Tying the knot during a pandemic
Just as the COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for wedding planning in 2021, the same is holding true for 2022. Couples have either postponed or scaled-back the size of their weddings to comply with government restrictions.
“My heart really goes out to the couples who truly simply want to get married in front of their family and friends,” said Lily Krushel of Bella’s Castle in Morden. “It has been so hard for them to plan and replan their weddings without any idea of how the rules are going to be in the future. Some couples had to postpone, some had to change venues, some even canceled their wedding plans indefinitely due to their loved ones not being able to arrive from overseas. What I really hope is the government giving us a few scenarios of how the summer health rules could be the best-case scenario, realistic and worst-case scenario, so brides, grooms and wedding planners can have plan A, B and Cs and hopefully amidst this all have a safe celebration of their love and commitment."
According to the current Manitoba public health orders, which remain in effect until March 5, up to 10 people can attend a wedding in addition to an officiant and photographer or videographer.
“It kind of feels like we're always aiming at a moving target,” said Heidi Esau, event coordinator for Scotswood Links in Elm Creek. “For this summer, I am currently trying to make multiple plans with couples as nobody really knows what will or will not be allowed at certain points. We have the dream wedding plan (what we would do if there weren't restrictions, though I'm pretty sure we all know that's not realistic), the best-case scenario based on last year’s restrictions plan, and then the micro wedding plan.”
The uncertainty of what government restrictions will allow during the next several months has made wedding planning challenging.
“For the most part I encourage couples to vocalize at what point in gathering numbers they will be willing to go ahead with it, or at what point they either postpone or change plans,” Esau said. “As a venue, we would like this decision about a month before the event, so we can either try to fill the date with something else, or go ahead with one of the plans. We are seeing a lot of venue cancelations as many couples would rather do a wedding in a backyard if they can only have 10 guests, instead of booking and paying for a venue suited to 150 guests.”
Although COVID-19 case numbers have been dropping in Manitoba, the wedding industry along with many others in the province continue to be impacted by the virus.
“We have not really had anyone contacting us regarding weddings,” said Ernie Kiesman, sales and catering manager for the Norwood Hotel. “Most couples want to have their family and friends being able to attend. Some of the weddings booked for 2021 are moving their wedding to 2022 due to the uncertainty surrounding group gathering restrictions. Most are not wanting to go through all the planning just to have to move the date at the last minute. We still have a couple of weddings in 2021 but most are scheduled for later in the year.”
Postponing a wedding can impact a couple in many ways.
“Not only are people counting on the wedding, but they’re counting on the what after the wedding,” said Kat Ferguson, owner of Little Creek Events in Ojai, California. “Some of them are waiting to have children until after they get married. There is a lot wrapped up in a wedding other than just a big party. It was a domino financially and a domino emotionally that came up for everyone involved.”
Patience and careful planning are needed for couples getting married during the pandemic.
“If anything, I think that these times have asked people to slow down, focus their dollars and think about their guest list, but I think that’s a good thing,” Ferguson said. “Get clear with what’s really important. Having some huge fancy night, maybe that’s not the priority anymore.”
A big question is what weddings will look like once the pandemic is over.
“I do believe this will pass, but I’m not so certain that the dynamics of how we view weddings and wedding planning going forward haven’t forever been altered,” Ferguson said.
Valerie Crisostomo, an event planner in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, said difficult circumstances have led to new opportunities.
“We’re literally seeing the events industry deteriorate and transform right before our eyes,” she said. “It’s a beautiful opportunity for us to press into something new. I think that there’s a lot of shifting going on, and we’re getting down to the bare minimum of what is truly important.”
She noted even before the pandemic began, weddings had changed from what they once were.
“In the 60s, 70s, 80s, the reason why those weddings were larger was because the families were paying for them,” Crisostomo said. “They were throwing the wedding on behalf on their daughter. Now you have a shift 30 years later, where the parents just show up. You honour them because you love them. But guess who’s paying for it, and guess who’s paying for student loans, and guess who wants a really nice house, and guess who’s focused on their kids? There’s so much more on a millennial’s mind because those responsibilities of even a home is oftentimes not even inherited.”
For couples planning to tie the knot during these challenging times, working with a wedding planner to make sure all the details are looked after is as important now as ever. Plannin’ Companion can coordinate your wedding or assist you in the planning. Read more about our wedding coordination services. Plannin’ Companion can also conduct the ceremony. Read more about our officiant services.