Postponing a Spring/Summer wedding to Autumn/Winter: the experience of a Sassi Holford bride

On October 19^th 2019, Jenny married the love of her life, Chris, at St Andrews Church in Halberton, Devon. It was a perfect, dry Autumn day, not what they had originally envisaged but perfect all the same. Like many brides at this current time, Jenny was faced with postponing her dream Spring wedding. We spoke to Jenny about her experience of wedding postponement and we hope this gives current brides some reassurance that in the end, no matter what the date, your wedding day will be as magical as you always hoped for.

What was your original wedding date and why did you choose this time?

It was 20^th April 2019. We both love the spring and Easter and we got engaged in April 2018.

What was your theme and colour palette?

The theme was going to be ‘Springtime’ and, of course, it was Easter Saturday. The food was based around seasonal produce (my Dad is a chef and produced fabulous canapés and luncheon). There was going to be outdoor games and an Easter Egg Hunt in the garden then dancing till late. The colours were going to be pinks, greens and blues – the vision being blossom, spring blooms and wildflowers.

What led to you postponing your wedding?

My now husband is in the Royal Navy and his deployment changed in the January so rather than being on courses, he was going to be at sea.

How would you describe your initial feelings about this?

I would be lying if I didn’t say January 2019 was tough. We had just finalised on all the finishing touches for the wedding, then the call came and my vision of a spring wedding was shattered. Initially I was angry, and then upset, but after that determined to make our day the best day ever.

What was the most challenging part of postponing?

Re-arranging the wedding in two days! We just had to have everything in place before the boat sailed. So contacting all the suppliers and finding a new date that worked for them and for us was challenging but we made it losing only one of our original suppliers and then, of course, making the new date feel like the right one rather than the postponed one.

What did you focus on to remain positive?

Making October perfect, we added small bits, made changes and ensured it was going to be even better than the original date.

Sassi Holford bride Jenny in the Beatrice gown and bespoke jacket

How did you adapt your bridal style to go from a Spring to Autumn wedding?

At first, I wanted to change everything but then my Mum pointed out that I had loved the ‘Beatrice’ dress the moment I had put it on and it had just felt like the right dress so I decided to add a bespoke jacket with subtle sparkle to give it a warmer more Autumnal feel as if it had been chosen for October rather than April. I also changed my hair style, bridesmaids’ dresses and flowers. A huge thank you must go to Emily and Kristine at the Taunton store for being so patient and amazing.

What other changes did you make to the wedding to suit the change in season?

We chose to change the colour scheme, brought in vintage gold cutlery, changed the food to once again make it seasonal, re-thought the arrival cocktails, arranged for many more lights around the garden and we added fireworks!

Sassi Holford Beatrice gown on real bride Jenny

How did you feel on the morning of the wedding?

As the reception was at our family home the morning was a complete flurry of excitement with people coming and going with the hardest task trying to contain my Mum to the house once her hair and make-up had been done (we couldn’t have had such an amazing day without all her hard work and we are eternally grateful)! I felt relaxed and completely at ease thanks to my Mum, sister, amazing friends, my step-sister and Laura and Debbie. It wasn’t until I put my dress on that I suddenly felt very nervous.

What was your favourite moment of the day?

Walking into the church and seeing Chris’s face and then dancing the night away with friends and family. Oh and Chris’s face when he saw the white Maserati waiting outside the church – the result of a charitable ball Mum had attended.

What advice would you give to current brides who face postponing their wedding?

To all 2020 brides, postponing your wedding is not the end, it is just the beginning! I know it’s so very difficult right now but your wedding day will feel even more special when it comes! Yes, there may be a few tears but I promise you it is not all bad and everyone involved will be understanding.

A few pieces of advice for getting through the wobbles:

Talk about it – Honestly, no one will mind so lean on your loved ones for support.
Make some small changes if you can’t brush off the feeling that something is not quite right. This way it won’t feel like you’re getting married at the wrong time, you’re getting married when it was meant to be!
Keep smiling! There is still so much to look forward to.

Our wedding was the most magical day from start to finish and when you drive away as Mr & Mrs you truly won’t remember that you had to change the date.