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Americans spent nearly $6.6 billion dollars on purchases related their wedding in 2007, according to Forbes magazine. Deciding to cancel the wedding after all the money is spent and invitations have been sent is a difficult decision, and one that cannot be swept under the rug. It is crucial to inform your guests as quickly as possible after the wedding is called-off to allow them time to cancel reservations and, hopefully, receive a refund.
Unforeseen circumstances can necessitate the cancellation of invitations to a formal event. It is important to inform guests of these changes as soon as possible, to allow them to rearrange their social calendar as necessary. Official notices of cancellation or postponement should be issued to all guests who have confirmed attendance and those who have not responded. If the original invitation included information about a gift registry,also send notice of cancellation to invited guests who have expressed regrets. All gifts received prior to the cancellation should be promptly returned.
Weddings are expensive affairs for the bride and groom, but also for guests. From new attire and travel costs to engagement parties, showers and gifts, a wedding guest may spend hundreds of dollars to attend a friend or family member's nuptials. When the couple separates abruptly after the wedding, guests may feel upset or cheated, especially if they gave a lavish gift. It is in good taste to return any unused gifts, gift certificates and cash given as wedding presents if the marriage ends after only one month.
Canceling a wedding is never a happy time for any couple and their families and friends, but following the appropriate etiquette can make the postponement or cancellation of the ceremony less traumatic for everyone. The key is to inform people as soon as possible of any change of plans and certainly not leave it to the last minute.
As joyous as preparations for your wedding are for you, canceling your wedding is just as traumatic. Not only are you dealing with a broken heart, notifications, questions from friends and family, but also what to do with shower and wedding gifts you have received.
Deciding to cancel a wedding can be one of the most difficult decisions a person will make. After the decision has been made, announcing that the wedding was called off is the next step. The rules of etiquette can be flexible on how to cancel a wedding. However, it is important to let both your guests and vendors know of the decision as quickly as possible. The longer that you wait to announce that the wedding in canceled, the more money everyone stands to lose.
Canceling a wedding is never an easy decision. It can be particularly tricky if you still intend to get married in a different venue, by eloping, or at a justice of the peace. If carefully arranged. you can discreetly and politely cancel your wedding while still going through with the marriage. Given the tough economic times, a wedding ceremony that appeared affordable a year ago may be out of reach today.
Making the decision to cancel a wedding at the last minute is difficult. Still, it's a decision that you may have to make. Once the wedding is canceled, there isn't time for embarrassment. It's imperative to immediately contact your vendors and guests.
It's an unfortunate experience when you have to cancel a wedding. But you can make the best of the cancellation by observing the courtesies during this stressful situation.