An Essex Wedding - Page number 100 - September/October 2021 (Issue 100)

FASHION Obviously the effects of the pandemic had a huge impact on the millinery industry, with many milliners diversifying their businesses and returning to home studios to avoid overheads. Since the return of weddings Victoria Charles Headpieces has seen a huge increase in orders from wedding guests. Traditionally the core business had been mother-of-the-bride and -groom and racing attendees; however, in recent months wedding guests have been opting for more dramatic hats and headpieces. This certainly seems to be a sign of the times, clients are using every opportunity to dress to impress! During the pandemic, I also made masks which have become popular for bridesmaids and the wedding party for those that may still feel cautious even after restrictions have lifted. Victoria Carson, accessories designer Victoria Charles Headpieces www.victoriacharlesheadpieces.com ENTERTAINMENT After the past 18 months, it seems people were desperate to be back with their loved ones to have a celebration. This has made us feel welcomed every time we’ve recently performed at a wedding, like everyone’s been missing us and the band has come to bring the party. After the pandemic, I expect to see an increase in bookings and weekends filling up quickly as there will be no restrictions and everyone will be ready to celebrate once again. Couples’ priorities have changed and varied as people were affected differently by the pandemic. You have those clients who are now trying to cut down on their band sizes due to change in venues, or perhaps even income, and on the other hand some people are increasing their band size and adding more live music throughout the day for their drinks reception and ceremony. This could be due to increased budgets through saving during lockdown or because the last 18months have made them want to celebrate bigger and better ‒ we’re looking forward to being a part of some amazing parties! We have a very easy online system where clients can start planning their event with us. This means that throughout the pandemic, most clients who postponed had good time to get it all in order. When we do our final call before the event, it’s usually very easy as everything is already prepared for us. This includes music preferences, schedule and logistics. Dessie Poleon, musician, producer Musicians League Ltd, Blue Lion Band www.bluelionband.co.uk CEREMONIES There has been a fair degree of positive change for celebrants post-pandemic, and it’s certainly an exciting time for couples and celebrants. The demand for celebrants has increased not only because of the backlog of postponed weddings, but more importantly, couples want to celebrate differently. They really want to share their celebration with family and friends in creative and fun ways, having been through so much and waited so long they really want to go to town on their wedding. Regardless of whether they have previously had their legal registry office ceremony, many want something more special, personalised and to share their vows with as many people as possible. I tend to get requests for more hybrid ceremonies with a mix of modern and traditional aspects, and it’s a pleasure to create something different for each couple. There’s also more of an emphasis of involving family members within the ceremony and, for some, honouring those they have sadly lost. Celebrants solve many new dilemmas caused by the pandemic, for example couples who married abroad pre-covid and had to cancel their UK-based celebration now want a special celebration created just for them, which may or may not involve vows and ring exchanges given the time that has passed from their original date. Some couples who legally married during lockdown in a small ceremony have since had children, so I’m creating a new ceremony which combines a wedding and a baby naming! It’s certainly an exciting time and couples are embracing the flexibility and freedom that ceremonies without limits can give them. I hope that the recent changes in marriage laws continue, so that the government passes legislation supported by the wedding commission, that allows celebrants to perform legal weddings. Amanda Wheal, celebrant Amanda’s Beautiful Ceremonies | www.amandasceremonies.com https://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk https://hamishirvine.com 100