events. Washing my hands repeatedly and taking the NHS Advice very seriously... I cannot afford to get it.
If I get the dreaded lurgi, I will of course not rock up at your day to infect your guests – I know you won’t want this either. I will treat this just like any other illness scenario as outlined in your contact – I will find someone great to cover from me (as a community we are all supporting each other in this), or you can choose to find alternative cover yourself. You will never be left to just deal with it.
As I write this, the government are meeting to consider limiting public gatherings to 100 people or under. If you wedding is under 100 people, yay, no drama. But it its 100+, as many are, here are your options.
Change venues Not a favoured option for most, but if you have a giant garden that could fit a marquee you could choose to do this. It’s benefits are you have more control, it’s cons being a *lot* more work for you. I understand, some may not be able to do this.
Scale down - recommended option (should the government enforce the rule) Okay, so say you have 130 guests, you basically need somehow find a way of asking 30-40 people not to to attend. You could contact those who aren’t the closest to you and say that you are making the day more intimate as a result of the crisis, and would love to celebrate with them another time. I am sure they will understand. Alternatively, put your cards on the table & ask people. It could be that many of your guests are wary of coming anyway, because of their or another family members age or ill health. It’s entirely possible you could meet your target number with very few problems, and no one’s feelings hurt. You still get to have the brilliant day you’ve worked so hard on.
For those of you unwilling or unable to scale back the day, then your first port of call is your wedding insurance – chat to them about how your coverage is affected if you move or postpone the day.
Don't have wedding insurance? GET IT!! Do have it? CHECK IT!
Chat to your venue and other suppliers My contract states you can transfer your date to any time as long as I am free, with no change in my service to you, they may have similar clauses. All this needs to be thought about before a decision is made.
Please let me know as soon as possible should you wish to postpone your wedding.
Remind yourself of my T&C's here... www.jennameeking.co.uk/pre-contract-information
Chat to your nearest & dearest and sound them out They may also be relieved at the idea of moving it, but may also have some wise thoughts about what to do.
Get a new plan in place After finding the dates your suppliers/venue are free on, make a plan of how to confirm, communicate, and deal with your postponement.
If you need my free dates, I will supply you with an online calendar link that shows you what days I am free in the autumn, and into next Spring.
Overall lovelies, don’t panic. These are unusual circumstances, but in the grand history of humanity, nothing stopped people getting married & having a damn fine time doing it. Your wedding is not any different. You will get married, you will have the time of your lives.
Please do keep in contact and let me know if I can help any way I can!
