Staying home? Check! Freaking out about what to do about your destination wedding? ‘Nope, not really’… is what we hope your answer is after you read these essential reminders for destination wedding planning through COVID-19 from industry professionals:

1. Remain calm.

“First and foremost, try not to panic, we are all in this together! Not only is this an industry first, but it is a first for the entire world. Leverage your resources, look to your planner for assistance. They should be offering you support and guidance based on industry standards & trends. If you do need to look to postpone your wedding date, be sure to check with your currently booked vendors to ensure the new date works for them.” – HoneyFitz Events

“Stay as calm as you can–I know this is a scary situation and not what you envisioned for your wedding but postponing your wedding won’t take away from all the beauty and memories your day will hold, it will just give you more time to think up personal details you can add to the day! Keeping perspective is key to this whole unfortunate situation.” – Natalie Good, Creative Director, A Good Affair

2. Set a new date.

“Come up with five other dates you would consider postponing and reach out to all of your vendors and see which ones work for all. Set a deadline date of when you will make the decision to postpone and feel 100% confident that when that day comes, and you have to postpone, you are good to move forward with it.” – Erica Trombetti, Infinite Events

“Consider picking a Friday or a Sunday, where vendors and venues have more availability. Work with your team, including your planner and the venue, to ensure a smooth transition by asking for available dates right off the bat. Remember, they are here to help!” – Elizabeth Payne, Social Events Sales Manager, MacArthur Place

“You will get married! Don’t worry. Your love story is for eternity, so all your loved ones will gladly wait for the chance to celebrate you both. And the buildup will make for one raucous bash!” – Janie Lemons, J. Lemons Events

3. Keep it clean.

“As you are nearing your new date, discuss additional safety protocols and sanitation procedures with your vendors. Things like having extra hand sanitizers conveniently placed at the event, upgrading soap, serving a plated meal rather than buffet or family-style, ensuring ALL staff is vetted and free of known illness and the like will put you more at ease. – Nora Sheils, Bridal Bliss

4. Book hair and makeup artists ASAP.

“If you had to postpone your spring wedding to the fall, book right now or at least six months out. By the time you start looking for your hair and makeup artists, there won’t be many qualified artists left.” – Katelyn McCullough, Elwynn + Cass

5. Take this time to create your dream wedding.

“Now is definitely the time to create your wedding storyboard! When do people honestly have the time to think something through? Usually, they follow someone else and copy and paste into their own wedding. Their own wedding. This is truly the time to create a wedding just for you. – Tara Fay, Tara Fay Events