How to re-book suppliers if your big-day has been cancelled or postponed

We spoke to Martin Goddard, the co-founder and director of Music HQ, to ask for his advice on how to re-book your wedding suppliers if you're big day has been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19.

"As the wedding industry has come to a stall for the next few months, we are all still coming to terms with this terrible situation and adjusting to a new way of life in ‘lockdown’.
 
"The stringent social distancing guidelines introduced by the government, the churches of England and Wales postponing public gatherings until the end of July, and the general uncertainty from day to day, has meant that the majority of weddings this side of August have been forced to postpone with a look to being rescheduled for later in the year, next year and even the year after.
 
"These are unprecedented times for everyone associated with the wedding industry, not least you, the misfortunate brides and grooms who are faced with the daunting task (of what must seem like) reorganising your entire wedding.
 
"Take a deep breath, we can all get through this. As you start the task of having to reschedule your big day, one very important thing to keep in mind is that your venue and suppliers will all be going through their own uncertain and worrying times with their businesses and livelihoods, as well as their own personal lives. Nobody has ever experienced anything like this before.
 
"As you expect patience and understanding from them regarding the situation, it would be a good idea for you to approach with this in mind too. 
 
"From what I can see across the board here in South Wales, venues and suppliers are working incredibly hard to make this as easy as possible for their clients. It has been a pleasure to be part of a such a strong community of professionals who are totally committed to honouring their part in their clients’ very special day.
 
"In our experience over these last few weeks, it’s fair to say that most venues and suppliers are offering straight swaps to any available date that works for their clients. Other than a flurry of email exchanges, the process has been fairly easy with little or no additional cost to the client. 
 
"However, it’s worth keeping in mind that not every business is in a position to do that. Understand that this won’t be about being uncompassionate or insensitive to the situation, but more to do with the sustainability of their business that relies on new customers. Some will be under severe pressure with no income stream and low cash-flow in the forthcoming months. As the majority of their work takes place on peak-season weekends, deferring future income to honour a rescheduled booking is simply not an option for them. Accepting every reschedule request could simply mean going out of business.
 
"Try to keep an open mind when it comes to this, I can guarantee that it won’t be as blunt as “We can’t do that, move on!”, and I promise they will do everything in their power to make it right, but it may not marry up with the new plans you have with your venue and other suppliers.
 
"Make a point of understanding that it may not be possible to secure everyone you had booked for your new rescheduled date and that it’s nobody’s fault.
 
"But please rest assured in these instances, the most professional suppliers will have a fantastic list of alternative options if they can’t make the new date work.
 
"It will be with a heavy heart, but please take their advice on board, take comfort in why you chose these guys in the first place and the fact that they will not be recommending just anyone. Their reputation is still at stake for every recommendation they make. Trust them.
 
"If you find yourself in the middle or on the verge of rescheduling your wedding, we hope this has helped you reach a better understanding of what to expect. We hope it’s as seamless as possible and the only disappointing thing you have to contend with is this dull patch of time putting it’s stick in the spokes of your very special day.
 
"It will still be the best day of your life!"

To find out more about Music HQ, visit www.musichq.co.uk

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