Here in New York we are 3 weeks into the voluntary quarantine and social distancing. What a whirlwind this has been for our industry and our clients, especially our brides and grooms. While we are all doing our best to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy, we are also working to reschedule events around the calendar for our treasured clients. It's a challenge indeed, but our industry colleagues have come together to move mountains to accommodate changes in date and venue for booked business. If you were planning a special event during this time, here are some tips on how to make adjustments without sacrificing everything you had your heart set on.

Let’s Talk About Date Changes

The first one is most obvious, but - change the date. I know, I'm sorry, you didn't want to hear that, did you? If you are having doubts that your summer wedding can happen, I want to assure you of one thing - a winter wedding can be beautiful and dreamy too. For those of you who don't want to wait a full year to say "I do", winter weddings in upstate New York are a great idea for a number of reasons. "Off season" dates are generally less expensive and have more openings to select from. Vendors are usually thrilled to fill dates during the off peak months like November, January, February and March and might possibly even have booking incentives. Lastly, they are so dreamy and romantic, just type "winter wedding" into Pinterest and I promise you, your jaw will hit the floor. While you still have the competition of previously scheduled events and now the re-booking of those that the COVID-19 virus has misplaced, now is a great time to commit to a new date, don't wait!

Party Like It’s…..the Middle of the Week!

It might sound strange, but there is nothing wrong with Thursday's, or even Wednesday's! A mid week-wedding is something not traditionally practiced, but tough times call for drastic measures. After all, there are only so many weekend dates available during the year, now is the time to think outside the box. Most vendors would have no issue fulfilling your request to reschedule your wedding to a mid week date. Look at it like an extra long weekend with your loved ones. This would be especially important if you don't want to give up your venue or a beloved vendor who doesn't have another weekend date available for you. Plan an extra party day like a fun tented lunch or brunch for the occasion. It doesn't have to be gloom and doom, look at it as an opportunity to mold your date into a great story for the grandkids someday.

Marry Now, Party Later.

If changing the date is out of the question - Modify the plan. Say, for example, That June 6th is your wedding date - no matter how you slice it - you met that date / went on your first date that day / had your first kiss that day - whatever. You are getting married on June 6th no matter what. Ok, fine! Let's do that, but postpone the celebration to another time. You can have a tent reception later in the summer of fall when the coast is clear and it's safe to assemble again. This will take a bit of sting out of losing your date but allow you to move forward with some subtle changes.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy.

Now, I know that making change is not what anyone wants to be doing right now and that's fair. Our number one concern all along has been the safety and well-being of everyone we love, and we know it has been yours too. Speaking from many years of experience, the hospitality business puts your professionals in rooms of hundreds of people and right now, that alone carries a lot of risk. We need our clients more then ever as we have all had to stay home and watch the dates on the calendar pass by, wishing we were doing what we love to do with our incredible colleagues and creating the events that we have dreamed of at your side. While it is a scary time to be a small business, we know that as a community, we will come out stronger and better on the other side of this. We will continue to provide you with the best customer service and most creative solutions to this dilemma. Until then, be well my friends - we will get through this together!