The “Corona” virus has forced many to postpone their celebration, either a wedding or a graduation party. It’s such an unpleasant and stressful situation. How best to proceed in these times? Let’s look at it together how to keep calm and face the situation.
What to do when you are forced to postpone an event due to “force majeure”?
If you have taken out an insurance policy, you can relax as this protects you from any type of financial loss in the event of cancellation due to “force majeure”, but still, there is quite some work to be done.
In the face of unexpected events that can compromise the schedule and the celebration of the big day, it is important to be calm and cool-blooded, because there is a remedy for everything!
A professional event planner can help you to manage and resolve any emergency with the best possible outcome.
I can hear you asking: “What if I don’t have an event planner?”
No better time or reason to hire one NOW!
Ask for professional help to leverage the stress and negotiate with your suppliers.
Keep calm …
It is very important, in difficult situations, to remain calm and to try to implement all necessary measures. It may initially be difficult, but making a plan helps to manage the crisis. Most importantly: try to stay focused.
Notify the guests
See the positive side of it: this is a global issue and your guests are aware of what’s going on.
I have seen parties cancelled 2 days in advance for personal reasons and that then was a real struggle!!
Use modern communication technology as much as you can: WhatsApp, your party website, emails.
Start with: “We have to postpone, stay tuned”
Luckily right now, most flights can be rescheduled for free, so it is important that you immediately agree on a new date with your key suppliers.
Establish a new date with suppliers
Get in touch with all the suppliers you have enlisted. Check all contracts for respective clauses and try to negotiate regardless.
Do not panic. Start with the venue, then the caterer, the church (in case of wedding), etc.
The professional support of an event planner will be very useful in this situation. Once you have found a potential possible new date make your decision. When to postpone?
Be open minded and flexible
Don’t underestimate a fall or even winter party! It all depends on what you can re-use and re-schedule and -of course – the vision you have of your event.
If you are dreaming about a party on the beach where you met for the first time, better go straight to 2021 for a new date. Maybe you can plan an escape to an exotic beach instead, with fewer guests…. consider all the options
Paperwork
In case of wedding, for the official document, contact either the priest or the civil authority and find out what needs to be done.
Don’t write off the idea to get married in a very personal and romantic way: jest the 2 of you for now and just postpone the big event with a symbolic wedding when this crisis is over.
Re-use Re-cycle
Set aside anything that can be reused. If you have purchased gadgets, DIY decorations, keep everything you think you can reuse on the day when the party will finally take place.
Food wedding favors? Check their shelf-life/use by date in order to request possible replacements on time.
