Estimated reading time 7 minutes.

I am delighted to share that The Wedding Academy has published the latest The International Wedding Trend Report 2021. Designed by the industry for the industry has been published. Here is my latest contribution that talks all about the effect that the Superspeader Covid19 has had on my business.

I have worked in the wedding industry for the past 15 years.  Under normal circumstances, I help to spread the love by delivering weddings. As a wedding business consultant, I also work with venues and suppliers to make each and every occasion, an incredible celebration.

In the section ‘Tales of Resiliency’

Having been told we are now working in a superspreader industry and that restrictions and lockdowns make it impossible for us to host weddings, large or small, we have all had to come to terms with the ever-changing situation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed my business. Yes, I’ve lost some clients and therefore, unsurprisingly, my overall income is down.  But I have also managed to pick up some new clients. Clients who are using the time to focus on rebranding, or who have launched brand new websites who and need copy and venue selling images.  I’ve also helped my longstanding clients to adapt their businesses by playing on their strengths or by ‘sweating their assets’.  Some are now offering staycations, take-aways and are selling on Etsy etc.

Overall, my clients, both old and new, have been using the time to reflect, assess, evaluate and realign their businesses. And then they have communicated their changes lovingly. So, I am so grateful that I have managed to retain my wedding consultancy company.

During the lockdown, talking to wedding business owners, what can’t be overlooked is that we in the industry are creative beings.  Working in a creative industry, we need an outlet for our creativity. 

Can you share any particular big business wins that you would like to expand on?

The change in my work patten has enabled more time for styled shoots, that have had to adjust and evolve, depending on the level of restrictions.  At these styled shoots, I’ve had the pleasure of working specifically with four key suppliers, and we have launched ‘E-Lope’. Modern, micro weddings, for couples who are rethinking their wedding plans.  

E-Lope

In October 2020, we launched a brand-new modern elopement business.   We hope that E-Lope will appeal to couples who are looking for a way to say we do now. A way to marry without bringing large groups of people together. But one which enables us to be creative and continue to feed our social media accounts.

Who is team E-Lope?

The elopement team is made up of:

• Fleur Challis Photographer, she is incredible with such an incredible eye for detail – perfect for just two people
• Cobi & Coco a Multi-Award-Winning Luxury Bespoke Wedding Cake designer
• Mimi Fleur – a bespoke wedding and luxury event florist
• One licenced venue The Castle Westenhanger
• One for blessings only Bishops Wood and we are on the lookout for more venues in Kent!

How do you plan to approach 2021?

For small independent wedding business like myself, 2020 has been about coming to terms with the new landscape, adapting and changing my mindset. 

I love working in the wedding industry. I hope that by creating a new business targeted at couples wanting a small, highly personal and precious wedding now, team E-Lope can share a little bit of COVID-19-free love in 2021.

If you would like to read the previous issues – http://www.weddingacademyglobal.com/the-wedding-business-magazine-july-2018/ or to regularly subscribe https://weddingacademy.lpages.co/wedding-business-magazine/