Franklin Dean
Wedding shops across the world were forced to close their doors to customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as restrictions ease, wedding shops are reopening and welcoming customers back inside. However, the experience of shopping for wedding dresses and jewellery will be different from what it was pre-pandemic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding shops reopening | Phase two of the reopening plan |
| Location | Scotland |
| Date | Not specified |
| Wedding celebrations | Phase four |
| COVID-19 impact | Social distancing, face masks, handwashing, limited appointments, virtual appointments |
| Wedding venues | Awaiting permission to reopen |
| Wedding ceremonies | Limited to register offices and council-owned venues |
| Wedding shops closed | Tailor's Cat, TM Lewis |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding shops offering virtual appointments
Wedding shops are eagerly awaiting the go-ahead to reopen their doors and host weddings again. However, there is little advice from the government regarding weddings, and registrars have not yet been given permission to carry out wedding ceremonies. In the meantime, many wedding shops are offering virtual appointments to help brides-to-be find their dream dress.
Angelica Bridal, a bridal boutique in Islington, London, is offering one-on-one virtual appointments for brides to chat, see their collection, or revisit a dress they may have previously tried on. There is a small fee of £15 to book a virtual appointment, which is redeemable against a gown purchase. Brides can also get help with their measurements to ensure they order the correct size.
Simply Stunning by Divas, a bridal boutique in Greensboro, is also offering virtual appointments. Each client gets a personalized one-on-one consultation via Zoom, and owner Kathleen Pickering also has a separate video call going during the session so that friends and family can join in.
Engaging Bridal in Ireland is offering virtual appointments that can be booked online, with 24 hours' notice. Brides can have a virtual viewing of custom-made wedding dress samples and a ready-to-wear collection that can be bought online. They can also offer advice on styles and tips during the virtual appointment.
Virtual appointments allow brides-to-be to continue planning their weddings and choose their dresses, even if they are unable to visit a shop in person. This can help to alleviate anxiety and provide some fun during what could otherwise be a stressful time.
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Safety measures in place
As wedding shops reopen, they are implementing a variety of safety measures to ensure the health and safety of their customers and staff.
Social Distancing
To maintain social distancing, wedding shops are limiting the number of customers allowed in the store at one time. For instance, Elegant Occasions, a bridal shop in the Rib Mountain area, is allowing a maximum of five customers in the store simultaneously, by appointment only. Similarly, other bridal boutiques are also requiring customers to book appointments before visiting the store. Some shops are also placing markers on the floor to remind customers to maintain a safe distance.
Limited Guests
Brides are being restricted to bringing only one or two guests with them to their appointments. This measure helps to limit the number of people in the store at one time and reduces the risk of virus transmission.
Face Masks
Many wedding shops are requiring customers and their guests to wear face masks throughout their appointments. Some shops are providing masks for customers who do not have their own. Additionally, employees may also be required to wear masks, especially when they need to be in close contact with customers.
Sanitization and Cleaning
Wedding shops are prioritizing sanitization and cleaning to create a safe environment for customers and staff. Hand sanitizing stations are being provided for customers to use upon entering and leaving the store, as well as throughout their appointment. Between appointments, boutiques are disinfecting the store and sanitizing any gowns or garments that were tried on. This includes steaming and hanging gowns before returning them to the rails.
Virtual Appointments
Some wedding shops are offering virtual appointments as an alternative to in-person visits. This option helps reduce the number of people in the store and provides a safer option for customers who may be at higher risk or uncomfortable with physical visits.
Temperature Checks
Some boutiques may also conduct temperature checks before allowing customers to enter the shop. This measure helps identify individuals who may be symptomatic and reduces the risk of virus transmission within the store.
These safety measures aim to create a safe and comfortable environment for customers and staff as wedding shops gradually reopen.
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Reduced opening hours
Wedding shops, like many other businesses, have had to adapt to the new normal and implement reduced opening hours and changes to the in-store experience to comply with social distancing guidelines.
In Scotland, the owner of a bridal studio predicts that wedding boutiques may be able to reopen under Phase Two of the country's roadmap out of lockdown. She speculates that each phase will last three weeks, but the government has not confirmed this.
Some wedding shops in the UK have offered virtual appointments and virtual shopping experiences during lockdown, with stylists on hand to show customers around the shop via Zoom or FaceTime. These virtual appointments may be complemented by in-person appointments as lockdown restrictions ease, but with reduced opening hours to manage customer flow and limit the number of customers in the store at any one time.
