Calling Off the Wedding
From LoveToKnow Weddings
Calling off the wedding is something no one should have to go through! It is every young girl's dream to become a woman, marry her prince charming and live happily ever after. For each couple deciding to take the plunge and get married, it can be devastating to have to cancel the event. RCalling off the wedding doesn't stop with just the bride and groom. You are also responsible for notifying guests and vendors in a timely fashion. If you are ever in a position where you have to call off your own wedding, it is helpful to know how to handle the situation.
The appropriate course of action for calling off a wedding is dependent upon two things: The first being how close you are to your wedding date; and the second, whether you have placed an announcement in the newspaper or mailed out invitations.
Calling off the Wedding: When there is time
Notifying Family and Close Friends
Depending upon the date of your wedding, your first course of action should be to contact your family and friends. Once they have been notified, you can take some time to digest the situation yourself before notifying everyone else involved.
Notifying Guests
Once you have notified your family and friends, the next step is to notify your guests. You can ease the burden associated with this task by seeking assistance from your loved ones.
If an Ad was Placed
If you previously placed an ad in a newspaper or other form of media, it is most appropriate to follow up with a second ad informing the public of your decision to cancel the wedding. You should begin your second ad with wording similar to what was used in your first announcement, such as, "Mr. and Mrs. Windell Parker(Parents of the Bride) would like to inform you of..."
If You've Sent Out Invitations
If you have extended formal invitations to your guests, you should send an announcement, which includes a note on your decision to cancel the event. The announcements you send out should be worded in a similar tone as your original wedding invitations.
Calling off the Wedding: When you're short on time
Notifying the Newspaper
If you've placed an ad in a local newspaper, forgo the second ad and just call your guests to let them know of the decision to cancel the wedding. Your family and friends can assist.
Leaving a Sign at the Church
If the decision to cancel the wedding is made just a few days before the scheduled date, it is especially important to place signs at the ceremony location as well as the reception hall announcing the cancellation. This ensures any guests that you were unable to reach by phone or mail also get the news.
CONTACT VENDORS
You should also contact all of your service providers. Most contracts include a provision for cancellation of services which, depending on the closeness of your wedding, may include forfeiture of your initial deposit or a portion of it.
RETURNING GIFTS
It is proper etiquette to return any and all gifts that you have received. Returns should be accompanied by a "Thank You" note that also states you are returning the gift because the wedding has been called off.
Calling off a wedding is one of the most difficult decisions an engaged couple might face. Not only must the bride and groom personally deal with the tragic decision to cancel, but they also must notify family, friends, and guests who will ultimately bombard them with questions and concerns. Hopefully some of the tips provided above will help you get through this trying time.
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