Unexpected Plans

Everyone always wants a smooth and flawless special day for their big event. But what happens when the unexpected happens? 

One of my clients recently was involved in a car accident less than two weeks before his wedding day. The blessing was that the groom was okay, however with a broken femur and elbow; there was no way was going to walk down the aisle, unless it was in a wheelchair. So our ’14 day countdown list' instantly turned to the 'postpone phone call list'.

Here are a few pointers to help if you (or a loved one) should ever need to cancel or postpone a special event:

• Call your coordinator first, she/he will be able to get on top of things ASAP and will be able to save you a lot of time, stress and phone calls.
• Before getting off of the phone with your coordinator, synchronize a list of those who need to be called (help each other make sure that no vendor goes uncalled).
• If time is a factor - Gather your listing of phone numbers for your family and friends
• If you are calling off a wedding, it's important to know who makes phone calls and this depends on why your wedding has been called off. Scenario A - Something unexpectantly happened and the wedding has been postponed (car accident, fell ill, etc.) - you can give this task to your parents, maid of honor or maybe even your wedding planner. Scenario B - You and your fiancé have decided not to get married - you are responsible for calling your family and friends and your fiancé is responsible for calling his (be sure not discuss personal issues or communicate any negative feelings toward each other).
• If you have enough time (at least 3 months before the event was scheduled) - A formal note/letter mailed to each invited guest is appropriate.
• If you did not hire a coordinator/planner: pull out every contract and read their cancellation policy then call vendor that you booked. Most vendors will work with you if you plan to reschedule your event but if you are planning on completely cancelling, you will most likely take a big lost financially. So be prepared.
• Many clients don't know about the option of transferring services. For those vendors who are not flexible or have a harsh cancellation policy, they may transfer their services to another client. (You could donate your vendors' services to a loved for their upcoming special day.)