The inside scoop of Covid-19 on the Hospitality Industry... What's a Covid Wedding actually like?

 

Another week has passed, and watching the news at the moment makes for pretty grim viewing. This week we're going to be looking at Weddings - and what a Wedding in Covid times is actually like.

One constant positive, has been the unity and support shown to one another within the Events industry. This was shown this week with the 'Light it in Red' campaign, supporting live events.

 The impact on all events suppliers has been nothing short of catastropic. It's as far reaching as live performers, stage designers, make up artists, videographers, the list goes on and on. But the impact of this is felt most by our Brides and Grooms. 

Before the numbers for Weddings were slashed from 30 to 15, we were lucky enough to provide the backdrop to 4 beautiful Weddings. We asked our most recent Bride, Sandra, to answer a few quick questions to paint a picture of what a Wedding in Covid times is actually like...

·         Before the pandemic – what did your original wedding plans look like?

We were going to have much bigger numbers and an evening reception as well. We would have had more table decorations and accessories would have been used. 

·         What restrictions did you face?

The limited number of guests and the restrictions with regards to entertainment and room decorations and extras. Also, having to implement social distancing throughout.

·         How did the restrictions make you feel?

It wasn't what we planned, but we were prepared to forego some of our plans in order for the wedding to take place that day. 

·         What was the hardest bit about planning your covid compliant wedding?

The ongoing changes with regards to government guidelines and trying to make plans. Once we'd work out a plan the government guidelines would change again and we'd have to scrap that and start again.

·         How did your Wedding go?

We had a lovely day, all the guests quickly adapted, it was great to see all of our nearest and dearest in one room and the day ran like clockwork.

·         How did the venue handle the restrictions?

The venue was excellent in every aspect given the current circumstances, all of our queries were dealt with efficiently and communication between us and the venue was brilliant. 

·         If you could have changed anything about your wedding, what would it have been?

The day was perfect, we were disappointed that there wasn't an evening reception as we couldn't invite all of our friends and we felt guilty about it. 

From a venue's point of view - despite the total numbers allowed being so small, each Wedding requires even more precise planning and work behind the scenes than ever before. This means regular zoom meetings with the Bride and Groom, and constant checking/going through the guidelines with a fine toothed comb to ensure the perfect balance between keeping well within the guidelines and the couple still being able to celebrate their special day. 

We do have some Weddings coming up with the new 15 person limit - we'll report back after these happen to give you all a glimpse into how they went. If you are thinking of getting married, either within the current guidelines or further in the future, have a look to see how we can help here https://www.kingscourthotel.co.uk/weddings.html

In the meantime, stay safe and well and we'll be back with another inside scoop next week 😊