As countless couples have had to reconsider their plans due to Covid, many weddings have been postponed until next year but for some people, they’ve waited long enough.
Current guidelines advise that weddings should be kept as short as reasonably possible and that no more than thirty people should attend, where this can be safely accommodated with social distancing, in a Covid-secure venue.
As the thirty is to include the couple, their guests and other suppliers such as photographers (not including venues staff or third-party catering staff), and any celebrations after the ceremony should follow the social distancing guidance of involving a maximum of two households indoors or up to six people from different households outdoors, it’s no surprise that couples are wondering how to include people who would otherwise have been there in person.
And so, innovative venues and savvy couples are introducing a virtual element to the proceedings which enables family, friends and loved ones to participate in the festivities wherever they may be, by simply clicking on a link.
For example, many venues are curating standard or personalised packages that can include a beautifully prepared room for attendees, an officiant, a photographer, a toast, cake and a night at the venue, plus a teleconference service using strategically placed cameras for virtual guests to participate from start to finish.
As the future of Covid remains uncertain, people may be less inclined to wait out the virus before tying the knot. Instead they are accepting smaller-scale weddings and finding innovative, virtual ways to celebrate and make special what is still the happiest day of their lives.
