As we slowly emerge from lockdown it looks like weddings will resume soon…possibly…maybe.  The government guidance is a bit vague and could change if there’s a resurgence of cases.  So, for the immediate future, it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen.  Small ceremonies could be allowed soon, with bigger occasions permitted eventually…presumably(?!).  If you’ve had to put your plans on hold then you are not alone – over 100,000 other couples have also had to postpone.  The good news is that weddings will start to go ahead again, at some point, and in some form.  In this post we look at what shape the new normal might take.

Planning goes virtual

Venue show-rounds, dress research, tasting cakes…with a bit of creativity it can all be done from the comfort, and safety, of your own home.  Many suppliers are conducting virtual video appointments, caterers and cake makers are delivering tasters, bridesmaids dresses can be sent to their homes to be tried on, and venues are embracing virtual tours and digital tools to help you imagine your day in the space.

Small is the new big

Weddings will inevitably become more intimate.  Government restrictions will be relaxed gradually so you may be able to hold a very small ceremony and celebration soon.  However, even when larger numbers are permitted caution about the potential health risks will probably mean guest lists are more pared down than before.  Those who aren’t invited will understand and some guests, especially those who have fears for their vulnerability, may decline anyway. 

In some ways this is good news.  Really?  Yes, your budget will go further and you’ll be able to afford more celebration for your money.  You can go large on the guest experience and splash out on your priority items like amazing food, a free bar, live entertainment or floral displays.  Yay!

Embrace the outdoors

Look for a venue with plenty of space in the fresh air where germs are less likely to hang around.  An outdoor ceremony makes a lot of sense, photographs and reception drinks on the lawn always go down well.  In the evening it’s great to have an outside lounge area with braziers and romantic lighting where guests can mingle in the evening.

Say goodbye to receiving lines

Greeting every guest with a hug or handshake is not recommended.   What about a bow, a wave or a foot tap? 

Live stream your big day

Because guest lists are likely to be shorter and at-risk loved ones absent it would be a nice idea to set up a digital platform where they can watch the proceedings from afar.  Create a digital guestbook where they can record a message.  You could also send them a little bottle of champagne and a wedding favour.  Emailing the order of service ahead of time is also a nice touch.

Weekday weddings are the way to go

There’s now a huge backlog of postponed weddings so venues and suppliers will be very busy.  A lot of couples will be opting to wed on a weekday rather than wait a long time for an available weekend. 

Covid-compliant celebrations

Everyone will have to take steps to ensure the event is as risk-free as possible. Your venue and suppliers will probably introduce lots of new measures which are likely to include contactless taps in kitchens and bathrooms, deep-cleaning before and after the wedding, and staff wearing PPE.  Ask them what they have planned and work with them to do your bit.  You might like to consider:

·         Adding hand sanitising stations.  Everyone will be opening doors, picking up glasses, touching chairs, shaking hands – have lots of hand sanitiser and wipes available for and display them in a creative way.

·         Provide gloves and masks.  Warn guest you expect them to wear gloves and masks – explain they can bring their own but also provide extra (ushers can hand them out as guests arrive).  Disposable ones should be changed so make sure there are replacements readily accessible.  You could also buy customised fabric masks that fit in with the theme and design of your wedding for guests to take home.

·         Plated meals rather than a buffet.  Buffets and sharing platters are popular but passé now.  Plated meals will become essential and trays of hors d’oeuvres will be replaced by individual bowl food.  The same principles will apply to desserts.

·         Make sure the bar is contactless.  If you’re asking guests to buy their own drinks make sure your bar is cashless-enabled.

·         Social distancing signs.  People will need regular reminders but use signs that are nicely designed, not bossy!

·         Make it an unplugged wedding?  Guests who take photos then pass their phone to another guest are spreading germs.  Perhaps ask everyone to refrain from using their mobiles and rely on your professional photographer to take lots of shots.

What else do you want to know?

Your wedding, when it eventually happens, won’t be quite as you originally planned.  You’ll also have to rethink just about every aspect of the process, from the engagement party to the honeymoon.  Although all this is new to us too the team at Clevedon Hall has a wealth of experience, knowledge and ideas to share – so whatever questions you may have…just ask away!