Calling Off the Wedding

One positive thing to focus on is that you can get some other people to help you to handle this task.

Most likely, you will be in no mood to explain your story over and over again to those that were invited to the wedding.  It may even be hard to think about doing at first with all that is on your mind. Just take a deep breath and take one step at a time. 

This process is the responsibility of both the bride and the groom. Take these things in to consideration as you begin to call off your wedding plans.

Have You Sent Out Wedding Announcements?

If there has not yet been a formal announcement sent out about your wedding, then the word about calling off the wedding can be done by word of mouth.  In fact, you should only have to inform those that you yourself have told about the wedding.

If Announcements have been sent

If you or your parents have sent an announcement to your family and friends to let them know that you were engaged, it is important that another formal announcement go out, on paper, saying that the wedding has been cancelled.

Newspaper Announcements

If there has been an announcement in the newspaper, another one must be run canceling the wedding.  No blame or details need to be provided, just a short declaration that both parties have decided not to go on with the wedding.

Have Wedding Invitations been sent?

If the wedding invitations have already been sent out inviting people to your wedding celebration, another formal wedding cancellation notice needs to be mailed as well.

Is it very Close To the Wedding Day?

If the wedding day is fast approaching, it is crucial that guests be called and told about the cancellation of events.  First call the people that are traveling to your wedding. You should let everyone know that things just have not worked out as soon as possible.  Do not feel like you need to give details. This is not important. Just let them know so that they can cancel their travel plans.

Postponing the Wedding

If you have to postpone the wedding, you can do this following the same guidelines that were mentioned before. You will need to tell your guests the reason for the delay in this case.  Whether it be illness or a death, for example, they are more likely to understand if you let them know as soon as possible.

If there is a date rescheduled, give that information as well.  If there is not, another invitation will need to be sent out when the time does come to inform guests. However, you should definitely not have another shower.

Canceling After the Wedding Shower

This scenario can be the trickiest as far as etiquette is concerned. You will need to make sure that all gifts are returned as soon as possible. 

The gifts given at a wedding shower are given for the bride and the groom to start their new life together.  If that is not going to happen, you need to return the gifts to them promptly.

You should never open any of your wedding shower gifts until after the bride and groom have been married. This way you will avoid this problem.  Sometimes a gift will need to be returned for other reasons as well. 

If you have opened the wedding gift that was given to you, repay them for the cost of the gift.  There should be some kind of adequate restitution made for every gift given for a bride and groom that cancel their wedding after they have had the shower. 

Conclusion

Following proper wedding etiquette is not difficult and it is not an option.  If you are planning a wedding and want things to go smoothly, pay attention to the suggestions in this article. You want your wedding to be a good experience for each and every guest.

Wedding etiquette doesn't have to be difficult.  If you have other questions that have not been answered here keep searching as asking questions of those that are involved in the business of wedding planning.  Always put yourself in the place of your guests and those that are helping you to experience a special wedding celebration. This will give you the proper attitude about the decisions that you make.

Wedding etiquette changes from year to year. Be flexible and ask as many questions as you can. You will discover that etiquette is nothing more than courtesy and appreciation to those that take the time to help you with the most important day of your life.