Well, where do I even start with how COVID-19 has turned our lives and the business of celebrating up-side down and brought our industry to a halt.
There has been daily updates, a bombardment of information and at times, mixed messages that have made it very hard for venues, restaurants and wedding vendors to be able to offer any certainty on what lies ahead.
CURRENTLY according to information on the NSW Government Health website; weddings can take place with the couple, celebrant, photographer and/or videographer and up to 10 guests. We call this a ‘Micro Wedding’, an intimate celebration of love and one that a number of couples are finding takes the stress and nerves out of all the anticipation of the lead up to a ‘Big Day’. Of course, if your dream is to walk down the aisle and have a big wedding then this is certainly no compensation and we recommend waiting; it is important that you do what feels right for you as a couple.
Intimate Wedding Ceremony | 2020
Another condition by NSW Government Health; “The relevant person for a wedding, funeral or memorial service or religious service must record the names and contact details (including contact telephone numbers) of all people attending and conducting the service. For indoor spaces, the relevant person is the occupier of the premises. For outdoor spaces, the relevant person is the occupier of the premises. These records must be kept for at least 4 weeks, and provided to the Chief Health Officer, if requested”
Our industry is in the business or making dreams come true and ensuring everyone is happy. So, naturally when the Government put a ban on gatherings and the 4 square meter rule came into play; we, venues and vendors tried to make the process of rescheduling as painless and seamless as possible. I worked with my couples to postpone and re-arrange vendors; all of whom were supportive in the moving of dates and deposits with no fees to be incurred by the couple. Our motto at Cloud 9 Events is to “be of service” and so naturally we align our business with those who share similar values which in-turn leads to better client support and communication.
Whilst this is a challenging time and there is uncertainly, one thing is for sure; we will be there on the other side, ready to talk and plan and get excited again when the restrictions have lifted.
MICRO WEDDINGS / ELOPEMENTS for couples wanting to go ahead with their wedding day we have created a package to offer all the elements that make up our styled ceremony packages but on a smaller and more intimate scale.
WHY SOME COUPLES ARE CHOOSING TO POSTPONE
They had overseas family and friends attending who can no longer travel
They have guest numbers over 100 and even if the 4 square meter rules comes back into play the capacity of the venue will be reduced and incidentally so too will guest numbers
Some family members and friends have expressed concern and are no longer keen to attend. Whilst we understand this would be challenging to hear, especially after you have been planning your wedding day for some time now; it is important to respect the decision of each individual we we navigate this situation.
They are concerned that social distancing and the 1.5m rule will impact the day they envisaged
IF YOU NEED TO POSTPONE below are a few steps
Talk to your venue manager and wedding planner (if you have one)
Work out your options; i.e are you willing to reduce numbers? if you postpone consider being flexible for a weekday to ensure all your vendors are available
Contact all your vendors to see what their policy is and to check a number of dates with them so that you can work out which date is going to work for all or most of your vendors
Let family and friends know of your decision
Take a breather and know that it will be worth it if you can truly party and have your wedding day as you envisaged it (just a little later) and it gives you extra time to book or research any other details / vendors that you didn’t have time to consider before.
Impact on Flowers
Covid-19 and the impact on the flower industry
IMPACT ON THE FLOWER INDUSTRY and how this could effect your wedding
The flower industry has been effected by unavailability of flowers due to the decreased number of cargo flights and other larger companies like Amazon having more buying power when it comes to buying the space.
According to a number of our florists flower prices at the Sydney Flower Market have gone up some 30-40%
Some suggestions
Talk to your florist
Be flexible on floral choice and consider flowers that are available locally
Consider colour of flowers as opposed to specific varieties of flowers; so you still get the overall tone and colour pallet but the flowers themselves may differ
Consider hiring in plants or ferns in the styling of a space or hanging plants from the ceiling as opposed to large floral arrangements (again if costs are up and your budget does not allow for this; we suggest getting creative)
REFERENCES
NSW Government Health https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/gathering-exemptions.aspx