To ensure the safety of customers and staff, wedding shops may implement measures such as vigorous handwashing before appointments, temperature checks upon arrival, and requiring customers to wear masks and use hand sanitizer. Guest lists for bridal appointments will be smaller, with only the bride and perhaps one or two guests permitted.
It is important to check the local guidelines and restrictions for your area, as well as the individual policies of the wedding shops you plan to visit, as the situation is constantly evolving.
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Changes to the in-store experience
As wedding shops reopen, the in-store experience will be different from what it was before the pandemic. Wedding shops will implement new measures to ensure the safety of their customers and staff. Here are some of the changes that you can expect:
Reduced capacity and social distancing
To maintain social distancing, wedding shops will limit the number of customers allowed in the store at one time. This may result in longer wait times and queues outside the store. Security guards or other staff members will manage the store traffic and ensure that customers maintain a safe distance from each other.
Enhanced cleaning and sanitisation
Wedding shops will increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces. Some shops may also implement a 72-hour quarantine period for any dresses or items that have been tried on by customers. Hand sanitiser stations will be available throughout the store, and customers will be encouraged to use them upon entry and exit.
Face masks and handwashing
Customers and staff will be required to wear face masks at all times. Some shops may even recommend wearing two masks for added protection. Proper hand hygiene will also be emphasised, with customers asked to wash their hands vigorously before and after their appointments.
Limited guests and virtual appointments
Due to capacity restrictions and social distancing measures, wedding shops will enforce smaller guest lists for bridal appointments. Brides may only be allowed to bring one or two guests with them. To include more people in the experience, brides are encouraged to bring their own devices, such as iPads or phones, to video call their loved ones during the appointment. Additionally, many wedding shops will continue to offer virtual appointments and consultations for customers who prefer to shop from home.
Temperature checks and health screenings
Upon arrival, customers may undergo temperature checks, and some shops may require customers to fill out a symptom checklist before their appointment. Customers who exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive may be asked to reschedule their appointment.
Changes to fitting rooms and try-ons
Fitting rooms may undergo modifications to minimise the risk of virus transmission. Complimentary slippers may be provided for customers to change into upon entering the store. Some shops may limit the number of dresses that can be tried on during an appointment or implement a waiting period between appointments to allow for proper sanitisation of the dressing rooms and garments.
Contactless payments and reduced touchpoints
Wedding shops will encourage contactless payment methods to minimise physical contact. Stores may also implement other measures to reduce touchpoints, such as providing online style quizzes or consultations before the in-store appointment to streamline the shopping process.
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Wedding shops reopening in Scotland
Wedding shops in Scotland have been closed for a few months during the coronavirus pandemic. However, as Scotland exited lockdown, wedding dress shops were allowed to reopen from July 2020.
Reopening of Wedding Shops in Scotland
The Scottish Government implemented a four-phase plan to reopen the country and return to normal life. Phase one began on May 28, 2020, after Scotland successfully kept the R-number, or the rate of transmission, below one. This allowed for more freedom outdoors, recreational travel, small group meetings from different households, and the return of some sports.
Phase Two
On June 18, 2020, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland had entered phase two of its lockdown exit plan. This phase included the reopening of non-essential shops within shopping centres, hairdressers, barbers, indoor pubs and restaurants, and the tourism sector. It also allowed for marriages and civil partnerships to take place outdoors with minimal attendees.
Wedding Shops Reopen
From July 2020, wedding dress boutiques across Scotland began to reopen, with new safety measures in place. These measures included disinfecting the store between appointments, steaming and sanitising gowns, and taking customers' temperatures. Some boutiques limited the number of guests customers could bring with them, and face masks were often required.
2021 Lockdown Easing
In April 2021, Scotland began easing lockdown measures again, with non-essential retail reopening for click-and-collect services on April 5. Shops were then allowed to reopen fully from April 26 when Scotland moved to level three restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding shops in the UK started reopening in June 2020, following closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wedding shops have implemented various safety measures, including social distancing, sanitisation, and mask-wearing. Some shops offer virtual appointments and limit the number of guests a bride can bring.
It is recommended to research dress styles in advance and consider who you want to bring to your appointment, as guest numbers may be restricted. Virtual appointments and shipping services are also available at some shops.
