Covid-19. Pandemic. Cancellations. No gatherings over 50.
It's been an absolutely crazy couple of weeks in the events and weddings industry. Never before have we seen this type of thing in the industry. The longer this goes, the more difficult it will make it once we get back to "normal".
If you've had to postpone your wedding in the Edmonton area, and will want to reschedule to a later date, including next year, venues are going to be FULL.
It's kind of a unique situation, but it gives us a chance to change up how we do weddings in Alberta, as well.
On an almost annual basis, we head to wedding/dj conventions in the USA. We get the chance to talk to, listen to, and learn from some huge wedding industry professionals there. One thing has always stood out for me, from a number of regions in the States...the length of their weddings.
Here, a wedding is an all-day thing. Ceremony at 1 or 2 PM, a 2-3 hour break, then a reception starting at 5PM, and typically lasting until 1AM. That's an always fun, but exhausting, 12 hour day from start to finish...and that doesn't even include the hair & makeup, etc, etc, etc necessary to put such an event together.
So, we could try shorter weddings! And, have two per venue, per day. Think about it! Your wedding ceremony is at 11am, feed people lunch/brunch at Noon. Toasts happen from 12:30-1 until 1:30-2, and you dance until 5PM. The next wedding, in the same spot, starts at 6-7PM for the ceremony, dinner at 7-8PM, and dancing until Midnight-1AM. Now, you've packed a whole lot of party into a shorter span, giving you (depending on which wedding you have, the early or later) a couple of things:
1. More time to enjoy each other as a couple on your big day.
2. More time to prep yourselves for the event (which, really, is all about joining together!)
3. More of a chance to get the date you REALLY want to get married on.
4. A different type of meal experience (it doesn't always have to be traditional dinner!)
5. Even more of a chance to visit with friends or family that have come from far away to celebrate with you, without the rush of a whirlwind wedding day getting in your path.
This is how it's done in many regions of the US. Maybe it's time we pick up on that tradition and start working it into our area. It would certainly help people get the venues they want, on the days they want, have a great, memorable party, and something awesome to remember for the rest of your lives together.
Give it some thought. I, personally, think it would be a great way to celebrate your love and devotion!
