As we have all seen, COVID-19, well known as the Corona Virus [CV], has been all over the news, affecting all industries on a global level. Recently, CV has made it’s way into the US and close to home, here in Texas. So, how will CV affect your wedding? What steps should you be taking? We are after all on unchartered territory, so we have some helpful tips to help navigate the situation:

• Continue to plan. 

  As we navigate through this undesired situation, we are checking in with all of our booked wedding professionals, ensuring they have a back up plan — in the event they [or their staff] are unable to work an event.  We’re reviewing contracts, educating ourselves on rescheduling clauses, and then continuing on with business as usual.  Keep yourself educated, stay informed and plan for what we do currently know right now. Most importantly — let’s stay calm!

• Think about a loose back up plan. 

  We always have contingency plans in place, for any situation, but in the current situation, if your wedding is taking place in the next couple of months, you may want to consider placing a future date on hold with your venue and/or some of your key wedding professionals until there is more clarity.

• Your wedding gown.

  Please keep in mind, some designers are experiencing delays, with production in China halted. Depending on where you purchased your dress and where your dress is being produced, you may want to reach out to your bridal salon and get updates and plan for an alternate [off the rack], should your original design not arrive on time.

• Safety protocols and procedures.

  As your wedding date gets closer, we will want to discuss safety protocols and sanitation procedures with wedding professionals. You will be more at ease having extra hand sanitizers conveniently placed at the event, upgrading soap, serving a plated meal only, vs buffet or family style service, ensuring all staff is vetted and free of illness.

• Check with your insurance.

  If you purchased wedding insurance, we strongly recommend you your policy. Check with your insurance to understand and be clear on what will and will not be covered, with regards to CV. We cannot advise you on what you should or should not be covered under your insurance, so please speak with your insurance provider.

• Inform your guests. 

  If your wedding is coming up in the next month or two, we recommend informing your guests of any updates and/or changes. Update your website, encourage your guests to purchase travel insurance or stay home if there is any inkling of illness!  We have already seen some guest count drops with our upcoming weddings and believe this will continue for the next month or so, especially within the older age groups. Live-streaming your wedding for those guests unable to attend may be an option.

• Keep Calm and Carry On.

  Most importantly is to stay calm and stay informed. We understand postponing your wedding [thanks Corona Virus] might be necessary for you [if your wedding is in the next two months], but our prediction is — for most — the show will go on!

We’re closely monitoring the US Department of State for any travel restrictions, as well as adhering to the guidelines set by World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control.

For our wedding professionals, please comment below if you feel we are missing anything else or may have missed something. We are all in this together and now is the time to unite and stay strong for each other and our clients!