Here at MWP, we are appreciating how life has forced us to SLOW DOWN and think about how we made it here. First time in our history! It’s a blessing, truly! Although a little bit of income would be nice.

Although it did push us (plans and all) off-balance, it’s making us think of important questions. What’s important to us? How are we managing our money? How do we treat each other? How much information are we missing from our contract to make sure everyone is safe and informed? How clean are our hands?

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has caused most of us (photographers) to have multiple cancellations/postponement but, for the most part, we have taken care of business the best we can. However, some people are still thinking about what to do! Have you already rescheduled? Are you still hoping the big day will happen this year? Are you having a little ceremony now and a party later?

The current Quebec regulations taking place include masks being mandatory in public places (with a max of 50 people) where a distance of 2m is not possible between people. As for private events, a maximum of 10 people from 3 households still apply.

What happens if you do decide to go for it? Is everyone prepared? We have compiled 5 important questions you should be asking your wedding vendors right now regarding your future event!

“Have you or someone you know been tested, traveled, or have symptoms?”

Even since businesses have started to reopen, it seems like these questions are becoming less and less asked. Truth is, your vendor is a stranger (no matter how long ago you’ve booked them) and has probably had access to a lot of people from different families. Before your event happens, make sure to ask your vendors to let you know if they have had ANY symptoms, if they have traveled or if they have potentially been in contact with anyone that went to get tested. Remember that many people don’t even show symptoms and might not even think of mentioning anything if they feel fine.

“What precautions are you taking?”

It’s important not to assume anything as the health of your family and friends should be priority number one during these times. It’s EXTREMELY unfortunate to think about but the collaboration of the whole population hasn’t been pristine, which brings us to recommend that you make sure that you know who you are letting inside your event. How careful is your vendor during these times? Are they comfortable wearing a mask? Are they comfortable with the fact that you probably will not (let’s be honest here)? Are they coming equipped with sanitizer in case a sink isn’t always available? Is the location where you are having your event equipped to make sure that your guests can be 2m apart? This goes both ways. Communication is key during these times.

“What happens if there’s a reoccurrence?”

What a sad thought! Ouuff. But it’s actually kinda already happening. If you moved your wedding day to 2021, has your vendor sent you an amendment detailing the new policies in case we have to do this all over again next year? Is it clear? Have you both talked it through completely? The most common action taken by photographers in our area is allowing the postpone the deposit to a new date. Although we definitely cannot speak for everyone. Everyone’s business is different so don’t assume you know what their new contract states just because “that’s what the other guy did”. So, What happens if we have to quarantine again? What about if I have to push my wedding again (will venues allow another push? We certainly don’t know)? Let’s make sure that we are prepared. Hearing about Vendors or Couples threatening legal action breaks our hearts.

“What’s your refund policy?”

What happens if you decide that, maybe it’s best if it doesn’t happen at all? What’re the vendors new refund policies, if any? In most cases (that we have seen) refunds aren’t possible for vendors as Québec isn’t forcing anyone to cancel anything … just to postpone it. This means that voluntary cancellation policies are probably already mentioned under your current contract. A refund from your vendors would purely be ” because they feel bad” For lack of better words. That would usually mean, though, giving thousands of dollars back of the remaining income that they have left from the last time they worked in October 2019. Precious income that they need to stretch, as most will not be able to work for another year. Most will, however, allow you to use your amount’s value towards another type of session or event. Regardless, you should know what the policies actually are so that you can make the best decision for you and your partner. Maybe you want to have a civil ceremony instead and have that captured or just a photoshoot to commemorate these weird times. A way to look at things is that this time will be in history books in the future and having a small intimate ceremony because “the world has shut down and you had no choice to wear mask and here’s the photos to proof this weird time”… isn’t the worse story in the world to tell your grandkids one day, right?

“How are you doing?”

That’s right. The last question to ask is this simple. How are you doing? 2020 has proven to be a lot of things and one very important one is the acknowledgment that mental health is VERY real and it’s important to take that extra step to make sure that the people around you are okay. Check-in not only on your family but also on your vendors. We don’t really want to talk for them but a lot of vendors are scared, stressed, and getting attacked for money and answers they might not have. This is very new for all of us. We are all learning. Mistakes will be made, but know that solutions can easily be found if we are all understanding and compassionate towards each other.  Send them an email and ask. You don’t realize how someone might need a thoughtful email today.

So that’s it. 5 easy questions to ask your vendors (not only your photographers) during COVID-19. We hope it helped clarify a few things. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll see how we can help! Let us know what hurdle, if any, you have come across or what plans you made for your big day. Just remember, everything might be on pause right now but :

Conversations will not be canceled.
Relationships will not be canceled.
Self-care will not be canceled.
Hope will not be canceled.
Love will not be canceled.