The effects of the current Covid-19 pandemic can be felt around the world and no industry is unaffected. Weddings and the wedding industry has taken a massive hit and “wedding season” as we know it will probably never be the same again. Let’s take a closer look at some of the changes that can be expected at post Covid-19 weddings.
Delayed Receptions
Countless weddings have been affected by the current Covid-19 pandemic that we are facing. Many weddings have been cancelled and even more, have been delayed to later dates. Weddings that have been moved to later in the year are still in jeopardy given the uncertain times that we are currently facing.
Places of worship are scheduled to reopen soon in the majority of countries around Europe and the UK. With that being said wedding ceremonies will be possible, but it will be a while before big receptions can be held.
Couples that are eager to tie the knot can opt for a small intimate ceremony now and a delayed reception to celebrate their 1st anniversary or something along those lines.
Gifts & Tighter Budgets
Every little girl dreams of a big wedding when she grows up, however, big weddings are likely probably going to be a thing of the past under the new post Covid-19 normal. Not only will couples opt for smaller, intimate weddings to secure the safety of their guests, they will also be forced to do so as a result of financial reasons.
The global economy has taken a massive hit and millions of people have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. The lucky ones that haven’t been affected financially will also rethink a big, expensive wedding for a different reason. The Covid-19 pandemic has and will continue to change consumer behaviour, individual needs are changing, and moving forward people will have different priorities than before.
This uncertainty not only means weddings are likely to be smaller in the future but it could also change the type and amount of wedding gifts a couple is likely to receive. Is it still reasonable to assume that each and every gift will provide an individual gift? An alternative may see guests at any future and more intimate weddings pooling their money together for a more a gift that can be cherished for a lifetime rather than the standard household appliance.
If this is the case, timepieces such as the Omega Seamaster is still the perfect wedding present, but general wedding gift trends will definitely change in a post Covid-19 world.
This pandemic has placed the spotlight on the importance of family, friends, and the time that we get to spend together. Look out for post Covid-19 gifts to be more thoughtful than just a gift voucher or kitchenware.
Food & Drink
Catering at post Covid-19 weddings is yet another feature that will look different. Snack platters that float around among guests as they enjoy drinks will be a thing of the past. Sit down meals will be the norm and waiting staff are likely to sport a few new fashion accessories including masks and gloves.
Weddings are a celebration, and with celebrations come champagne and other alcoholic beverages. Alcohol and social distancing aren’t a good mix and low alcohol weddings will likely be the ‘new normal’ moving forward. Alternatively, breakfast weddings could also see a rise in popularity.
The world as we know, both in the UK and abroad, has changed forever and the Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t just changed the world that we live in, it has also changed us as individuals, our habits, and what we value most in life.