Europe, the dream destination from couples around the globe is gradually prepping to open up, uplifting the hopes of betrothed couples for 2021. Many European countries are opening their borders and flights and hotels are also reopening now. With countries like Greece, Georgia, Romania and Portugal acknowledged in the international media for their prompt actions against fighting COVID-19, we can see the bright light indicating the end of dark days for the wedding industry. But there is still much clarity the wedding industry needs from governments across different countries. Let’s deep dive into what is happening currently in different parts of Europe and the UK & Russia.
Europe
What is happening?
Limited gatherings
“In France, there is no precise regulation at the moment, regarding the wedding. Town halls can celebrate weddings depending room’s capacity (sic) and for a wedding reception, caterers/venues have to follow restaurant restrictions. Meaning a maximum of 10 guests per table (the same family, now mix between the guests) with a physical distance of 1m at least between seats and tables, and no party allowed.” Says Muriel Saldalamacchia from The International Wedding-Planner
In Ireland, things are moving step by step. Olivia Buckley from Olivia Buckley International, Ireland says “The Irish government recently announced a revised version of Phase-3 plan to open up for gatherings including weddings. Unfortunately, due to the increase in the R-value of Covid-19, the government has decided not to allow larger gatherings of up to 100 people to take place until at least August 10th. A further announcement is expected on this date. Subject to public health guidance and social distancing measures, the current guidelines allow for gatherings of up to 50 people indoors and 200 people outdoors.”
“For now, weddings are authorized normally for people within the territory. No restrictions on numbers of guests, or physical distance to respect. But working as a destination wedding photographer, it’s quite impossible to work abroad, or people from abroad to come to France without doing 14 days lockdown. For those working only locally, everything is fine.” Adds Beatrice de Guigne from The Quirky.
“In Paris, we are supposed to limit private gathering sizes, and in public, closed spaces, always wear masks. Palace level hotels are closed until September, and corporate events are forbidden until September as well in Paris. The rules are not 100% clear, as weddings are happening in the South of France, but venues and caterers are remaining closed in the Paris region. Europe is not accepting American tourists at this time, and each country seems to have its own rules about allowing tourists in. Paris has been extremely empty since March.” Says Heather Jerue from Rendez-vous in Paris, France
“Weddings are resuming, but the venue can only occupy 50% of the capacity + most people are doing 20-50 guest lists.” Highlights Savannah Lopes from The Lopes Photography, Portugal
“All destinations weddings on hold. All our weddings are postponed until next year. We are seeing requests for micro weddings for 2021 and 2022. We had absolutely no financial support that covered destination weddings per se, however, we had our local government support in covering part of employee wages till September 2020.” Tells Marvik Borg from Malta Event Design, Malta
Gradual reopening
“We can do a wedding since June 15 with the following limitations:
The social distancing of 1 meter among guests who are subject to distancing ( no family members)
Must wear face masks unless when seated at the table
The buffet is allowed only if the waiter will serve the food to each guest
music is allowed but the allowance to dance changes from region to region of Italy.” Tells Alessia Santa from White Emotions, Italy
Greece imposed a lockdown early in its coronavirus outbreak, a move credited with fabulous measures by country’s government. Greece is taking steps to welcome more visitors in time for the summer season and weddings. Starting June 15, international flights are allowed. No quarantine measures or mandatory testing which makes the whole process easy.
“There are just a few weddings – because of the strict rules. The couples are afraid to book for 2021 and so it’s getting more and more difficult to survive.” Says Svenja Schrik, Press Speaker Bund deutscher Hochzeitsplaner from Germany
“Weddings and social gatherings in Ukraine are prohibited for more than 10 people, and all the entertaining events must be finished till 11 pm. Quarantine in some way will probably be prolonged till August, 31st. The borders with the most part of EU countries are closed for our citizens till July, 31st. Local wedding businesses operating within Ukraine are suffering, and destination wedding businesses are suffering the most. We did not get any help from the government at all.” Adds Daroa Vlasenko from Daria Vlasenko Weddings, Ukraine
What can be done?
Government Aid
Businesses need to survive somehow. And a small help from the government can help them sail through. “Due to the COVID-19 emergency we lose more than 70% of our profit and due to the restrictions we have to face more costs but we would like to maintain a high service level, we believe in our work and we hope the government can find the way to help us. The main problem of the Italian wedding market operators is that we don’t have an association, we don’t have a group, we are just small companies without a common voice. For that reason, the government has difficulties to find the right way to support us. Individual operators should also demonstrate a greater desire for cooperation, in my opinion, this is the best way to overcome this period.” Tells Barbara Colombo from Sinfonia Weddings, Italy
“Ideally, it would lovely to have more information and guidance from the government/tourism authorities so we can plan for events for 2021. We really appreciate and understand that this is a very uncertain and anxious time for couples who are in the process of planning their wedding. As we are all working through unprecedented challenges and adapting to a new way of working within the industry, the most important thing to remember is that we all need to work together across all sectors to adhere to the current HSE guidelines. We will continue to find the most appropriate solutions for our wonderful clients and work together so life can continue in the most positive way possible in this difficult situation.” Adds Olivia Buckley from Olivia Buckley International, Ireland
One of the complex challenges which destination wedding professionals are facing post-COVID-19 is the uncertainty of not only their home country rules but of the destination country where they are planning to organize the event. As highlighted by Cynthia Nicholson from Chateau Challain Events, France “If borders remain closed this industry needs financial help. Many venues have ways to be safe. But overall we are ready to do whatever is needed.”
