Wedding season is almost upon us, which means – for many couples – months (or years, in some cases) of planning will finally come to a head.
Well, that would normally be the case, of course, but this year coronavirus is disrupting nuptials all over the globe.
New measures around social distancing and isolation for the elderly and vulnerable has meant that couples getting married have been forced to revise their guest list.
Not only that, but the Church of England has now advised that weddings should be limited to five people only.
A recent study carried out by hen and stag do company Chillisauce.com found that – out of 1,500 surveyed – one in six admitted they were planning to delay their big day and 76% said they would consider having a remote wedding ceremony using a video platform, such as Skype.
Those looking to cancel could face huge problems, too. Wedding insurers, such as John Lewis and Debenhams, have withdrawn their policies and most companies are now suspending new applications for insurance, due to the outbreak.
Liz Taylor, CEO of wedding and event planners The Taylor Lynn Corporation, says the impact of coronavirus on the wedding industry is unlike anything she’s seen in her career. She states that, in most cases, wedding event insurance will not cover COVID-19 cancellations.
Liz tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Such reasons for cancelling any event, or any individual element of it, such as entertainment, falls under a Force Majeure clause. In short, this is when one of the reasons that an event cannot go ahead is due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control.
‘So sadly, there is no reimbursement for deposits paid on such things as wedding venues and no insurance cover available to protect against this. Our suppliers and the clients are relying on the goodwill of everyone involved to postpone the wedding wherever possible.’
Liz added; ‘This is one of the biggest challenges I have faced in 34 years but I have a strategy for my clients – turning the negative into positive.
‘We are swiftly rebooking for the autumn and recommending dates between Christmas and New Year. These decisions will impact who can attend revised dates, whether the entertainer, venue, Registry Office or Church is available on the new dates – so speedy action is required.’
Patrick, a wedding videographer, tells Metro.co.uk how he is already seeing coronavirus starting to impact his work. He’s sent out an email to couples who have booked him for April and May, outlining his flexibility with booking amendments.
In the email, Patrick states that he will happily reschedule free of charge to another date he is available. Or, if he is booked, he will offer to help find another videographer.
He tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Coronavirus has started to affect my business, as worried couples are emailing me about their upcoming weddings.
‘I think couples are waiting on what the government announces before making any decisions. If we do go into lockdown, I would expect all of my April bookings to cancel, possibly leading into May too.
Patricks says this has the potential to have a huge financial impact on his business, Taylor Made Videography.
He adds: ‘Weddings are seasonal and coming out of the winter this would be when I start earning again but my commitment is to my couples and filming their weddings when I can. I can tighten the purse strings and cover rent and bills for April and May but any longer and I would be in a bit of a predicament.’
Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA (the Hospitality Professionals Association) says that following the new Church of England advice, businesses are making the tough decision to cancel weddings.
She tells Metro.co.uk: ‘The hospitality industry is teetering on the brink with hoteliers and others facing extremely tough choices. One of those tough choices is having to cancel wedding bookings in line with the latest government advice.
‘Sadly – under social distancing measures – weddings, certainly in the traditional mould, simply can’t go ahead in the current climate.’
She adds: ‘We know that most will be looking to honour bookings where possible, or doing their utmost to postpone to an appropriate date that works for those affected.
‘Whilst people are undoubtedly upset, with many likely distraught, we just urge people to be considerate and recognise that everyone is faced with this ongoing crisis and we’re all doing our best to manage it as best we can.’
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/23/2020-weddings-affected-coronavirus-2-12441781/?ITO=squid
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