3/12/2020
This is a particularly odd time to be planning a wedding, especially one that will require every guest to travel internationally. We remain optimistic that by July the coronavirus pandemic will be only a memory as we gather near the sea in Scotland. However, we’re pragmatic about the potential impact on your plans and your finances. Below are our initial responses to the questions we’ve received do far. -cw & ts
– 1 –
What happens if travel bans forces us to cancel?
We will reschedule the wedding. Our love is bigger than this virus and so is our desire to celebrate it with you. At this moment we’re thinking that a summer 2021 wedding is the most practical backup plan. Also at this moment, we plan to get married in Scotland, at Dunskey Estate, in July of 2020!
– 2 –
When will we know about a cancellation?
As scientists and medical professionals learn more about the transmission of COVID-19, so will the public. We expect to see things get worse before they get better. When and how “better” is defined will be understood with the benefit of time and perspective. For now we are setting a deadline of May 1st to re-evaluate. It’s simply too early make a decision at this time and we don't want to live with the burden of speculation every day for the next six weeks.
– 3 –
What about the payments we’ve already made?
We began this conversation with the good people at Dunskey at the beginning of the month. Thankfully this is a family-owned estate and authority rests with the people directly responsible for the impact of their decisions. They have given us their written assurance that if the wedding has to be cancelled, we can reschedule with no financial penalty. All payments will be applied to our rescheduled event.
-4-
Should we still make the payment due on March 15th?
Yes, please! We are accountable to make the next payment to Dunskey next week in accordance with our agreement. We are not in a position to carry these costs on behalf of our our guests. Most of you have submitted your second $500 payments (thank you!) and we kindly request that the rest of you do so right away.
We cannot refund any payments made previously or in the future. If you are not planning to make this payment nor attend the wedding, it is imperative that you contact us right away. ❤️
-5-
What about our other travel expenses?
Most major airlines have enacted coronavirus policies that include the waiver of fees normally required to change or cancel a ticket. The details vary, but may include an airline voucher, a no-cost reschedule or a complete refund. The silver lining is that prices have been steadily in decline, but we imagine prices will climb sharply after the all-clear is declared.
You can also look into travel insurance here. You must filter by “cancel for any reason” if you want to be covered in case you decide not to attend. CF Travel Insured includes this coverage in some of their policies. Below is a quote for $5k in coverage including cancel for any reason. Please research thoroughly!
