Planning a wedding during Coronavirus COVID-19.

The wedding industry and what’s happening.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, lawyer or an expert in infectious diseases, nor do I claim to be an expert in Coronavirus COVID-19. All information regarding COVID-19 has been taken from the Australian Government Department of Health website. All information regarding weddings and events is my option based on my experience and expertise as a wedding and event planner. Olive Rose Weddings & Events shall not be held responsible for any changes made to an event after reading this post. To learn more about Coronavirus please visit: https://www.health.gov.au/

Well then … where do I begin? I wanted to write this post firstly to provide couples getting married in 2020 with the tools to make the right decisions for their day. Secondly, I wanted to spread some calm into the industry and to show couples that us as vendors are here for you. Because all we want is to make your day the most perfect day and we will whatever we can to do that. So, let’s take a breath … (actually do it, I feel like we all need to chill) breath in and out. Ok I think we are ready.

At this point in time (16/03/2020) the following statement in regard to the Coronavirus COVID-19 and events is as states:

Australian Government Department of Health

“Things to consider when organising public gatherings Events where a large number of people are in one place can increase the risk of transmission of viruses. If you are organising a gathering, consider whether you can postpone, reduce size/frequency or cancel the event. If you decide to go ahead, you should assess the risks and reconsider any aspect that may increase risk of transmission.

From Monday 16 March, the Australian Government advises that non-essential gatherings should be limited to less than 500 people; and non-essential meetings of critical workforces such as healthcare workers and emergency service workers should be limited.”

For more information about public gatherings, go to the information on public gatherings at https://www.health.gov.au/covid19-resources

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I have written this post on 16^th March 2020 so please keep this in mind when reading as obviously things will change when more updates come through in the upcoming days/weeks.

Let’s start by answering the most common questions I’ve had flooded into my inbox as of late.

Should I cancel or postpone my wedding due to Coronavirus COVID-19?

It’s hard to give a straight answer because each event is completely different and varies on a case to case basis. However, if you have come to the decision of either cancelling or postponing, I would definitely suggest considering postponing so as to not to loose your deposits made to your vendors. Below I have given my recommendations:

I’m getting married in the next 8 weeks (from 16/03/2020)

• Contact your wedding planner or coordinator to come up with a plan of attack, again each event is unique. Your planner will know the ins and outs of your day and you’ll be easily able to work out a Plan B. Start discussing possible postpone dates if necessary.
• If you don’t have a wedding planner or coordinator get in contact with your venue coordinator first to see what they recommend and what rules and regulations have been put in place by the government for the venue.
• Keep in mind your guest list, do you have overseas guests, what are their countries procedures, do you have a large number of guests attending.
• Keep up to date with updated information via https://www.health.gov.au/

During this time postponing might be the right option for you. Please don’t let this upset or stress you out this might actually put your mind at ease as you won’t have to be glued to the news 24/7 to see if your guests can attend or not.

I’m getting marring in the next 9-16 weeks (from 16/03/2020)

• Contact your wedding planner or coordinator to discuss a Plan B. At this point in time it’s great to have a Plan B in place so when your date gets a bit closer and you have more information to make an informed decision then your planner can put it into action with no problems at all. Best to wait until you have all the facts.
• If you don’t have a wedding planner or coordinator get in contact with your venue coordinator first to see what they recommend and discuss a what if plan so that everyone is on the same page. Then again when you have all the information to make an informed decision get in contact to put your Plan B in place.
• Keep in mind your guest list, do you have overseas guests, what are their countries procedures, do you have a large number of guests attending.
• Keep up to date with updated information via https://www.health.gov.au/

During this time creating a Plan B is best at this stage. Being prepared to make the call and discussing possible postpone dates might be the right option for you. Please don’t let this upset or stress you out. This is a precaution stage and being prepared is better than sitting on your hands and doing nothing.

I’m getting married in the next 17+ weeks (from 16/03/2020)

• At this stage it is way too early to be making any decisions. Best case is to touch base with your wedding planner or coordinator or venue coordinator to simply discuss a plan of attack moving forward. Hopefully by this stage it won’t be a contributing factor to your event but it’s never a bad idea to have a Plan B for your peace of mind.
• Keep up to date with updated information via https://www.health.gov.au/

Your Vendors

The events industry at the moment with the Coronavirus COVID-19 is taking a massive hit. A lot of us vendors are scrambling to find out more information to protect ourselves and our small businesses. This does not mean that we will not go above and beyond for our clients. If anything, this will prove what lengths we will do for you. We all want the best for our clients and if postponing an event is the best option then we will assist in anyway.

You have chosen, the most perfect amazing A-Team of vendors and they WILL do everything in their power to assist and ensure that everything will be magical for your day.

What do I do if my vendors are sick or quarantined?

Ask your vendors the question. Most if not all vendors should have a statement in their Terms and Conditions stating that for any reason that they are sick or are unable to make it on the day to your event that they will find the perfect someone to step in for them. Just ask your vendor what their procedure is.

