Now that Hurricane Ike has passed over the Houston Metro area, including Galveston, Brazoria, and Montgomery Counties, I hope that you and your family are safe and have not encountered too much damage. Once the dust settles and the water recedes, you may want to get back to planning your wedding, but you need to check and see if everything is still in place. Here are a few things to consider as you continue your planning:
- Your date
Can you change your date? If the wedding is within the next 30-60 days, are you ready? do you have options? - Your dress/tux
Did your wedding dress have to be altered off site of the place you purchased it? Contact them and make sure it will arrive in time or see what options or “plan B” they have for you. Was your dress at home and maybe got water damage? Depending on when your wedding is, you may have time to get it cleaned, but check with your Bridal Salon to make sure. - Your Venue
Some locations, especially those in South Houston and Galveston sustained heavy damage and will need quite a bit of repair. Check your contract with the venue and see if you have options for an alternate date or if they can provide assistance with finding another venue. Check their refund policy as well so you do not lose too much of your deposit if another place needs to be found. - Music
Is your DJ or Band still available? Is their equipment in working condition or do they have access to equipment on your date? - Food/Cake
Are they still available? Is the kitchen they plan on using in tact and usable? Do they have options if it is not? - Photographer
Some of us have studios and some of us work from home, so try and call and/or email to make sure they are available. Most of us are in the process of contacting clients whose dates are within the next 30-60 days and assure them of our availability, but if you have not heard from your photographer or any other vendors, please try and contact them
Most vendors have an “act of God” clause in their contract which controls what happens to funds you may have already paid, but please speak to each vendor personally and see if something can be worked out. Most of the vendors that I have had the pleasure of working with are very accommodating and will do whatever is necessary to make sure your wedding can still take place. Above all, allow for some flexibility and you can still have the wedding of your dreams.