Cornwall Wedding Planner: Will the Coronavirus have an impact on my wedding? 5 reasons an outdoor/marquee wedding could be a better option.

Cornwall Wedding Planner Caroline Griffiths talks about the impact of Covid-19.

Planning a wedding is a big enough job at the best of times but in the middle of a global pandemic? You, along with many couples are probably in a complete logistical turmoil! As the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus is felt by everyone and the government closed wedding venues, many are experiencing their wedding to be postponed or cancelled until next year and beyond. There is no denying the Coronavirus is having a huge impact on the world, economy and wellbeing of society so it’s totally natural to be concerned about your wedding plans.

Weddings were taking place in early March when ‘social distancing’ had already been introduced. Most June and July weddings have already been postponed. With the announcement that social distancing measures will be in place for a considerable time beyond 4th July, couples with weddings later this year, as well as venues and suppliers, are facing a new reality and are uncertain how weddings will operate with the new social distancing guidelines. No venue wants to put anyone at unnecessary risk and your venue won’t open until they are happy that they have all the measures in place to keep you, your guests, and their team as safe as is reasonable. Once they know they can do that legally and safely, they will be keen on your wedding to go ahead and will work with you to make any adjustments needed. 

With this in mind, now might be a great time to consider an outdoor, tipi or marquee wedding, as you can have greater control of the environment around you and your wedding. Marquees can of course, be erected in a variety of locations, including your own garden if you have space! Even if you have your venue sorted, the effects of Coronavirus certainly highlights the lack of control you can have when it comes to your own wedding so marquee and outdoor weddings are definitely going to be a popular choice for many.

Having the flexibility to change location if needed is always a good backup, especially when Coronavirus could start to have an effect of venues and their ability to remain open. For example reducing the guest numbers, moving to a larger function room, having more outdoor focus or adding a marquee extension.

Coronavirus aside, marquee weddings have always been a fantastic way to celebrate with little restrictions so if you are planning an outdoor/marquee wedding here are 5 ways to start the planning process!

Marquee weddings certainly aren’t what they used to be as couples now have some seriously stylish options available. 

Marquee weddings in Cornwall have always held a special place in my heart. Living in beautiful Cornwall with coastlines and country views there is no wonder why couples choose to pitch up and create something utterly amazing with a view that is breathtaking! They are incredibly personal and the concept of creating your own wedding venue, to your own specifications and making it a real reflection of your own style and personalities is pretty awesome right!.

As much as I love a logistical wedding not everyone feels the same way as me, so if you’re not a fan of operational challenges then please go into planning a marquee wedding with your eyes open – there is, on average, A LOT more work involved and A LOT to consider. Marquee weddings also aren’t always the cheap option (this BTW is one of the most common wedding misconceptions). You’re creating your own wedding venue and that includes building the venue, filling and staffing the venue and then clearing the venue away after the party is over.

1. A marquee built especially for you.

Marquee companies have raised the bar when it comes to what can be achieved with no two marquee weddings quite the same. Unlike the restrictions of a room in a hotel or ready-made wedding venues where one-size must fit all, the marquee size will be tailored to suit your exact needs, to suit the number of guests you are going to have to give you a marquee built for you, making it unique for your wedding day. 

2. A blank canvas to create your theme.

When it comes to planning your wedding its the little detail that really makes it unique, so as well as considering the exterior of your marquee you will obviously want to think about how the interior will be decorated too. I love outside, marquee weddings! You can be as creative as you like with themes and colours, from modern styles, or classic, vintage or beach feel. As weddings are becoming more and more alternative the options are endless and the choice is all yours!

3. Fewer restrictions 

As a wedding planner, I struggle with restrictions! So when couples come to me to help create something wonderful for them, working with a blank canvas is a huge luxury and super exciting! Having fewer restrictions is my green light for a huge amount of creativity but it can also be as simple as just more guests with a more relaxed itinerary. When it comes to the logistics you can really go to town. Why not have a wedding during sunset! (Can you tell I’m getting a little excited). Restrictions on numbers, timings, locations, and logistics will all be for you to decide if you opt for an outside or marquee wedding. So if you are a couple that wants a completely bespoke wedding then this route is perfect for you!

4. Your budget

A marquee wedding can be very cost-effective if you are working with guests in the hundreds, but don’t underestimate the hidden costs that can occur when you are working from a blank canvas. Choosing a marquee will mean you only pay a fixed cost depending on the size of the marquee so you will need to bear in mind your catering will usually be a per head cost. When allocating your budget to everything required I would recommend leaving a little bit over as there are always those cheeky hidden costs that can bump up any budget!

5. Choosing your suppliers

Although it is great that some venues offer a recommended suppliers list they may not be the suppliers you had envisaged. Choosing your own caterer, for example, means you get to choose exactly what you want to eat, rather than settling for a set menu. From street food to hog roasts, black tie and sit down dinners there is a huge range of amazing caterers in Cornwall all waiting to tickle your taste buds. Using local and Cornish produce will also give your guests something to talk about and your wedding guests will certainly not go hungry! 

With any wedding, insurance is a definite must! But even more so with an outdoor/marquee wedding. Coronavirus has certainly highlighted the importance of insurance. Just like any other asset, it is there to protect your investment including deposits, down payments, venue, suppliers and much more. 

Images curtesy of Tom Beynon Photography