Weddings will definitely not be the same for as long as we are still living with this global pandemic and there is no solution found.
The future is uncertain for couples with the hope of getting married some time soon. As the restrictions of the lockdown are slowly being eased, there shall come a point whereby small ceremonies involving maybe five or fewer people may be allowed to take place.
Weddings will definitely not be the same for as long as we are still living with this global pandemic and there is no solution found. They will require very serious and unique planning, from inviting fewer guests to no kissing for the happy couple.
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Bernadette Chapman, director of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners shares a prediction of how couples could continue to wed but remain as safe as possible:
Outdoor venues
We now know the virus doesn’t spread outside as much as it does indoors, so there’s likely to be an increase in celebrant-led ceremonies at home in the garden, or in the gardens of wedding venues. “We’re anticipating couples having a legal ceremony prior to this with their witnesses,” explains Chapman.
Fewer guests
Chapman says if an outdoor wedding is not possible, couples will have to limit the number of guests. Large, indoor weddings are likely to be considered ‘a thing of the past’ until a permanent solution to the COVID-19 pandemic is found.
Chapman envisages that during the ceremony, rows will be spread further apart and families or households will be seated together. If couples choose to feed guests, it’s likely there’ll be fewer people seated at tables.
No hugs and kisses for the happy couple
It’s likely that there will be no time as “you may kiss the bride.” Chapman envisages there will being signage dotted around the venue reminding guests to adhere to social distancing and avoid hugging.
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A focus on hygiene
It might be the new norm for guests to wear face masks at weddings, and the couple of the day may provide them for every guest to wear. ‘They might even have specially-made wedding face masks,” Chapman said.
Additionally, expect to find hand sanitiser on tables and everywhere around the venue, encouraging people to keep their hands clean and germ-free.
Daytime entertainment
Traditionally, weddings lay on entertainment in the evenings, and regardless of culture or religion, dancing is often involved.
Chapman foresees a focus on increased entertainment during the daytime to encourage an alfresco feel to the wedding, dining outside, dancing on the lawn and roaming musicians. Also, capturing emotional moments like when the couple is hugging or kissing will have to take a break for now.
A different style of wedding photography
Photography plays a huge part in documenting a couple’s special day, however we might say goodbye to big group photos, where everyone gathers close to the newly-married couple.
Wedding photographer Simon Fazackarley, says much of it will depend on what the government suggests, as well as the scale of weddings moving forward. “There’s a possibility we’ll have to consider group photos within households and have spacing between other households within the same photo,” he says.
