Covid-19 has taught us a number of things, and possibly changed forever the way we celebrate. It has definitely taught us that we don't necessarily have to have a crowd in order to have a good time, and that people don't have to be physically present in order to join the party. Although Covid-19 now seems to be well under control (is it too early to say 'eliminated'?!) - at least in Australia and New Zealand - during the months of lockdowns and restrictions on the sizes of gatherings we have all had to re-think how to 'meet up' with our friends and families in creative ways. For example, I've learned how to enjoy Friday-night-drinks-with-mates without having to leave my desk, thanks to Zoom. And I think I'm appreciating more the quality time with friends and family now that I can't see them as often, or in large groups.
In the initial stages of Covid-19 most couples were simply postponing their weddings but as the realities of isolation and restrictions set in we all began to think of new and creative ways to celebrate with a smaller group. I personally think it will change forever the way we do weddings, and definitely for the better. Here are just some of my initial observations:
In the initial stages of Covid-19 most couples were simply postponing their weddings but as the realities of isolation and restrictions set in we all began to think of new and creative ways to celebrate with a smaller group. I personally think it will change forever the way we do weddings, and definitely for the better. Here are just some of my initial observations:
- Live-streaming weddings is becoming much more common, whether you engage a professional or simply use smart phones. In fact, it's enabling couples to share their special day with even more people than they would have envisaged pre-Covid. For example, I recently 'attended' a friends wedding in the USA, from the comfort of my own home, without the expense of travelling thousands of kilometres.
- Celebrations are becoming less formal, and the actual ceremony for the exchange of vows is sometimes being incorporated into a single event rather than standing alone and separated from the reception. For example, imagine arriving at a friend's home, enjoying canapes and conversation with other guests as someone fires up the barbeque. The main topic of conversation is how the hosts met and the major steps in the journey which brought them to this moment. Then, just before the meal is ready to serve one of the guests (who is an authorised marriage celebrant) says a few words and invites the couple to make their vows to each other. The celebrant declares them to be married, and lunch is served! Toasts are made, all the guests contribute their stories and best wishes, gifts are opened, there is a huge amount of laughing, and everyone remembers the day as one of the best ever!
- Another bonus of smaller, less formal weddings is the massive savings. Lunch in a restaurant, or a backyard barbeque, can be just as special as a reception in a hugely expensive function venue. Imagine putting those savings towards some backyard landscaping or improvements to the house which will last much longer than the few hours of the reception, or towards a holiday or something which will make a big difference to your lives. But it's not just about savings - with smaller weddings you can re-direct your funds to things which are more important to you and improving the quality of the occasion. With less people you may now be able to afford a videographer to capture the memories, or a DJ, or some really nice food and drinks. Think about what you really want and not what you think is expected.
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