Coronavirus Crashes Weddings

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the wedding industry, with many couples forced to drastically change their plans. From reducing guest lists to postponing dates, the pandemic has thrown wedding planning into chaos. While some couples have chosen to elope, get married online, or host small, socially-distanced ceremonies, others have had to reschedule their weddings entirely. This has caused a lot of stress and uncertainty for those in the wedding industry, who are facing financial difficulties and an uncertain future.

Wedding cancellations and postponements

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the wedding industry into disarray, with many couples being forced to reconsider their plans. The pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty, and it can be challenging to know what to do if your wedding falls during this time. It is essential to stay informed and be flexible as the situation evolves. Here are some things to consider if your wedding is coming up in the next few months:

• Keep yourself informed: Stay updated with information from reliable sources like the CDC and the WHO. This will help you make informed decisions about your wedding plans.
• Communicate with your vendors: Initiate conversations with your vendors as soon as possible. Be open and honest about your concerns. They might be able to offer you alternative dates or other accommodations. Remember that this situation is new for them too, so flexibility and empathy are essential.
• Be prepared for last-minute changes: The situation with COVID-19 can change rapidly, and you may need to make last-minute adjustments to your plans. It's a good idea to have a contingency plan in place and be prepared to adapt.
• Don't shame or bully vendors: Remember that everyone is trying their best to navigate this challenging situation. Avoid public call-outs or shaming vendors if you disagree with their decisions. Kindness and grace go a long way.
• Focus on what's important: Amidst all the stress and uncertainty, remember why you are planning a wedding in the first place – to celebrate your love and commitment to your partner. Don't let COVID-19 take away your focus from what truly matters.

It's important to note that the wedding industry has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Couples have had to downscale their celebrations, and vendors have lost business and revenue. However, most vendors are being flexible and working with couples to find alternative solutions, such as rescheduling or offering intimate ceremonies.

Downscaling celebrations

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted wedding plans for couples around the world, with many forced to downscale their celebrations.

Prioritising Guests

Couples have had to drastically reduce their guest lists, prioritising close family and friends. Some have chosen to split their celebrations into two events—a smaller, more intimate ceremony followed by a larger party at a later date.

Venue and Catering Adjustments

Virtual Celebrations

Some couples have opted for virtual celebrations, with guests attending remotely via video conferencing software. This can be a way to include vulnerable relatives who may not be able to attend in person.

Postponement

For some, downscaling is not an option, and they have chosen to postpone their weddings to a later date when larger gatherings are permitted. This may involve additional costs and the hassle of rebooking suppliers, but it allows couples to hold on to their dream of a larger celebration.

Intimate and Emotional

Despite the challenges, many couples who have downscaled their weddings have found the experience to be incredibly special and emotional. With a smaller guest list, they have been able to spend quality time with their loved ones and focus on the most important aspect of the day—marrying the person they love.

Backyard weddings

Guest List and Safety Measures:

Keep your guest list small and intimate. Limiting the number of guests will not only make it easier to maintain social distancing but will also reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. Consider clustering guests by household during the ceremony and reception.

Venue and Layout:

When choosing a backyard venue, opt for one that offers plenty of outdoor space to allow for social distancing. If possible, separate guests from the bartender or servers with plexiglass sheets or similar barriers. Ensure there is a clear and direct path to the bathroom, and if possible, restrict access to the inside of the house to minimise the risk of exposure.

Catering and Dining:

Choose a caterer who is experienced in following COVID-19 safety protocols. Opt for individually plated meals or boxed meals instead of buffets or family-style dining. Provide each guest with their own set of cutlery, condiments, and even salt and pepper shakers to minimise contact.

Weather Contingency Plan:

If there is a possibility of inclement weather, have a backup plan in place. This may include setting up a tent or utilising a screened porch or indoor space while still maintaining social distancing. If moving indoors, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and turning on fans.

Communication and Flexibility:

Communicate clearly and frequently with your guests about safety measures and expectations. Be transparent about any changes to the original plans. Remember that flexibility is key during this uncertain time, and be prepared to adjust your plans as needed.

Vendors and Support:

Many vendors are understanding of the unique challenges of planning a wedding during a pandemic. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help or accommodations. Vendors are often willing to work with you to ensure a safe and memorable celebration.

Postponement or Cancellation:

If you are unable to proceed with your backyard wedding as planned due to changing circumstances, consider postponing rather than cancelling. Many couples have chosen to host a small, intimate ceremony now and plan a larger celebration for a later date when it is safer to do so.

Virtual weddings

In the United States, virtual weddings have been made legal in several states, including New York, California, Colorado, Ohio, and Washington. This new law, called "Project Cupid," allows couples to obtain marriage licenses remotely and conduct the wedding ceremony via video conference.

Planning a virtual wedding can be challenging, but many couples have found creative ways to make their big day special. Some couples chose to livestream their wedding using video conferencing apps like Zoom, while others used social media platforms like Instagram Live and Facebook Live. Livestreaming allows friends and family from all over the world to participate in the celebration.

To make their virtual weddings more intimate and personalized, couples can create digital wedding invitations and programs, send wedding favors to their guests, and even include virtual dress codes. In some cases, guests have participated in the celebration by sharing their own meals, drinks, and well-wishes over video chat.

While it may not be the same as an in-person ceremony, virtual weddings can be a unique and memorable way to exchange vows and celebrate with loved ones during the pandemic.

Wedding industry financial losses

The wedding industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with many couples choosing to delay their weddings or opt for smaller ceremonies. This has resulted in significant financial losses for businesses in the industry.

A study from the Wedding Report shows that almost 42% of weddings in 2020 were postponed until 2021. The average cost of weddings was down 21%, with most weddings costing around $20,000. This has had a knock-on effect on wedding vendors, who have struggled to keep their businesses afloat.

Wedding vendors rely on a constant stream of bookings to stay afloat, and with the number of weddings decreasing, many have seen their incomes drop drastically. For example, Giovy Buyers, a florist in Charlotte, had 22 weddings scheduled for 2020, but only six of those took place due to the pandemic. This resulted in a loss of $28,000 in expected income.

The pandemic has also disrupted supply chains and made it difficult for vendors to source the products they need. For instance, many wedding dresses are manufactured in China, and factories in other countries rely on Chinese fabrics and materials. When China went into lockdown, this disrupted the supply of wedding dresses worldwide.

The wedding industry is a seasonal sector, with 79% of weddings taking place between 1 April and 31 October. The Covid-19 crisis and subsequent government regulations have brought much of the wedding industry to its knees, and it is estimated that more than 200,000 weddings in the UK alone were postponed or cancelled in 2020. This has resulted in massive financial losses for wedding suppliers, most of whom are small businesses.

The restrictions on weddings have also varied widely and changed frequently, making it difficult for couples and vendors to plan. In the UK, for example, weddings were allowed to resume in July 2020 with a limit of 30 guests. However, just two months later, the limit was reduced to 15 people, including the couple. These last-minute changes have made it challenging for couples to plan their weddings and for vendors to stay afloat.

Overall, the wedding industry has suffered significant financial losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decrease in the number of weddings and the reduction in guest counts have resulted in lower revenues for vendors. The disruption to supply chains and the frequent changes in restrictions have also made it challenging for businesses in the industry to stay afloat.

Frequently asked questions