Last month, as weddings started to be allowed again, it became apparent that the government decisions had all centred around venues. The needs of the many diverse businesses that make up the wedding industry were being ignored; most policies actively prevented them from working. The draft guidance for small receptions in England was so restrictive that no one from the industry would have supported the policy.
Why are we seeing more cancellations?
Over the past month, there has been a huge and concerning shift of opinion from couples. Instead of postponing their wedding, they are cancelling their original plans. We need to stop this happening to ensure a fast recovery for every sector of the wedding industry as soon as it is safe to have weddings again.
Couples in England know they can't have more than 30 in a wedding venue, but by cancelling their original plans, changing out of their dress and suit, not having any of the flowers and decor that make a marquee or venue look like a wedding and not having the photographer or videographer to record what goes on, they can celebrate with their family and friends.
Some are moving to pubs and restaurants for cut price deals and the prospect of a relaxed approach to guest numbers. Others are moving to marquees where their celebrations are less likely to be noticed.
Is there a better way to open?
In Northern Ireland, where infection rates are lower, careful and detailed guidance has been published by the Executive Office to allow COVID safe weddings to go ahead. The guidance includes the majority of suppliers and allows venues to open within sensible social distancing guidelines. This strategy keeps suppliers and guests safe, allows large weddings to happen in large COVID-secure venues and prevents couples from going "underground".Â
We need this strategy to be implemented across the rest of the UK, country by country when it is safe to do so. Until that time, we need financial support from the government to safeguard our businesses.Â
Putting pressure on the government
Insurers aren't helping
Insurers are working against couples by blocking sequel (or split) weddings which might have encouraged couples to still work with their original venue and suppliers with a small ceremony and meal now involving some of them in a limited capacity, and all of them when it is safe to do so.Â
Many insurers are preventing couples from postponing if their wedding is after 1st October in the hope that it could go ahead. Late postponements make it harder for them to find a date to postpone to that works for all their suppliers as well as their venue, so leads to more cancellations. We are working with insurers to highlight the issues they are inadvertently causing.
Postponement and cancellation policies
Most complaints being addressed by the CMA relate to venues, however a few relate to suppliers retaining deposits in the case of unavoidable cancellations. The CMA will be issuing guidance which may cover suppliers as well as venues. We want to ensure that the CMA has all the information they need to make informed decisions. If you haven't already, please complete this survey as soon as possible. Data will be completely anonymised and sent to them to find the right balance to ensure long term consumer confidence in our industry.
Celebrating great customer care
