Postponing your wedding is never an easy decision, but when it does happen (thanks to a global pandemic, for example!), it’s important to keep your loved ones in the loop.
Instead of spending hours on the phone, sending “Change the Date” announcements is a stress-free way to communicate changes with your guests.
Keep reading as we explain how (and why) to send Change the Dates for your wedding postponement, and some helpful wording examples to inspire you!
What Are Change the Dates?
“Change the Dates” (otherwise known as wedding postponement cards) are a way to update your guests about – you guessed it – a change in your wedding date. They are typically sent as a digital announcement, but can also be a physical card posted in the mail.
Sending Change the Dates means you don’t need to make individual phone calls to each of your guests, and can be a nicer alternative to a traditional text message. They can be used to announce your new wedding date (if confirmed), or simply to explain that your plans are on hold for now.
When To Send Change the Dates
We’d suggest organising Change the Dates as soon as you’ve made the decision to postpone your wedding, even if you haven’t confirmed a new date. This is especially important if your guests have booked flights and accommodation, or made special arrangements with work and/or childcare. Your loved ones will appreciate being kept in the loop so they can change their plans accordingly.
Should You Send Physical or Digital Change the Dates?
It’s really up to you whether you’d like to send physical or digital Change the Dates!
Paper Change the Date cards can be a more formal option, but it does mean you’ll need to fork out an additional cost for printing and postage (on top of the money you’ve just lost on your original wedding invitations).
Alternatively, digital Change the Date announcements can be designed and sent for free or a tiny fraction of the cost. As an added bonus, they’ll reach your guests faster, too. If you’re using a wedding website builder like WedSites, you can easily send announcements to your entire guest list at the click of a button.
What to Include on Your Change the Dates
Okay, so what information do you actually need to include on your Change the Dates?
Change the Dates are generally short and sweet. You can simply let your guests know that you’ve decided to postpone and share your new wedding date (and RSVP date) if this has been confirmed. If you haven’t locked in a new date, don’t worry – just let your guests know that more details will be coming soon.
You may also want to share the reason behind your postponement if you feel comfortable, but it’s definitely not necessary. We’d also suggest including a link to your wedding website so your loved ones can stay up to date with any further changes.
Wedding Change the Date Wording Examples
Looking for wedding Change the Date wording examples? Whether you want to keep things formal or inject some humour, here are some postponement announcement ideas and examples to inspire you:
Let’s try this again….
Due to circumstances outside of our control, the wedding of
(Name) and (Name)
has been postponed to ensure we can celebrate with our loved ones safely.
Please save our new date:
(New wedding date)
For more details and to RSVP, visit:
(Wedding website link)
Same Time. Same Location. New Date!
(Name) and (Name)
now invite you to celebrate their wedding day on
(New wedding date)
For more details and to RSVP, please visit:
(Wedding website link)
Change The Date
The wedding of (Name) and (Name)
has been postponed.
Please save our new date:
(New wedding date)
We hope you will still be able to celebrate with us.
RSVP: (Wedding website link)
Change The Date!
Don’t dust off your dancing shoes just yet –
(Name) and (Name) have changed their wedding date to
(New wedding date)
Thank you for your understanding.
For more details and to RSVP:
(Wedding website link)
Plot Twist!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to postpone our special day.
Stay tuned for more details.
With love,
(Name) and (Name)
Love is Patient…
Your health and safety is our top priority, so we have decided to postpone our wedding.
We will be in touch as soon as a new date has been confirmed.
For more details, visit (wedding website link)
Love, (Name) and (Name)
What About My Wedding Website?
Wedding websites can be a serious lifesaver in these situations! Don’t forget to update your wedding website to reflect your postponement, and consider creating an FAQs page to answer any queries about the change in plans.
As your new plans come together, you’ll want to ensure your wedding website is always up-to-date with the latest information. Then, as the big day approaches, you can use your wedding website to send group announcements, track RSVPs and share all of the essential details for your upcoming day.
Our wedding website builder and digital wedding planner can help you navigate your postponement without the stress. Check out our beautiful range of templates here, or create your free account to get started!