There is no denying that unfortunately, this is a very uncertain time for everybody, as COVID-19 has affected many countries across the globe. But what we need right now is positivity, hope and love, which you can easily spread by offering support to those in need. The wedding industry could most certainly use your help right now.
Given that in many countries, even small gatherings are now forbidden, the wedding industry has been badly hit by the effects of the virus. Couples have been forced to postpone their weddings, a stressful task as right now, the future is uncertain. As a consequence, wedding venues and suppliers across the world are unfortunately experiencing huge financial loss, in some cases so much so that their livelihoods are under threat. No one could prepare for such an unprecedented situation, and so the wedding industry needs your help.
If you are currently planning a wedding and you have already booked your vendors, or if you simply would like to help the community, in this article we propose to you a number of ways in which you can support small businesses within the wedding industry during this difficult situation.
photo by Alicia Sessler
1. Write reviews and spread the word
If you are already married, this is the perfect time to write a review for your favourite wedding vendors that helped to make your wedding a success! Furthermore, you could even share photos that exhibit their contribution to your wedding on social media, ensuring that you tag them. Many members of the wedding industry are using this stressful time to fuel their marketing strategies, and a little help from you would go a long way!
photo by Sergey Shilenok
2. Help your caterers and order food for delivery or collection
If you are running a little low on food, or would simply like to bring a little change and excitement to your daily routine, see if your favourite caterers are offering a take-away service! Plenty of caterers and cake bakeries are keeping their businesses alive by offering delicious meals and treats for delivery or collection, so you can simply choose your favourite from social media or, if you’ve already had your wedding, enjoy once more the flavours from your big day.
photo by Louise Scott
3. Help your photographer and relive your big day by purchasing some prints and albums
Once again, if you are already married you can be a great help to those who worked hard to make your wedding day so special. If you never found the time to order prints or wedding albums in the first place… Now’s your chance! Or, if you already own some of these precious prints, you can add to your collection or even buy some to send to your loved ones, to cheer them up and remind them of happier times. This is a great way to offer your photographer some extra income and it is also a great opportunity to decorate your home with your new wedding photographs, to remind you of the best day of your lives.
photo by Tanya Vasiliuk
4. Help your florist and purchase flower arrangements
Brighten up your life at home with some beautiful, colourful flowers! You could even buy some to send to your loved ones and bring a smile to their faces! If you have already had your wedding, support the florist who brought your dream bouquet and decorations to life, or if you are yet to get married, purchase from the florist who always catches your eye on social media. This is a wonderful way to offer financial help to your florist, help them to sell their stock and allow you to bring some extra colour to your home during this worrying time.
photo by Penkophoto, floral design by Aflorde
5. If possible, keep to the same payment schedule if your wedding has been postponed
As many weddings due to take place in the coming months have been postponed, many members of the wedding industry will find themselves out of pocket as they will not receive any payment for their services until things are up and running again. This will unfortunately have a serious impact on the future of many small businesses, as they struggle to make it through these difficult times.
We ask that you lend a hand if you know that you will still be needing a business’ services for your new wedding date. If you continue to follow your original payment schedule, you can help to keep small businesses alive by ensuring that they still receive some income. We are all in this together, and a gesture like this could save the livelihoods of many during this scary and unpredictable time. Your vendors will surely be extremely grateful!
Now you know how you can support small businesses within the wedding industry during this stressful situation. And of course, if you help us, we will help you to ensure that your new wedding date is the most magical day of your lives. If your wedding day falls in the middle of the hysteria of Covid-19, please do not hesitate to contact us at BlogforBride, and we will do all that we can to help.
We are all in this together!