In a week where restrictions are tightening but weddings of up to 30 guests can still go ahead, there's quite alot of confusion on what is permissable in the wedding market. I've seen quite a few venues cancelling their upcoming wedding fairs and open days but despite this, Hartsfield Manor decided to still run their show yesterday, socially distanced of course!
It's been 6 months since I've exhibited at any show, so when the Wedding Manager emailed to invite me to be included I emailed back with my eager reply, I've done so much behind the scenes work in the last 6 months I couldn't wait to finally be back in front of newly engaged couples talking weddings again!
All of the suppliers had specific staggered arrival times for set up to reduce the entrance footfall and we were told in advance to have face coverings for the day as well as plenty of hand sanitiser should couples wish to take literature or browse through items on our stands.
The couples that attended had to book an appointment time in advance and were only allowed to bring 2 additional guests. They had 1.5 hour time slots to spend at the show and with a one way system in place a 2m distance could be maintained throughout.
Admittedly, it was quieter than pre-covid wedding shows but I really didn't care as Hartsfield Manor had put the safety of suppliers and guests first before revenue.
The venue looked amazing, Hartsfield Manor have clearly been busy in lockdown too and have created this lovely outside ceremony area which was beautifully dressed by Love and Light on this gorgeous sunny day.
Inside the guests could see the Restaurant fully dressed for a wedding in soft pinks with plenty of foliage and lots of floating candles.
The lounge was set up for a ceremony with gorgeous chair sashes and beautiful hanging wisteria canopy.
Delightful cake samples were available to taste from both Jeannettes Great Cakes and Gorgeous Gems Bakery. Beautiful photography work was displayed by Juliet Lemon Photography and guests had lots of fun on her Boomerang Photo Booth.
Boogie Nights talked to guests about wedding hosting and a whole array of other wedding services and DJ2K were exhibiting DJ's, event production and light up signs. In the piano bar, guests were entertained by the very talented Lance Jones on the piano and upstairs it was everything bridal including a bridal boutique by Bride by Aster, hair by Beckies Bridal Hair and makeup by Tania Claire. My beautiful handmade stationery was of course on show as well.
For venues wondering if a wedding show can be done in these restrictive times, well I can say with the right measures in place, yes they can! Lets support each other in these times to get the market moving again but correctly being Covid secure.
Thank you Hartsfield Manor for letting me exhibit at your show and I look forward to exhibiting at the next one very soon!