If your vendor is amazeballs they will know a handful of other amazeball vendors in their same niche as them that they would call on to help out and step in for them if for any reason they are sick with the Coronavirus COVID-19 or have to self-quarantine because of the virus. Any vendors that has this happen to them should be getting in contact with their clients ASAP to assist with a Plan B. Your vendors have your best interests at heart … they got you boo.

I’m worried that my vendors may not have access to stock!

Many people are indeed freaking out of levels of stock and imports from other countries like China for example. We’ve seem some crazy things happening in Coles & Woolworths and the great stockpiling of toilet paper. So it would be assumed that perhaps vendors might be finding it hard to get their hands on supplies.

The easiest way to find out is to simply contact your vendor for an update on stock. They are the ones that will know and have a great idea of when things will arrive etc. 

In most cases stock is produced in Australia so there’s no problems there. 

From my own personal experience as of late the main things that are taking longer to arrive are gowns and dresses that are made / produced overseas as with some imported flowers. Flowers can be easily swapped out for others of a similar nature so contact your florist if you’re worried. 

If you haven’t received your gown / dresses I would get in contact with your supplier to check on timings and deliveries. In most cases everything is on schedule but to ease your mind just give them a call. Your vendors are more than happy to chat. 

My wedding is not until the end of the year will it all be over by then?

Let me go consult my crystal ball … haha! I WISH I had all of the answers for you, I truly do. Consider yourself one of the lucky ones that may not have to do a thing in regards to postponing your wedding. But it can’t hurt to get in contact with your wedding planner to come up with a Plan B should things start to get hairy.

• Definitely stay up to date via https://www.health.gov.au/

Family & friends can’t make the trip overseas, how can they be involved on the day?

If you are going ahead with your wedding (making sure it’s up to regulations etc) and unfortunately some overseas guests can’t make it think about perhaps having someone in charge that can run a live stream of the ceremony via Skype or Zoom for those loved ones that just simply can’t be there in person on your special day. This way those closest and dearest who maybe quarantined or can’t make it can still see the special moments in live time. Something to consider.

I am so stressed and have no clue what to do?

I feel you lovely, the Coronavirus COVID-19 has definitely left a lot of the world confused, scared and just plain crazy. All you can do is take it one day at a time. Keep up to date via https://www.health.gov.au/ as well as the News, media etc. But please don’t dwell on it. It’s not the end of the world and all of your vendors are here to talk to so that everything will be absolutely perfect.

• Take a deep breath, send an email to your wedding planner and guaranteed you will feel instantly at ease.

How should I update my guests that we have postponed our wedding

Now you don’t have to go crazy and spend extra money creating new invitations. You can simply:

• Get in contact with each person individually via phone and email
• Send a group email
• Post out little postponed date cards
• Update your wedding website

However, you decide to do it, it doesn’t have to be hard. Everyone will completely understand and to some extent be relieved that it’s postponed to a date that everyone can enjoy your special day to the fullest.

Best practices for your guests and vendors for Coronavirus COVID-19

Information found here – https://www.health.gov.au/

Good Hygiene includes:

• Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• Disposing of tissues properly
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• If you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people

Social Distancing

One way to slow the spread of viruses is social distancing. For example:

• Staying at home when you are unwell
• Avoiding large public gatherings if they’re not essential
• Keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible
• Minimising physical contact, especially with people at higher risk such as older people and people with existing health conditions

Surgical Masks

Surgical masks in the community are only helpful in preventing people who have coronavirus disease from spreading it to others.

If you are well, you do not need to wear a surgical mask. There is little evidence that widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people prevents transmission in public.

Vaccination

There is no vaccine for COVID-19, but there is one for the flu.

You should get your flu shot when it’s available. Getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time can make you very ill.

Scientists from around the world are working on developing a vaccine. The World Health Organisation believes this may be available within 18 months.

Coronavirus COVID-19 links

• Current Status
• How to protect yourself and others
• Symptoms and when to get tested
• If you’re concerned
• Additional Advice

More information on Coronavirus COVID-19

For more information about reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, go to https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf  

For the latest advice, information and resources, go to https://www.health.gov.au  Call the National Coronavirus Help Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.  

The phone number of your state or territory public health agency is available at https://www.health.gov.au/state-territory-contacts

If you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor.

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I just want to say that I have complete sympathise with every single one of you. The unknown is scary but just remember that you have hired an AMAZING team of vendors that all have your backs. We are your little army to protect your magical day and we will do everything we possibly can to make it the best day of your life.

If I am to leave you with just one thing that is to not to panic, chat with your wedding planner and vendors and create a Coronavirus COVID-19 Plan B to put your mind at ease. The best thing you can do is make calm and collective decisions and move forward with the best possible option. The wedding industry is a beautiful community filled with amazing people and we will do anything for you. Just remember that.

Best of luck with all your wedding planning adventures.

Janette xx

Written by Janette Newell I Olive Rose Weddings & Events