There’s no denying that the pandemic has affected every aspect of the event planning process, but one particular setback that is often overlooked is the role of postal services. USPS has been overrun with traffic and is experiencing increasing delays. It’s 2021 and it still doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the high rate of online shopping, and fund cuts, USPS and other carriers are working overtime and still trying to catch up. What traditionally took 1-3 days to be delivered is turning into weeks. It might be faster to call an actual carrier pigeon. So what does this mean for wedding and event professionals? Vendors aren’t getting deposits and checks in time, guests aren’t receiving save the dates and invitations, and the planning process has to be even more ahead than before. Read on for 3 planning processes to adjust during the postal service delays.
1. Go Paperless
In a virtual world, it can be hard to imagine that everything isn’t digital already but the truth of the matter is that many businesses and traditional processes are still paper-based or require mailing. You never want payments or important correspondences to be late. One late correspondence can dictate whether or not you can perform your services at top capacity. So now’s a great time to go paperless! As a vendor consider swapping to Invoicing and Online Payments Through Aisle Planner so every detail is prompt and ready.
2. Sending Event Stationery
The Aisle Guide's When to Send Out Save the Dates and Invitations outlines the traditional schedule of mailing out stationary. Well in a time of postal delays, add on 6 weeks to each of the mailing guidelines below to be safe. Everything should be sent at least 4 weeks prior to when it would have originally been sent out to try to make up for the possible delays.
Traditional Mailing Schedule
- 4-6 months: Save the Dates
- 12 weeks: Wedding invitations for international guests
- 8 weeks: Wedding invitations
- 6-8 weeks: Bridal shower invitations
- 3-6 weeks: Rehearsal dinner invitations
3. Creating a wedding website
Besides taking stationary mailing precautions, encourage your clients to create a wedding website where they can quickly update the information so guests can remain informed no matter where they are in the country/ world. Direct them to How to Create An Event or Wedding Website in Aisle Planner and help them make their very own dream site.
Time is of the essence. As pros, we’re always working in advance but now we have to work far in advance. This isn’t forever but adapting while you can make a difference for your business and your clients!
Hero photo courtesy of Paige Vaughn Photo
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