Because of the COVID crisis, we know that there are many couples who have sadly had to postpone their wedding to a later date. We know this is a hard and stressful time for you, so hopefully today's feature will go a little way to help make changing the plans slightly easier. Whether you have a new wedding date, or if you don't know the details yet (that's totally fine too!), today we're sharing our Change The Date stationery guide which includes wording tips as well as some ideas and inspiration to help you inform your guests of your plans in the best way possible.

How To Update Your Wedding Guests

Firstly, if you haven't already, it's important to tell your guests you’re changing the date as soon as you know it must be done. It's also important to keep your wedding on their radar letting them know that you'd still love them to join you, just on a different date!

If you already have your stationery booked, we'd recommend checking in with your stationer to see if they are offering a 'change the date' design. Many are offering their existing wedding customers this option, or the option to have a digital version of their Save The Date or wedding invitation created if they want to communicate a change of date, location or just a postponement to their guests via email or WhatsApp. You could also have an insert to add to your original stationery, if the date has changed but the rest of the details are the same.

If you haven't yet booked or designed your stationery, there are lots of stationers offering change the date and wedding postponement designs, as well as lots of gorgeous editable options on sites such as Etsy, Papier, Zazzle and Minted. Check out our favourite wedding stationers in Ireland who'll be only too happy to create something gorgeous!

We've rounded up some inspiring change the date stationery designs below, as well as some sample wording to share your new arrangements with your guests. Many of these cards can be printed at home and sent out (an option if you already have a printer and postage available in your home), or they can also be sent as digital versions.

Wedding Postponement Sample Wording

• Dear family and friends, due to the current events we have to postpone our wedding with a heavy heart. New date to follow.
• Due to unforeseen circumstances our wedding has been postponed to a later date. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and look forward to celebrating our marriage with you in the future.
• We have made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding. While we wish we could celebrate together, your safety is our priority. More information will follow shortly.
• Unfortunately, due to the current situation, our wedding cannot take place. As soon as a new date has been set, we will let you know.
• In lieu of the situation, we’re changing our date so we can celebrate safely. We will be in touch with new plans when we reschedule. Until then, stay safe!
• Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus we have decided to postpone our wedding until a safer date in the future. We are still looking forward to sharing our happy day with you and will keep you updated as soon as we know more.
• As you know, the situation with COVID-19 is still unfolding. As such, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding. We will keep you updated regarding our wedding details. We are looking forward to this passing and wishing you all health and safety.

You may already be in touch with your guests about the necessary change of plans, but if you're looking for a more official way to send the news, you might want to consider sending a "change the date" card. It is advisable to send out your news of a change of date ASAP. There are no set guideline or etiquette like there are for sending wedding invitations or save the dates, but, if you are expecting guests to rebook and confirm new travel arrangements, you will likely get the best response from your guests if you send information at least six to eight weeks before the new date, just like you would with an invitation.

Change The Date Stationery Sample Wording

• We changed our date and can’t wait to celebrate! Please join us on our new date December 5th, 2021.
• Love cannot be cancelled! We are getting married a little later than planned on July 5th, 2021.
• What matters is our love - not the date! Due to the current situation, we are postponing our wedding to December 5th 2021. We are looking forward to celebrating with all of you!
• We just don't want to celebrate without you! Therefore, we postpone our wedding to July 5th, 2021.
• Please mark your calendars with our new wedding date December 5th 2021. We are excited and can't wait to celebrate!
• We can't say I do without you! So that we can all celebrate our big day together, we postpone our wedding to July 5th, 2021. 
• We wanted to update you on our wedding as in light of the current outbreak; we’ll be postponing it until December 5th, 2021 and look forward to seeing you then. If you are uncomfortable or unable to attend for any reason, we completely understand, please let us know either way.

Alternative Options for Keeping your Guests Informed

• For a more budget-friendly option, postcards are an easy and efficient way to let your guests know about a change of plans.
• A wedding website is also a great way to keep your guests up-to-date. You can find our favourite wedding website builders here. However, be mindful of those who aren't the most tech-savvy. Maybe give them a call, or text.
• E-invites are a great way to keep costs down as well as a fantastic eco-friendly option. Some of our favourite e-invite websites include: Paperless Post, Greenvelope, Evite, Minted, Blackbird RSVP. Again, be mindful of guests who may not be used to regularly checking digital communication.
• For a less formal approach, you can always send a design by WhatsApp or by text. If you don’t have everyone’s number, we recommend enlisting the help of your wedding party, friends, and family here!
• If you, like us love a paper invite, check out our favourite wedding stationers.

Featured Design from Cecilia & Sebastian Paper Co. on Etsy

Get more advice for planning your wedding during the coronavirus crises