“80% of the touristic attractions are located in Italy. 60% of the most beautiful welcoming venues are located in Italy. The touristic biz is bringing income to the fashion industry and any other activities connected to people’s mobility with travelers from 17 different countries not allowed to travel to Italy among them US, Russia, Emirates, Italian entire economy will collapse in 2 years with the loss of all jobs (from the lower to the higher professionality). limiting the travel and activities and at the same time isolating Italian tourism has been the most dramatic issue.” Adds Rossana Sapori from The Knot In Italy
Communication is the key!
Communication is the key as pointed out by Muriel Saldalmacchia from The International Wedding Planner, France “They need to listen to the people, the exact professionals who create billions of incomes. A wedding is not a simple affair that can be postponed (heard by one of the secretaries of our Prime minister – we have the discussion registered!). They have absolutely no clue about our business or our jobs. They might think it’s only a champagne affair. They suck (sorry!) Tourism boards are great 8 they do a maximum of communication, even if in France (compare to Italy where I organize weddings 50/50 with France) there is no specific wedding tourism board. Finally: Media. The worst professional who betrayed our convictions, who gave a bad vision of our situation. Wedding vendors are bad people not refunding the clients. Well, so many many many things to relate to! We need to be heard, listened, and took into consideration. We are doers. We are strong. We create jobs, dreams, and a better world. More than ever, our authorities need to respect us.”
Adding to the similar sentiments by Sarah Young from Sarah Young Luxury Weddings & Events from Malta says “We need to bring back confidence into destination weddings worldwide. Couples still do not feel safe to confirm a wedding overseas at present.”
Stick to the rules
“Do not change the recommendations every time, please. Impose the rules and do not change them. My weddings were canceled and now rescheduled. And now they are obligated to wear a mask. So of my couples are thinking to report their D-DAY one more time.” Further adds Alison from Alison BOUNCE Photography
The undeniable reliance of wedding industry on tourism
“The wedding and the destination wedding industry are part of the events and tourism industry and the importance of this sector is underestimated in Italy. We will need to be supported by our government at least with a special tax regulation that will let us survive this year. Together we are stronger!” Beautifully sums up Sabrina Gambato from Ti Amo Ti Sposo Weddings, Italy
“What wedding planners really lack is a clear understanding of rules and regulations on making banquets: how many guests are allowed, can we make outdoor events if indoor banquets are prohibited, who is responsible for all losses if the client cancels the wedding due to new government announcements.” Adds Varvara Peregudova from BM Weddings & Events, Russia
Outdoor weddings
A great option to maintain social distance! “Weddings indoors are dangerous right now. Even for less guests. Weddings outdoors should be allowed with some precautions. The main issue here is what happens once guests have drunk alcohol and forget about the restrictions. We think it´s better to do things right in order to have “normal” weddings starting in 2021. Sorry for the 2020 couples although we need to think big and for everybody´s good health.” Suggests José Levy from Spain for Weddings
United Kingdom
What is happening?
Safety measures take the front seat in the UK
Hygiene is one of the most important trends for wedding post-COVID. “Weddings can go ahead, but wedding receptions, which is ultimately what we as business rely on are still on hold as guest numbers are very limited. Some kind of certainty is required for people to be able to start planning their weddings. The whole process takes on average 12 months. If people could receive some kind of communication giving them the confidence to book ahead this would be a great help.” Points Jared Lewis from Imagine DIY from the UK
“Many of my brides have postponed their weddings to next year. But are bewildered as they could only have 30 people at their wedding and not their dad s walking them down the aisle etc but yet they can socialize with their friends and sit in a restaurant or pub? We all have to wear masks in our stores which ruin the entire experience and look as masks and wedding dresses just do not go! But you could sit in a taxi without a mask? And Socialise with strangers. It is far better for social distance to only allow one person with your bride and not wear masks!” Points Louise Greenwood from Bride By Swarbricks, UK
What can be done?
Let’s work together towards a better future!
“We need a plan! We need a timeline that we as planners and creative partners can plan towards. Couples are postponing or canceling with no idea when they can even consider celebrating. Every other industry is being encouraged to open and people are encouraged to get out and get back to life and support the economy. As a wedding planner, we have ideas and want to be part of the solution. We want to create a safe environment for everyone in our industry. We want to get back to work and generate revenue for this wonderfully creative industry of ours.” Sums up Bruce Russell from the UK
As solving a huge problem requires collective efforts from all the members, Charlotte Aitken from Albion Parties, UK highlights the importance of mutual understanding and communication.”Trust us to organize weddings in a safe environment, by working with the industry to create a framework that makes everyone feel safe at a gathering. We understand the dangers of bringing people together in one place, but that doesn’t mean we can’t shape a new way forward of how weddings can be. It’s important to understand there is the fundamental human need to share love, and in households around the world during lockdown people were unable to be with the most important people in their lives. Celebrating love and life with weddings and parties is an expression of what it is to be human. The world isn’t going to go back to where it was before, and therefore we need governments to let us put together a new way of celebrating weddings where people can feel emotionally connected with their friends and family, whilst also feeling safe. Coronavirus isn’t going away, so rather than banning celebrations, we must be allowed to develop new ways of bringing people together to celebrate love and life.”
Feature Image Credit: @benjaminwheeler
