Our wedding’s cancelled: What do we do now?

By Lynsi Musselman

Wedding season in Texas is typically in full swing by April. 

With a pandemic this year, brides face extra challenges with planning. There are several moving targets involved in getting to the altar, along with additional special events during this time for the bride and groom. 

Sheryl Scott, co-owner of Happy Wife Happy Life Weddings and Events Venue, said they are trying to accommodate all their events in order of booking. They have contacted each bride and are allowing them to pick from a set of open dates. 

“Like everyone else, we are trying to keep things as stable as possible and hope things return to normal soon,” Scott said.

Happy Wife Happy Life is offering virtual tours for anyone looking to reserve a date in late summer or fall.

Whitney Theatre owner Betsy Parsons said she is in limbo like everyone else. 

“We will work with brides as much as we can and be flexible,” said Parsons.

Wedding registries and showers are also a major part in the wedding process. 

Blanton-Caldwell is a local favorite for registry selections. Employee Laura Dickerson said the normal traffic is slower than usual for people buying gifts, but brides are still registering and people are still picking up gifts from the back door.

“People are encouraged to call us or reach out to us through Facebook to purchase gifts,” Dickerson said.

Bride-to-be Jacie Hudman was scheduled to get married to Cody Rehms on May 30.  

“Our venue is following procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and was unable to have our event at this time,” Hudman said. 

Without a venue, Hudman and Rehms have decided to  postpone their wedding until they have a location where they can safely celebrate with family and friends.  

Hudman’s wedding shower that is scheduled for April 19 has been changed to a drop-off shower. All gifts are to be mailed or taken to a safe location.

“As a bride-to be, it is heartbreaking not to be able to experience all of the fun bridal things, but I am thankful not to put anyone at risk for getting sick.” Hudman said.

Caitlyn Holson is another soon-to-be bride. Her wedding to Kyle Manning is planned for June 27.

Holson said the venue where they are booked has not forced them to reschedule but the planning of wedding showers and a honeymoon has been difficult.

“My shower for this weekend is either going to be a virtual shower or will be rescheduled for a later date,” Holson said. “Our honeymoon is up in the air because where we were trying to book is not taking any reservations.”

Holson explained that since she and Kyle are young and have not had experience planning a wedding before, they are not sure what to expect. They are staying hopeful that they can get married on their original date.

“I thought things were hard before the virus, but they are 10 times harder now,” Holson said.