Since the UK lockdown in March 2020 the event industry has been closed. We’ve had no real idea when it could get back to normal… or even the ‘new normal’ that keeps being spoken about!

Events were a clear risk at the beginning of the UK Coronavirus breakout, and it was understandable that we all retreated and took time to help slow the spread of the virus and protect the NHS.

2020 has certainly thrown a spanner in the works of the wedding world. Business here is far from being as usual. The events industry has been paused and that’s given us an unplanned rest and some challenges, too.

The wedding season is currently on hold and brides and grooms across the country are waiting (as we are) for news on when small events and indeed larger gatherings can take place again.

Hoping to get married in 2020? Here are some plans and thoughts to put in place now to help you steer through these rocky waters…

On July 17th 2020, Boris Johnson finally announced that COVID secure wedding receptions for up to 30 people can take place from 1 August. In his update he said, "We will also allow wedding receptions for up to 30 people. All of these measures for 1 August should be done in a Covid Secure way."

Furthermore he hinted that weddings of slightly larger sizes are on the return from October 1st, with news of larger venues also opening up. In addition, close contact businesses like beauticians will also be opening up, too!

And then from November there is the possibility that we'll have more of a return to normality. Find the full Downing Street update here.

As we write this, we’re looking at a quiet summer for the event and wedding equipment hire industry. The Coronavirus has had a huge impact on almost every aspect of life and business. We don’t wish to be all “woe is us” - far from it - but the events industry has certainly been all but temporarily closed down while we’re under lockdown.

Many events have been postponed, but some will have been cancelled from the 2020 calendar altogether which is a massive shame for all involved. Some can’t be cancelled though, and although we’re hearing tongue-in-cheek predictions about higher divorce rates due to lockdown, some weddings that were due to happen in spring/summer will be postponed and this could well lead for a busy autumn/winter wedding season.

John Lewis published research findings in a 2019 press release which highlighted some very interesting changes towards barn weddings and weddings in the countryside as an alternative to traditional hotels. DIY weddings are on the up!

Aside from the usual drinks like champagne, wine, and beer though, many couples opt for cocktails, even at the reception. Cocktails have come back into favour and, just like Prosecco, they’re often more popular with guests, and more cost-effective for the hosts, so they really are a win/win.