Junior Rasmussen
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted wedding plans for couples all over the world. As countries begin to ease lockdown restrictions, weddings will gradually resume, albeit with certain changes. In this post-pandemic era, weddings will likely be more intimate, with a greater emphasis on health and safety measures. There may be a shift towards weekday weddings, as couples seek to adapt to the limited availability of venues and vendors. Let's explore the new normal for weddings and discuss when we can expect these joyous occasions to resume in full swing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding resumption date | June 21, 2021 (final stage of lockdown easing) |
| Number of guests | Unlimited |
| Date subject to change? | Yes, dependent on the state of coronavirus in the country |
| Weekday weddings | Likely to become more common due to high demand for weekend dates |
| Wedding venues | Likely to be outdoors with measures to ensure social distancing |
| Wedding ceremonies | Likely to be shorter with abbreviated itineraries |
| Wedding receptions | Likely to have plated meals instead of buffets |
| Wedding guests | Likely to receive health kits at the door |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dates: weekday weddings may become more popular
Wedding dates have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. While weddings will inevitably become more intimate, there is a huge backlog of postponed weddings, and venues and suppliers will be in high demand.
Kylie Carlson, Owner and CEO of The Wedding Academy, suggests that "there will be an initial rush by couples to find the first available date. Many venues and vendors alike will likely be overbooked for months to come. The idea of a weekday wedding will be more appealing to couples, especially in wanting to stick with their original wedding plans as closely as possible."
Weekends have traditionally been the prime time for weddings, but this could change in a post-COVID world. Even before the pandemic, there was a rise in weekday weddings, with modern couples choosing them for a more casual guest experience and to save costs.
Bron Hansboro, Owner of The Flower Guy Bron, notes that "as we have all pivoted towards more virtual workspaces and time isn't as much of an essence, I think weekday weddings will feel very much like weekend weddings. Additionally, the stigma has been erased with weekends being just about the only dates available."
Jamie Chang, Wedding Planner and Creator of Passport to Joy, highlights the differences between weekday and weekend weddings in terms of timing and guest attendance. Weekday weddings may have a shorter timeframe to accommodate guests' work schedules, and there may be lower attendance during the ceremony, with more guests joining later for the reception.
While the pandemic has disrupted wedding plans, it has also created opportunities for couples to be flexible and creative. Weekday weddings can offer a unique experience and allow couples to stick to their original plans without lengthy delays.
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Guest numbers: guest lists may be pared down
While it's hard to say exactly when weddings will resume as normal, there are a few key dates to keep in mind. In the UK, Boris Johnson announced a four-stage plan for easing lockdown, with weddings allowed from the second stage on April 12, but with a maximum of 15 guests. From May 17, the third stage, up to 30 people will be allowed. Johnson has expressed hope that weddings will be able to continue as normal with unlimited guests from June 21, but this will depend on the state of coronavirus in the country.
Even when larger weddings are permitted, guest lists may be pared down. This could be due to caution about potential health risks, or the fact that some guests may decline because of their own fears of vulnerability. There is also the possibility that some guests will be unable to attend due to illness.
If you're planning a wedding, it's important to be prepared for the possibility of guests not being able to attend. This could mean having a backup list of guests who can fill in for any absentees, or it could mean adjusting your plans to accommodate a smaller number of guests.
To make your guests feel more comfortable, you may want to consider providing gloves and masks, as well as hand sanitising stations. You could also encourage guests to refrain from using their mobiles and rely on a professional photographer to take photos, to reduce the spread of germs.
If you're unable to have all your desired guests attend in person, you could consider live-streaming the wedding so that they can join virtually. This way, you can still include them in the celebration even if they can't be there physically.
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Timing: weekday weddings may be shorter
The resumption of weddings will likely see a surge in demand for venues and vendors, with couples rushing to find the first available date. This may lead to venues and vendors being overbooked for months, making the idea of a weekday wedding more appealing to couples who want to stick to their original plans.
Weekday weddings were already becoming more popular before the pandemic, with modern couples choosing them for their cost savings and to create a casual guest experience. The pandemic has intensified this trend, with COVID-19 impacting couples' original dates and creating a greater demand for all available dates.
