We rounded up wedding professionals from all over Utah and had them break down their wedding rescheduling policies so that you don’t have to.
Like most industries, the wedding industry is feeling the weight of this pandemic. Across Utah, wedding professionals are trying to figure out how they can create magic for their clients and sidestep potential stress and financial loss for their beloved brides and grooms all while trying to keep their businesses afloat.
And, we get it – everything feels complicated right now – so we’re going to keep this simple.
Part 1: Breaking down two common themes across reschedule policies
Part 2: Advice from wedding professionals
Part 3: Round-up of simplified reschedule policies from wedding professionals across Utah
Part 4: Commentary from real 2020 brides who rescheduled to weekdays in 2021
PART ONE: COMMON THEMES
Theme 1: In 2021, weekdays will be the new Saturdays.
Many businesses are transferring retainers paid for 2020 weddings to 2021 weddings scheduled for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at no additional charge.
Hot take: Saturday weddings might be overrated. Thursday and Friday offer you extra days with your out-of-town guests and Sundays offer you peace and quiet.
Pro-tip: Don’t forget about holidays. Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day basically provide bonus Saturdays.
Theme 2: If at all possible, try to keep your wedding in 2020.
Many businesses are offering to transfer retainers paid for 2020 weddings to later dates in 2020 with no additional fees.
TL;DR: For the most part, you’ll only pay an additional retainer if you move your 2020 wedding to a Saturday in 2021.
PART TWO: ADVICE FROM WEDDING PROS
“Maybe it’s time to bring back the reception line? 6 feet apart and no shaking hands, but imagine how the bride and groom will get to see every guest. We have the room here to have a line of couples 6 feet apart snaking around the property! A masked catering staff can tray serve them a beverage while they’re standing in line.” -Donna Urban, 4U Ranch
“We have worked with some couples to decrease the guest list and add back in items that had been eliminated based on cost to truly give them their dream wedding.” Tonya Hoopes, Hoopes Events
“On the day couples originally planned to get married, they can plan an elopement with a few friends and family members. Then they can have the real celebration with all of their friends and family in 2021.” -Elise DeLeon and Sarah Tucker, Marae Events
“Be flexible. Understand things have changed for everyone. I can’t think of anyone in the wedding business here in Utah trying to be opportunistic, so just be quick to communicate and change and you’ll have much more positive outcomes.” Ryan Hinman, Ryan Hinman Films
“Embrace new dates.” -Jocelyn Giles, Culinary Crafts
PART THREE: POLICY ROUND-UP
Vendors across the state are adjusting their Utah wedding rescheduling policies to accommodate couples impacted by Coronavirus. Scroll through our list to see what your vendors are offering:
Michelle Leo Events: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Friday in 2021 OR any day of the week November – April will not be charged any additional fees. 2020 pricing will be honored in 2021. May – October Saturdays in 2021 will incur additional fees but 2020 pricing will be honored. | @michelleleoevents
4U Ranch: 2020 couples can reschedule without paying a rescheduling fee and will pay the 2020 rate in 2021. | @4uranchevents
River Bottoms Ranch: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Thursday in 2021 will not be charged any additional fees. | @riverbottomsranch
Kristen Packard Artistry: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Friday in 2021 will not be charged any additional fees. 2020 pricing will be honored in 2021. | @kristenpackardartistry
Pepper Nix: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Friday in 2021 OR any day of the week November – April will not be charged any additional fees. May 31 – October 11 Saturdays in 2021 will incur additional fees but 2020 pricing will be honored. | @peppernix
Hoopes Events: Anyone that postpones has two years from their original date to rebook. As long as a member of the team is available, they will move a wedding date to any day of the week at no additional charge. | @hoopesevents
Ryan Hinman Films: For April – December weddings, retainers will be moved to Sundays – Fridays and non-holiday weekends at no additional charge. For January – March weddings, retainers will be moved regardless of the day of the week. | @ryanhinmanfilms
Utah Live Bands: Couples can push their retainer to available dates in 2020 OR weekdays (Sunday – Thursday) in 2021 with no additional charge. Fridays and Saturdays in 2021 will incur a new retainer. | @utahlivebands
Marae Events: To the end of December 2021, whether it’s a weekday or a weekend, Marae Events will not be charging additional fees for rescheduling. | @maraeevents
Culinary Crafts: As a larger company, Culinary Crafts can take multiple events in a day, so as of right now they are allowing clients to reschedule to a later date without any penalty. The retainer clients have paid is going to carry over to a later date with them. | @culinarycrafts
Cactus & Tropicals (venues): Offering refunds to everyone who wants a refund. Clients may re-book based on availability of the venue. Note: Refund is paid in three installments. | @cactusandtropicals
Nice & Easy: Whether it’s a weekday or a weekend, Nice & Easy will not be charging additional fees for rescheduling. | @niceandeasy.co
Ember SLC: 2020 couples can change their wedding date with no additional fee as long as the new date is within 12 months of the original. If a couple chooses to postpone/reschedule then they will receive credit for everything paid so far. Cancellations will be given a 50% refund. | @emberslc
Fuse Weddings & Events: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Friday in 2021 OR any day of the week January – May 1 and October 17 – December 31 will not be charged any additional fees. Clients who choose Saturdays May 1 – October 16 2021 will forfeit their 2020 retainer. @fuseweddingsandevents
Chantel Lauren Bridal: Chantel Lauren Bridal is waiving all rush fees on made-to-order wedding gowns for 2020 brides. In addition, Chantel Lauren will be selling off-the-rack samples for under $1000. Alterations on Chantel Lauren gowns will also be completed on a “need to wear” basis to ensure brides get their dream gown fitting perfectly for their wedding in a timely manner with no additional fees. | @chantellaurendesigns
If you are a wedding vendor and would like your policy to be included in this round-up, please email me at maddie@utahbrideandgroom.com.
PART FOUR: REAL BRIDES
“We really appreciate the clients who have chosen to take advantage of the no-cost options MLE has provided. By booking a weekday or Sunday, our clients enable us to keep prime booking dates available for new business in 2021 which is vital to our survival of this pandemic. The clients don’t pay anything extra by selecting a weekday or Sunday date, and we can remain available for new business making it a win/win for all involved.” -Michelle Cousins, Michelle Leo Events
One of Michelle’s 2020 brides, Alexia, postponed her wedding to a Friday in 2021, which meant that not only did she not have to pay additional fees, she was also able to keep all of her vendors! “There is always a silver lining,” Alexia says. “The pandemic has become part of our love-story, so experiencing our big day after everything that has happened will be that much more special.”
And, we have to mention Kristen Packard who got married on a Thursday and says it was the best decision she’s ever made. She picked Pioneer Day which landed her a few extra days with all of her out of town guests and fireworks every year on her anniversary.
Photos by Kenzie Victory | @kenzievictory
