THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON WEDDINGS WORLD WIDE HAS BEEN DEVASTATING
I am seeing and hearing lots of inspiring examples of how the wedding industry is showing incredible flexibility and resilience, with many stories of collaboration, support, unity and LOVE.
I understand and appreciate the difficulties endured by everyone expecting to have their wedding in the Spring or Summer of this year. The wedding industry has made a herculean effort to accommodate their new requirements. No two weddings are the same and every couple has been impacted differently by the effects of the global pandemic.
It is not easy to accept that the day you have spent months (if not years) planning has had to be rearranged under extremely uncertain circumstances. But all is not lost. There are many ways to mark your original wedding date in a positive, memorable way, even under the current constraints.
I have been genuinely touched by some of the ways couples whose weddings I have planned are choosing to celebrate what would have been their perfect day.
THE WEDDING INDUSTRY HAS FEELINGS TOO
After reaching out to some of the suppliers involved in the weddings I have rearranged to establish how they are coping, I have been absolutely blown away by their responses. I pride myself on only recommending the very best wedding industry suppliers and these thoughtful, kind, and caring gestures speak volumes about the extent to which these suppliers care.
If the prospect of your original wedding date passing during lockdown stirs up a Tsumani of feelings and a whirlwind of emotions, I am sure you will find a little bit of comfort in this article.
Penelope Jane is an Independent Celebrant based in Yorkshire, where she creates bespoke wedding ceremonies for couples who want to put themselves at the very heart of their celebration.
“I feel compelled to send a token of my love and support to couples whose ceremonies I have written but are currently on hold. I pride myself on getting to know the couples whose ceremonies I’m writing. They often share personal information with me (which I am privileged to receive) to ensure the ceremony truly resonates with them. In one particular ceremony I was due to deliver recently, we were planning to incorporate an Oathing stone ritual.
In ancient times, long before wedding rings could be forged from metal, saying your vows while holding on to a stone was believed to be a very symbolic and special thing to do. You often hear people say ‘you are my rock.’ Maybe this is where that expression originates. A rock or stone is a sign of strength, stability and endurance. You can see why it would be symbolic in a wedding ceremony where a couple is making life-long pledges to each other.
For this particular couple, I searched my local beach here in East Yorkshire for a Hag stone. Often found along the seashore, Hag stones possess a natural hole created by the action of running or moving water. They are said to be an amazing protection amulet. Legend has it that they offer protection against many things including curses, sickness and nightmares. A Hag stone was the perfect memento to send, just to let the couple know I was thinking of them on what would have been their wedding day.”
Catherine Broadhead owns and operates Raspberry Toast, and is renowned for creating beautiful wedding stationery from her design studio in Cheshire.
Besides offering to design postponement notices entirely free of charge for her clients, who were very receptive to and touched by this kind gesture, Cath wanted to reach out to them again in some small, thoughtful way.
“I know that lots of couples write and give letters and cards to express their feelings to each other on their wedding day. Although the wedding may not be taking place on the day it was initially planned, the date will always be special.
I really want to help couples who have been forced to alter their wedding plans and have created a ‘Little Love Note’ pack. Each pack contains two individual love notes with envelopes for the couple to use to write something significant to each other. Their notes can then be retained as a memento. A special keepsake.”
Grace Eva creates beautiful wedding and celebration cakes, baked (with love) in Yorkshire.
Having experienced the trauma and disappointment associated with postponing her own wedding, Grace has designed a sweet gesture and is sending a very pretty handmade biscuit box to each of her clients whose wedding cake orders have been put on hold for the time being.
NINE WAYS TO CELEBRATE YOUR ORIGINAL WEDDING DATE AT HOME
- Write meaningful notes to each other, perhaps exchanging promises ‘until we say I do’. Feel free to Contact Raspberry Toast for a ‘Little Love Note’ pack.
- Crack open a bottle of fizz and celebrate the moment, when you would have been saying ‘I do.’
- Listen to the soundtrack of your wedding day, If you are still in need of a little inspiration, here’s a perfect wedding day play-list by DJ Mark Green.
- Shake your signature cocktails, and invite close friends and family members to a virtual drinks party.
- Arrange a photo-shoot with your Wedding Photographer, (socially distanced, of course).
- Cook and eat your wedding breakfast.
- Order a bouquet containing your wedding flowers or burn a scented candle to emulate your favourite floral scent.
- Order a cake box containing samples of the flavours which would have been in your wedding cake.
- Dance! Practise your first dance steps at home.
I AM HERE TO HELP
For many people, wedding planning is a stressful undertaking, even at the best of times.
You need to have a high tolerance to stressful situations to be able to cope with the impact of a global pandemic in the midst of your wedding plans. It will almost certainly diminish your resilience and optimism. With this in mind, I would like to offer an hour of my time to any couple needing advice or guidance. This offer comes with absolutely no obligation and is entirely free of charge. Whatever stage of the wedding planning process you are at and whatever you choose to devote the time to is up to you. I am happy to share my wedding planning knowledge and experience with couples who would appreciate some support during these challenging times.
You are welcome to call me on 07561 107888 or e-mail helen@withhelendavies.com. I am here to help.
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