It's not a topic that any couple wants to think about.  But, some weddings do need to be postponed for one reason or another - military service, family illness, and finances, just to name a few.  If you find yourself in a situation where the wedding must be re-scheduled, here are some tips:

• Let your guests know as soon as possible, so that they can change or cancel travel arrangements with the least amount of penalties.  If invitations have not been mailed but the date has been announced, send a simple card explaining that the date has changed.  If invitations have gone out, the guests will need to be notified by phone.  Depending on the situation, you may want to enlist the help of family or close friends to make the calls.
• Ask your vendors if your deposits can be transferred to your new wedding date.  Even is you don't have a new date just yet, they may agree to apply the deposit if you re-book within a certain period of time.
• If you can't re-book a vendor, ask if there is something else you can get for that money.  For example, if your reception was scheduled at a country club, see if you can get a club membership, or host another family event there instead.
• All couples should look into wedding insurance.  It can cover fees, deposits, etc. in case of a last-minute cancellation due to illness or death in the immediate family, as well as severe weather or major transportation shutdown.