Covid-19 Update
I’ve put off writing this post for awhile now, but I think its time to talk about it. So here is my Covid-19 update.
That’s right- Covid-19.
Who isn’t talking about it? It has affected all of our lives profoundly in one way or another. So, grab a cup of coffee and lets chat about what is going on in our lives. In this blog post I am going to cover what’s happening with me, my family and my business. But I hope you’ll also leave a comment or message and fill me in on what is going on with you too.
Let’s Get Personal
Keep in mind, this is more of a personal blog post. I have been in contact with my clients and rescheduling left and right and then rescheduling again. This is not meant to be a statement on the status of my business, but more of a conversation about how we are coping and what its like to run a small business in a time like this.
Also, this post is going to be light on the pictures and heavy on the words : )
The Beginning
Let’s go back to early March. I had 6 events (mostly baby showers and bridal showers) scheduled in March. In April I had 3 weddings and 3 events. I am so grateful I got the first 3 events in- Lucy’s Bridal Shower (March 1), Ashwinee’s Baby Shower (March 7) and Taylor’s Bridal Shower on March 8th. I had the following weekend off, but on Thursday I had a family reach out to me because their photographer had cancelled on them for that Saturday. The shower was in New York and even though I was technically available, I was nervous to photograph a large gathering at that point. I decided not to photograph the event. Even though I had events scheduled for the rest of the month and nearly every weekend in April, something told me it was a bad idea.
Updates from School
By this time, I was getting daily emails from my son’s school about possible closures. On Thursday we were told the students would be clearing out their desks and bringing home their things. We were told Monday would be an emergency half day so the faculty could be trained on what to do if school had to be closed.
Well, we never got to that point. By the end of the week we got the call from school that they would be canceled for the next two weeks due to someone in town contracting the virus. My daughter’s preschool was still open, but I didn’t see the point in sending her.
Covid-19 Update: The Cancelations Continue
I think you know what happens from here. One by one one, events began to get postponed or cancelled. Even couples and venues that were still holding strong were eventually shut down with the stay home order from the state. At this point it felt like chaos- my inbox was a mess, my calendar was a mess and I didn’t know what to do. I knew this entire situation was way bigger than my spring event calendar but I couldn’t see very far beyond it.
To Postpone or Cancel?
I am so eternally grateful to all the couples and families who are postponing their events and not canceling. As everyone knows, this Corona Virus situation has not only wreaked havoc, on our families, loved ones, and communities but our entire economy as well. Even huge corporations are in financial trouble so you can imagine what it is like for a small business. Fortunately, I am not the only earner in our household. I keep thinking of many of my friends who are a husband and wife team and what they must be going through right now. So even though I do make half of the income for our family, my husband, fortunately still has a job.
Don’t get me wrong- I am so grateful for everything the government is doing to do their best to keep our loved ones safe. I am grateful to be home with my kids with plenty of food to eat. But I will admit- the first few weeks I was terrified about the loss of income to my business.
Weddings
Thankfully, it seems that for the most part, weddings are being rescheduled. Personally, 2 of my 3 April weddings were rescheduled. One was, sadly canceled.
Events
As you probably know, in addition to photographing weddings, I also shoot a number of events. As of today, I have had 9 events affected by Covid-19. At this point, 8 of them have been rescheduled- (one as far as next year!) and 1 event, unfortunately, had to be canceled.
Advice for Future Clients
Obviously, we hope there is not another situation like this ever again. But even the experts are saying, if we return to gathering too soon, we could end up back in a quarantine situation. For anyone planning a future event- bridal showers and baby showers especially- make sure to schedule time in between your bridal shower and your wedding or between your baby shower and your due date if possible. It is much easier to reschedule a bridal shower that was scheduled 6 months before a wedding than one that is scheduled very close to your wedding date.
Consider a Weekday Wedding
You may have to be flexible with the date when rescheduling your wedding. While a weekday wedding is not ideal, this is an unprecedented situation and your guests will understand! Some weddings are even being rescheduled for 2021, which is not ideal from a vendor standpoint, but it makes sense to me as a bride. I can’t help but think- what if a family member comes down with the virus and can’t attend your wedding.
Covid-19 Update : How We are Handling Reschedules
I have already talked to all 12 of my clients whose events have been affected by the government regulations regarding Covid-19. But you may be interested in how we are handling reschedules. I have heard a variety of different takes on this- from vendors charging re-booking fees, to restrictions regarding dates. I am trying to be as flexible as possible in this situation, but it can be tricky because there are only so many weekend dates and my calendar was pretty full to begin with.
Working From Home With Kids
I appreciate your patience if I am a bit slower to respond to emails than usual. Working from home with 2 kids while also trying to get their schoolwork done is tricky. My husband is considered essential so he is still going to work, which is probably for the best. It would be a lot of people trying to navigate meetings and phone calls in one small house!
How You Can Help
Reading this blog is a huge help! Read the blog, click around, click on links when I post them on Facebook, and subscribing to my mailing list are all great ways to help without spending a dime! Every client that rescheduled instead of canceling is a major help!
With Gratitude
I am so grateful to you for reading this blog. I truly have the best clients and friends. To everyone that messaged me just to check in. Who told me they are happy to pay in advance of when their balance is due. For everyone postponing their birthday party months after the birthday has passed, but still celebrating. I am so grateful.
Thank you for taking the time to read this Covid-19 update! And thank you to everyone who checked in on us. Please make sure you read this post about How to Stay Healthy during this crazy time!
