The Wedding Industry is Back! (But Still Hurting).
As of this week, New York City, the city hardest hit with the Covid-19 pandemic, announced that they were back open for business. lifting the many restrictions that were limiting event gatherings. With that, we can say that weddings are officially BACK!
While wedding industry professionals might be some of the loudest folx shouting from the rooftops, on the insides… we are slightly screaming.
Over the last 16 months, a LOT has happened to our industry that will continue to affect weddings for a time to come, so while we are back… we are still hurting.
As you plan your 2021 wedding or event, I recommend keeping in mind the following- because while we all want to party and pretend the last year didn’t happen.. it did. indeed. happen.
STAFFING IS SHORT.
Until states lift the extended unemployment benefits, catering, venues, and anyone that needs to hire contractual staff will have a hard time getting staff to come back to work. And then, once those benefits have been lifted and folx are looking for work, it will be right smack dab in the middle of event season- so little time to recruit and train new team members. So plan ahead! If you know you want an extra bartender, give your teams ample time to find this staffing as the closer to the event. Or consider buffet instead of a plated meal, that requires less staffing.
Additional Pro Tip: For the staff that do work your events, now more than ever, show your love and appreciation for them by tipping!
COVID RESTRICTIONS/PTSD STILL APPLY
While the majority of regulations have been lifted, restrictions can still be applied on to specific venues or vendors based on their individual needs. Be patient and understanding. The pandemic has been traumatic and we all process trauma differently. Let your vendors wear their masks. Venues might need to take guest temperatures upon arrival. Don’t fight it. Be grateful that we can celebrate at all.
SUPPLIES ARE SCARCE.
With the 2020 postponements plus the influx of new engagements- 2021 is going to be the busiest wedding year yet. Not to mention on top of the pandemic, dramatic weather events throughout last year and delays in imports have limited the number of items coming into the US, especially in the floral market. So again, plan ahead! With your rentals, linens, and especially florals, if you want something, let your vendors know ASAP.
WE AREN’T CONDITIONED.
As soon as I was vaccinated, the first place I went back to is the gym. One, because I want arms like Michelle Obama, but also because the event industry is rigorous, back-breaking work. And for the last 16 months, we haven’t done any of it. My feet have to get calloused again and my body needs to remember what 16 hour days are like.
Along with being physically conditioned, we mentally and emotionally have been in a different place for 16 months. We haven’t had to answer questions about tipping or buffet timing through an entire year. So if we are a little slow on the uptake, forgive us. We haven’t ridden this bike in a while.
PATIENCE PLEASE.
The entire wedding industry is still teetering on the edge. To try to make it work for all our clients, and also keep a roof over our heads, we are needing to squeeze two year’s worth of weddings into one year. So yes, we have very very busy schedules. We might be responding to emails slower. We might be delayed in returning calls. But that does not mean that we do not care for you. We love you. We are not in this business for the profits- we are in it for the love and for the celebration. And after 2020, we want to love and celebrate as much as we freaking can. We want to celebrate every freaking couple and we want to create as many safe environments for people to gather and hug and dance as we can. We just ask for your patience- so we can indeed do this work- this work based in love- for every single one of you.
With that- on behalf of the whole industry- we thank you. Thank you for coming back. Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for keeping the party alive. Now let’s freaking get together!
Lauren Schaefer is the founder of The Get Together Events Co. your month-of wedding and events coordination company, offering affordable services and peace of mind to New York, Nashville, Chicago and beyond.
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