Coronavirus - Where do we stand?

I think we are all aware of the current circumstances regarding coronavirus and the uncertainty it’s bought upon the country. If you aren’t aware you must literally live under a rock, in which case you’re probably the safest of all of us, it’s chaos out here, return immediately to said rock. 

Whilst most industries across the UK attempt to carry on as normal, the events and hospitality industry have been hit hard by the government advisory to avoid bars, restaurants and gatherings of over 100 people. 

Now couples who planned to get married in the next 12 weeks are having to face some difficult decisions about their big day. Some have been planning their wedding for years and now all they can do is sit and wait to see how this situation unfolds. Asking themselves if they should go ahead but risk missing loved ones who can’t travel or reschedule and change everything they’ve planned for. 

We wanted to offer some advice and kind words, so you know just where we stand.  

Don’t panic 

This one is going to seem redundant but it really is the most important piece of advice we can offer. It is a stressful time for everyone right now but just have faith that like all hard times, this will come to an end. Panic buying 500 rolls of toilet roll never got anyone anywhere… and it certainly didn’t fly Italian Aunty Margaret to your wedding. 

Look after each other 

Look after yourself, look after you family, look after your neighbours, look after your favourite small businesses, look after your local butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. In these difficult times we need to show each other the best of humanity not the worst. You may be disappointed that your favourite café is only offering take away or you may be sad that your Saturday kids club is cancelled until further notice. Take it from me, they are more disappointed, they are more sad. But they are taking the appropriate steps to keep you and our community safe. Offer them a kind word of support. 

Now for some more wedding relevant advice…

Speak to us

If you have booked your wedding with us and you are worried it may not go ahead or your worried it will go ahead but without your loved ones, please speak to us. We are a business but first and foremost we are human and we will help you as much as we possibly can. We are currently giving all couples due to get married in the next 12 weeks to chance to change their wedding date to later in the year and transfer their existing deposit to the new date completely free of charge. Don’t feel like you need to wait until the week before the wedding to see if we’ll be on lock down. If you don’t feel comfortable keeping your current date or would like to give yourself a reasonable amount of time to try and reschedule your suppliers and guests then let us know. If your wedding isn’t booked with us but it is booked and you feel like you’d like some unbiased advice just drop us an email. Our team is dedicated to helping as many people as we can. And if your wedding isn’t booked yet but you are in the process of looking for a venue, we are still taking bookings for 2021 and 2022 with a new reduced deposit option to help couples who feel like they need to hang on a little tighter to their wedding savings. Ask a member of our team if you’d like more information about this. 

Speak to your suppliers 

We have been absolutely blown away by the response of our friends in the wedding industry. Despite many of them being small businesses or self employed they have all been taking every measure possible to ensure that your wedding can either go ahead or be rescheduled which will have a huge impact on their business and general livelihood. This just goes to show what a fabulous industry we work in. Don’t feel like you are alone in your wedding worry, you have a full team of professionals on your side. 

Prioritise safety and professional advice 

It is of the upmost importance at this time that you prioritise the health and safety of yourself and your family and follow the professional advice of the government. If you need to put a hold on your planning, that is ok.  Just know that we’re here waiting for you when you we come out the other side of this and we’ll be ready to celebrate more than ever. Use this time to reflect on what’s important. Put down your phone, hug your loved ones and reconnect. 

Sending love and best wishes to everyone, we can’t wait to share a well deserved drink with you soon. Team Haarlem x