Since the lifting of self-isolation requirements in England on the 24th February 2022, many are relieved to be able to plan their weddings with total confidence as well as celebrate their special day fully with friends and family. However, for vulnerable individuals, the lifting of restrictions may be a worry, causing them to feel exposed and unprotected.
In a post-pandemic world, there is a need for venues, suppliers and couples to have their own measures in place where needed, in consideration of those who are vulnerable despite restrictions being lifted. It is also imperative that as an industry, we help vulnerable individuals planning their wedding to still have the day they want without risking or compromising their health.
So, how can businesses and couples work together in the post-covid world to help those who are vulnerable feel confident and safe at weddings? We spoke to numerous industry thought-leaders about covid safety and what measures can be put in place to protect those most at risk.
Wedding Venues
Image courtesy of Clevedon Hall
During restrictions, wedding venues became experts in running events in a covid secure way. Their endless risk assessments, hygiene standards and safety measures kept their guests and their teams safe throughout the pandemic.
It is important that couples communicate any concerns or requests with their wedding venue and suppliers. Let them know which individuals are vulnerable and discuss the measures that will be in place to protect them.
James Matthews led the way in covid safety at Clevedon Hall at the height of the pandemic and it is just as high on his team’s priority list now.
“Empathy was central to all our covid strategies at Clevedon Hall; this hasn't changed. The challenge we face now is understanding that while many are keen to party like it's 2019, the needs and feelings of vulnerable people do not melt away as Government restrictions do.
Image courtesy of Clevedon Hall
Our industry is focused on the people who we are lucky enough to work alongside and those we welcome through our doors each day. Creating a space where hospitality thrives together with a feeling of safety has never been more critical.
At Clevedon Hall, we have found that creating a culture of open communication coupled with simple yet effective safety measures has created a space where all under our roof can enjoy their time with us. Our guests don't all celebrate the same way; they never have. Our role simply has a few more layers of understanding than before, but centrally, it comes down to offering choice for all to enjoy the experience of Clevedon Hall in their own way.”
Wedding Planners
Image courtesy of Occasion Queens
A wedding planner would usually be the main point of contact for guests, so they really recognise the importance of specialist On-The-Day Coordinators. Professional on-the-day wedding coordinator, Nina Beer, who is heavily involved in the UK Weddings Taskforce and has supported dozens of couples in their post-covid weddings since July 2021, commented:
“We work at so many weddings in a year that we need to make sure that our team is as safe as possible, and as restrictions ease, we have to ensure that still happens. We are still doing everything we did before such as washing our hands, testing before each wedding and regularly using hand sanitiser. The small things that make a difference are subtle, in the background, and help to keep not just us, but you and your guests safe too.
We are finding that different venues have different policies on whether we should wear a mask and we are respectful of that, always making sure we fit in with their team too. Of course, if a couple has specific requests due to them or their guests being vulnerable, then we absolutely work with them to make sure they feel comfortable with us and everyone else on the day.
Image by Lewis Membery, courtesy of Occasion Queens
We have to remember that most weddings will have elderly grandparents and family members present who are still finding out what their own personal levels of comfort are within this new world we find ourselves in. I am very conscious that everyone needs to feel relaxed and as stress-free as possible on the day - after all that is exactly what we are there to bring!”
Entertainment, Music and Dancing
Entertainment, music and dancing are an important element for any wedding. Who doesn’t want to put on a good show for their guests? We spoke to Ben from Earcandy, whose bands perform at hundreds of weddings every year, about measures that can be taken to protect vulnerable couples and guests from a music and entertainment perspective.
“There needs to be a balance between providing a great show and being sensitive to the needs of guests who may be more vulnerable. For example, encouraging guests to sing along and interact may not be appropriate in circumstances where there are health concerns.
By using electronic drum kits rather than acoustic drum kits and employing a good sound engineer, you can help keep volume levels lower without affecting the quality - which will help discourage shouting and chanting. Couples could also consider entertainment that works well for more of a sophisticated 'sit down' performance which allows a really engaging experience without encouraging dancing. Ultimately, it comes down to the needs (and requests) of each couple individually.”
Bridal Wear and Close Contact Services
Image by David Bostock from Guides for Brides x Ellie Sanderson Styled Shoot.
The wedding professionals that need to work in close proximity to their clients, such as bridal boutique staff, make up artists and hair stylists, were quick to develop covid policies to protect their team as well as the couples and wedding parties they work closely with.
Ellie Sanderson, who has bridal boutiques in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire has made only minor adjustments to the policies that her clients found so reassuring at the height of the pandemic.
“Our approach to health and wellbeing as a business has probably changed forever now. We are still operating with our clients' wellbeing at the core of what we do, particularly our vulnerable clients.
For example, we will continue to sanitise the studio between appointments and my team will continue to wear masks during dress trying on appointments, although we will no longer insist our brides have to wear them unless they choose to.
Image by David Bostock from Guides for Brides x Ellie Sanderson Styled Shoot.
However, for the foreseeable future we are insisting that all our brides and their guests wear masks to their actual dress fittings to protect everyone. I think it is vitally important for us to be mindful at this delicate stage of their wedding timeline. We need to safeguard the health of our brides, our dressmaker and our team of stylists who work with many brides throughout the day.
To reassure brides, anyone on my team who tests positive will work from home. This is what we used to do with anyone in the team who had a common cold and has been our practice for many years prior to covid. Of course, we will continue to review all of our policies as the spring and summer approach.”
What can we do to protect our vulnerable guests?
So, we can be confident that the wedding pros will quietly continue to stay covid-safe, but what can you do to help? Here are some suggestions:
Sharing any Important Covid Policies with Guests
We’ve all got ‘sign-fatigue’ from so much covid safety signage, so if you have covid policies that are particularly important to you, share details with guests before the wedding and remind them on the day.
For example, Covid passports haven’t been legally required for weddings in the UK at any stage, yet many venues and couples found it reassuring for guests to know that everyone was either vaccinated or tested. Plus, with high street brands like Superdrug committing to providing affordable lateral flow tests (£1.99 per test) once these are no longer widely available, couples can feel confident that guests will comply with a testing policy if they choose to have one in place.
Software such as Trusted Trace allows couples to set their own policies, such as pre-arrival testing.
Safe Space
Provide a space with socially distanced seating where guests can go to escape the crowds. This is especially thoughtful for those who may not be comfortable mingling with others as freely as they did in the past.
Ensure the space is away from loud music so there is no need for guests to shout over the music, to further decrease the risk of transmission.
Ribbons and Wristbands
Throughout the pandemic, couples encouraged guests to communicate their comfort levels by wearing colourful wristbands and ribbons in a traffic-light system. This helped to identify who was happy with close contact (green) and who wanted to establish some boundaries (orange and red).
It was so useful to avoid awkward hug-dodging situations and meant guests didn’t need to explain themselves to others at the event. Your wristbands can be any colour combination you like, just make sure your guests know what each colour represents.
These wristbands from Etsy are a great example of a low cost solution.
Considering Individual Circumstances
It’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is different and therefore their needs will depend on individual circumstances. Couples will need to be mindful that venues and businesses have a responsibility to protect their teams and other couples as well as deliver an excellent wedding experience for them.
Equally, businesses will need to ensure that covid safety is a topic they bring up with their clients and help their couples to find solutions and measures that can be put in place to protect vulnerable people that won’t have a negative impact on the festivities.
Many of the points raised here from our professionals are about clear communication and respect between all involved in creating the perfect wedding. We encourage all to be open and respectful with each other as only then will fantastic, safe weddings be delivered!