UPDATED
I’ve been trying to work out how to write this post for a while.
Finally, I have bitten the bullet and made myself sit down and write it because I think its a discussion that needs to be had in a world trying to function whilst battling Covid-19.
I’m just going to jump in and say this. For the foreseeable future, Weddings have changed. Whilst I cannot speak for weddings everywhere, what I am going to talk about is weddings in the bubble I exist in, Tasmania.
I’m going to talk about how I see weddings happening in Tasmania, within the framework and restrictions that our State Government have provided us. I will make references to the Premiers recently released guide “Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania” or as its being known as, “The Roadmap”
I know that we would all love everything to go back to normal, and be able to have weddings the same as we have always done, but whilst this war against CV19 is being fought, that is unlikely to happen. I will go through some key points I think couples need to consider as I go, and reference them directly against “The Roadmap” and the Department of Health guidelines, but I will preface them with this, the statement the Premier has already made. Firstly, he has made it clear that Social Distancing is with us for quite some time yet, and that our states vulnerable population requires strong border controls, so travel restrictions and quarantine requirements are also likely to be in place for some time in some form or another.
So what exactly are the current and proposed rules that will impact weddings for the near future?
Social Distancing
Currently 1.5 metres. There have been no statements or indications given as to when this rule may be relaxed.
Gathering restrictions
Current restrictions for weddings (and restaurants/cafes as this applies to receptions)
Maximum 10 people at a wedding
Maximum 10 people per dining area, with 1 person per 4 square metres
Future Restrictions
From June 5th
1 person per 4 square metre rule still applies, but:
Up to 20 people for wedding ceremonies
Up to 40 people in a cafe or restaurant
From June 17th (subject to Public Health)(updated)
Up to 80 people gathered at indoor or outdoor venues for weddings (1 person per 4sq m rule applies indoors)
Travel Restrictions
Tasmania currently has strict border controls. All travellers arriving in Tasmania must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Residents may do so in their own residence, non-permanent residents currently do so at allocated quarantine locations. All information provided by the government has indicated that there is no timetable to relax this, it is not dependant on our case numbers here in Tasmania, but on interstate and overseas infection rates. Don’t plan on this changing soon, it could be with us well into 2021.
So what factors should couples consider when planning a wedding in 2020-2021?
Social Distancing- Expect the 1.5-metre rule to be in place for some time to come, and whilst it may be relaxed according to the gathering number restrictions, while this virus is out there with no vaccine, we need to practice good hygiene and encourage less physical contact. Plan weddings with lots of space for people to spread out. keep the hugging to those closest to you, and keep the group photos where everyone is jammed together to a minimum
Gathering restrictions- WIth the numbers given in our “Roadmap to Recovery”, you should be able to still have a fantastic wedding, but here is your excuse to cull those guests that you didn’t really want to invite. While outdoor number limits could likely be extended beyond the 80 person rule coming in on the 17th June, for indoor venues and receptions, the 1 person per 4 sq m rule is likely to be with us for a while. This means a large venue that is 12mx 30m has a limit of about 90 even when the 80 person limit is lifted, so plan for higher restrictions that you are likely to face.
Travel Restrictions- These are likely to be with us for a while. Plan to work within the current rules, and count it as a bonus if they get lifted… With a 14 day quarantine, it may not be practical to have guests travel from interstate. Send them an invitation to a Virtual/Online wedding, get a Zoom gathering or IG live set up and have some fun with that.
If your plan was to elope to Tasmania from Interstate, be careful making any plans for 2020. It’s highly unlikely that will happen. Maybe from January 2021, but give yourself options to reschedule.
How do I see weddings happening while the world fights against this epidemic?
Ultimately, a wedding is about sharing an important moment with the people that you love. Everything else is secondary to that. Weddings don’t need to be big, and flashy with 150 people having a lavish sit-down meal. I think we can actually get through this, with small, beautiful, intimate weddings. Staying within the gathering restrictions, we could have outdoor ceremonies in a wide-open space with 100 people, but then receptions with your nearest and dearest.
A couple of final thoughts.
Firstly, be flexible with the selected day. The industry has been hit hard, and many of us have pushed 6 months worth of weddings back to 2021, and our Saturdays are filling up fast. Consider a weekday wedding. Many vendors (myself included) are offering our couples discounts for weekday weddings, as it will enable us to look after old and new clients.
Secondly, understand that most of us vendors, whilst being hit hard ourselves, are also aware of the challenges you guys as clients are facing. Emotional, financial… its a tough time. I for one, have made it a point to talk to other vendors, to my existing clients, and to all my prospective clients over the last few months, about how this has hit them. With this in mind, I have totally restructured how I charge for weddings, to be as flexible as possible to meet my clients’ needs in this changed world.