Hey guys! I know there’s a lot of concern and questions going around about coronavirus and events, in our case let’s chat about your wedding day. At the time of this article, the state of Oregon has put forth a ban on all events of 250+ people. Yep. That makes things a little complicated.
Luckily for us out here in the Pacific Northwest, most weddings happen during the summer months which happens to coincide with when people tend to get less sick. Ideally, this’ll be a distant memory by then.
But I know that’s not the case for everyone and we still have a few Winter/Spring weddings happening so I wanted to discuss the best course of action for what’s to come and some questions you may have for me. So let’s get to it;
We’re unsure what’s happening with our wedding, can we postpone payment?
Absolutely, yes. It’s hard being a freelancer because obviously I need to pay bills too but when everything is so up in the air with the events we can postpone payment until we have a clearer idea of how we’re moving forward.
Okay, things are looking a little rough. Can we postpone our wedding/elopement?
Yes, of course! I’m being super flexible when possible to make rescheduling as easy and seamless as possible. Please just reach out and talk to me so we can pick a date in the future that I’m still available. I’m absolutely happy to transfer your funds to a new date without any additional fees, but let’s just make sure I’ve got the date free!
What happens if you get sick?
My biggest concern is public safety, if I happen to fall ill I cannot in good faith expose myself to others. That being said, I will find a replacement to shoot for me on the day of while I can still edit the images and offer you a 10% refund. Luckily I’m very well connected with my local photography community and finding a suitable and healthy replacement will not be a problem whatsoever. While if this happens I may not be able to shoot and be present for your wedding day, by still being able to edit the images I can do my best at making sure you receive images that are in line with my previous work.
Our wedding is canceled. Can we get a refund?
This breaks my heart but I’m afraid I would not be able to refund every client entirely. However, if your event is canceled before you’ve made your final payment you would no longer be held responsible for the final payment due. The retainer fee would still be non-refundable unless I’m able to re-book the date in question.
The show must go on! Our wedding is still happening, what can we do to minimize risk?
- First and foremost, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds!
- If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Now is the time for social distancing and to avoid people who are at higher risk of getting sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
I’m feeling sick, what should I do?
It’s really important right now to help not spread the disease, even if your symptoms are mild they could be fatal for someone who is immunosuppressed or elderly. The important thing to do is to stay home, seek medical help when necessary, avoid public areas and transportation.
Read this if you’re feeling sick.
I know this is a crazy and scary time but lets all collectively take a breather. Everything is going to be okay. But we can take the necessary steps now to help look out for each other! I’ve already had a few weddings postponed until later on in the year when there’s less of a risk. Considering switching up your wedding date? Please reach out to me directly via email at shootme@mgpulido.co
I’m here for you.
Resources;
CDC
World Health Organization
Q&A