The coronavirus pandemic has played havoc with wedding plans – more than 73,000 ceremonies have been postponed or cancelled since lockdown begun on 23 March.  Are all those couples going to go “hey, no worries, let’s forget the whole thing, for ever”?  I don’t think so!  That means there’s a huge backlog of events to be rebooked, on top of all the weddings already scheduled for the autumn and winter of 2020 and beyond. 

If you’ve got your heart set on a weekend wedding then a long delay is probably inevitable - even if the venue can fit you in some of your vendors might not be available.  The obvious solution, if you don’t want to wait months and months, is to go for a weekday wedding.  Although this may not be what you originally had in mind there are actually some big positives when you avoid the Saturday. 

Wed on a weekday without so much delay

If you don’t want to wait until 2021 then a weekday is possibly your only option – the likelihood of your venue and your vendors all being available on a Saturday this side of Christmas is on the anorexic side of slim! 

Will my guests be able to make a weekday?

We understand your concern but given the circumstances, and the fact that Covid-19 is being so awkward, people are sure to cut you some slack.  Give your guests enough notice and they’ll make every effort to come and celebrate your big day, even if it happens to be a Monday!  We really don’t know how things are going to pan out so you may have to limit the numbers for quite a long while yet – in which case a few people dropping out may even be a blessing in disguise.

Your budget might go a little further

Saturdays are going to be at a premium but some vendors might be grateful for bookings during the rest of the week.  Weekday discounts aren’t guaranteed but you might find a few suppliers who are open to the idea.  Accommodation rates for your guests may well be cheaper too so that’s another possible bonus.

A weekday wedding can be more laidback

Some venues can be pretty busy and raucous at the weekend – this is certainly the case with a city centre hotel or venues that can host several events simultaneously.  Wed on a weekday, however, and everything is likely to be a lot more chilled and relaxed.

Battle of the brides

With such a backlog of postponed weddings the chances of a date-clash are dramatically increased.  Tying the knot on a weekday makes a lot of sense as there’s a much better likelihood that all your guests won’t be otherwise committed.

Stretch the celebrations

If you make Monday your big day why not hold an activity or event on the Sunday evening to get the ball rolling.  Or have your nuptials on a Friday but organise something like a brunch for the Saturday.  That way, if some people can’t get time off work (like teachers, for instance) they can still come and help you celebrate.  Also, if wedding receptions continue to be limited to 30 guests you could have two different parties (one on the day before or the day after) and double your numbers.

We’re here to help – just ask

These are difficult times and wedding planning has become even more complicated than before.  The team at Clevedon Hall are right “on it” in terms of the latest rules and current situation so whatever you have in mind they can certainly give you some invaluable input.