You have purchased the beautiful white dress and heels but suddenly your walk down the aisle has taken a detour. You may not be lacing up your running shoes and bolting from the church like Julia Roberts in “Runaway Bride,” but you’re no longer planning the fairytale wedding. At least not right now. So how do you break the news to family and friends that you have to cancel a wedding?
Here are some tips when veering off the wedding aisle and calling off your wedding day.
1. What’s the best way to inform the guests?
Time is of the essence. In other words, don’t delay and do it today. You’ll want to take a few moments and put something in writing, informing your guests that the wedding is canceled. Make sure you send a written note, even to those who have declined the invitation. After all, many people want to send a gift regardless of whether or not they can attend the ceremony.
2. Do you return wedding gifts?
The short answer is Yes! You should send everything back, including presents from the bridal shower. The returned gifts should also include any personalized items. After all, you don’t need a daily reminder hanging on your towel rack! While no doubt a difficult time, do your best to be gracious and include a quick note, thanking your guests for their support and understanding.
3. How to recover some of your money
Weddings are costly and you were sparing no expense on your big day. Now that your wedding dress will take up space in your closet, you may be scrambling to get back some of that green in other areas. Your best bet is to act quickly. Notify all of your vendors as soon as possible. Chances are you will be out many deposits but some companies may be willing to work with you.
4. What rings true when it comes to your engagement stone?
The decision to keep your ring or return it may come down to more than a kind gesture. In fact, it’s a hotly debated topic and many times the decision isn’t clear-cut but rather depends on circumstances.
If you are the one who put the brakes on the wedding, carefully think about giving back the ring. It is also proper etiquette to give back the ring if it is a family heirloom or holds significant family meaning. In some states, and under various circumstances, legal issues are a strong consideration. Do the right thing and keep your strong emotions in check when making the final decision to cancel a wedding.
5. Canceling the honeymoon
The honeymoon was intended to be a time for you to sit back and soak in the whirlwind of your wedding! But instead of jet-setting your final destination you are scrambling to cancel hotel reservations and airline tickets. Whether you will be able to recoup any expenses largely depends on the cancelation policies and the type of tickets you purchased. Make sure you contact your airline or travel agency asap. Even if you took the extra step to buy travel insurance, it often won’t cover a change of heart.
6. Surround yourself with loved ones
Feeling heartbroken is perfectly normal. You need time to heal emotionally and process the disappointment. Surround yourself with those who care about you and can give you wise counsel. It is important you lean on trusted confidants in this difficult time. Remember that life often has up’s and down’s and there will be better days to come.
