Your London Wedding - Page number 92 - September/October 2021 (Issue 79)

HOT TOPIC: Looking ahead Following the last 18months, how has the wedding industry changed? Our local suppliers, experts in their field, give us the lowdown... ENTERTAINMENT After the past 18 months, it seems like 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. Couple’s 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 through out 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 their music preferences, schedule and logistics. Dessie Poleon | Musician, producer Musicians League Ltd, Blue Lion Band www.bluelionband.co.uk CATERING As always, the attention to detail is key, especially when it comes to smaller, micro weddings. We’ve found that our wedding couples have more budget to play with when planning a smaller scale wedding allowing for beautiful, personalised touches for table styling and stationery. Think statement velvet bows with embroidered guest initials for place names, personalised guest poems, handmade side plates with the wedding crest or stunning linen, plates and glassware which really add the wow factor. Eliza Marks | Senior events planner Social Pantry LTD | www.socialpantry.co.uk https://hamishirvine.com 92