While weekends were once the prime time to book a wedding, this may be changing in a post-COVID world. With a huge backlog of postponed weddings, couples may opt for a weekday wedding rather than wait for a weekend date.
Weekday weddings may also be shorter in duration. Guests will need to attend the wedding after work and may need to leave earlier to prepare for work the next day. This means the wedding may start later and end earlier, with a shorter ceremony time to allow for mingling and dancing.
To accommodate these differences, couples choosing a weekday wedding may want to discuss an abbreviated itinerary to ensure all wedding details can occur within the shorter timeframe.
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Food: buffets may be replaced by plated meals
The resumption of "normal" weddings depends on several factors, including government guidelines, the status of the pandemic, and the progress of vaccination drives. While some countries have already lifted restrictions, allowing weddings to take place with larger gatherings, others are still in the process of easing restrictions.
In the UK, for example, weddings were previously only allowed in ""exceptional circumstances." Boris Johnson announced a four-stage plan for easing lockdown restrictions, with weddings permitted from April 12, 2021, with up to 15 guests. The third stage, from May 17, allowed up to 30 guests. It was hoped that weddings would resume without restrictions from June 21, 2021, but this was dependent on the state of the pandemic.
As weddings resume, they will likely look different from the pre-pandemic norm. One notable change is the shift towards weekday weddings. With a huge backlog of postponed weddings, couples may opt for a weekday wedding to avoid long waits for weekend dates. Additionally, the pandemic has normalised virtual work environments, making it more feasible for guests to attend weddings during the week.
Another change to expect is the replacement of buffets with plated meals. Plated meals reduce contact between guests and ensure a safer dining experience. Individual bowl food and desserts will replace trays of hors d'oeuvres and shared platters.
Other measures to ensure safety at weddings include providing guests with health kits containing sanitiser and masks, encouraging social distancing with designated seating and dance floor slots, and holding events outdoors where possible. Venues and suppliers are also implementing new measures, such as contactless taps, deep cleaning, and staff wearing PPE.
The resumption of normal weddings is a gradual process, and couples are finding creative ways to adapt to the new normal. While some changes may be temporary, others, like the popularity of weekday weddings, could have a lasting impact on wedding traditions.
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Safety measures: hand sanitiser, masks and social distancing
While it is challenging to plan a wedding during a pandemic, it is not impossible. Couples can still have a special day while adhering to safety measures, such as providing hand sanitiser, masks, and enforcing social distancing.
Hand Sanitiser
Hand sanitiser stations are a must-have at weddings. These can be set up at entrances, exits, and near restrooms, with clear signage to encourage guests to use them. Couples can also provide personalised mini hand sanitiser bottles as wedding favours. It is also a good idea to appoint someone to monitor the stations and ensure they are refilled throughout the day.
Masks
While masks may not be the most aesthetically pleasing addition to a wedding, they are necessary for the safety of the couple, vendors, and guests. Couples can include masks in their wedding colour palette and even provide them as favours for guests who forget to bring their own. Masks can be removed for photographs, and during certain activities like eating, drinking, and the special couple's first dance.
Social Distancing
Couples can use colour-coded systems to indicate social distancing preferences. For example, red or pink could mean "Keep Your Distance", while blue or yellow could signal comfort with proximity. This can be done with masks, badges, ribbons, or bands. Social distancing can also be encouraged through seating arrangements and ensuring there is enough space for guests to spread out during activities and photos.
By implementing these safety measures, couples can focus on celebrating their love while keeping themselves and their guests safe.
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Frequently asked questions
In June 2021, weddings were expected to resume as normal in England, with unlimited guests. However, this was dependent on the state of coronavirus in the country.
Weekday weddings are becoming more popular as couples opt for the first available date. Couples are also choosing to hold weddings outdoors, with events being live-streamed for virtual guests.
Venues and suppliers will introduce measures such as contactless taps, deep cleaning, and staff wearing PPE. Hand sanitising stations, gloves, and masks will also be provided for guests.
Weddings will become more intimate, with shorter timeframes and a greater focus on guest safety. Plated meals and contactless bars will replace buffets, and social distancing will be encouraged through designated seating and dance floor slots.
