What will 2021 look like?
If only we had a crystal ball… We’ve got the next best thing: a group of amazing suppliers that are prepared for every eventuality and who want you to have a joyous planning and wedding experience.
A few weeks ago we got together with some industry experts; Margherita and Hannah and discussed the year ahead.
The key take aways are -
Find a way to be at peace with the fact that weddings won’t be ‘normal’ and there will be some sort of restrictions in place. Plan for these now and you’ll be able to have a really enjoyable wedding (see more on these restrictions below in point 5).
Expect less guests. Some guests are unlikely to want to travel even with the vaccine.
Suppliers are extremely well prepared. The Italian government have been really clear on the rules for 2020 events and we expect the same in 2021. This allows suppliers to adapt and deliver safe and exceptional services.
Suppliers are taking a hit and absorbing costs. The catering for example have had to change processes, the way they serve food, the way they clean and the sizes of their teams. This is not reflected in the price they charge and they are honouring contracts already in place.
Restrictions we expect to see are:
a. Wedding size dictated by size of venue. This won’t be an issue with outdoor weddings (the main plus of Italian weddings!) but indoor spaces may be an issue and couples may need to consider a tent / additional toilet facilities.
b. Spacing of tables. Perhaps sitting in family groups rather than long imperial tables.
c. Masks worn by catering and potentially other staff.
What makes all of this so difficult is that so many things remain uncertain and likely will do, right up to the wedding season. So, what can you do to stay calm and enjoy the lead up to your wedding?
Decide your non-negotiables. If a certain size of wedding and guest list can make it, will you go ahead? Or is that just not what you’d dreamt of…? Work out what you can and can’t move forward with and when the time comes to decide, it’ll be an easier process.
Decide a deadline for decision making. That could be whether to reschedule, make big changes to plans, downsize or to buckle down and go for it…. We’d suggest this could be dictated by when your major payments are due for your wedding (likely 3 months before).
Adapt your wedding to suit the likely restrictions now. Create a wedding inside of the restrictions of spacing and size and you’ll likely get the wedding you have imagined, without any major last minute changes and feeling like your wedding isn’t what you imagined.
Send your invites out now! Make sure guests know you’re going ahead and get clear RSVPs before your decision date so that you’re as informed as possible when making that decision.
We know this is impossibly hard and we see every single one of you that’s dealing with this. We’re here to help where we can - you can email us at lucy@wiskowandwhite.com or join our facebook group set up to support couples in your position. We’ll update the group with any changes to regulations and advice from our expert supplier team on what to consider.
Wiskow & White couples, you know we’re always here for you, trying to stay ahead with our thinking and be as prepared as possible to support you. We’re always an email away.
L&D
