2021 Mackay Weddings and Events Expo: How Covid-19 has changed Mackay Whitsunday weddings

The pandemic has not quashed brides’ hopes and dreams for their big day, with hundreds turning out for the 2021 Mackay Weddings and Events Expo.

Fiesta Rentals owner Casey Cronin at the 2021 Mackay Weddings and Events Expo. Picture: Melanie Whiting

Hand sanitiser, check-ins and simplistic nuptials are just some additions brides and grooms will continue to incorporate in their weddings this year.

And there was plenty of inspiration for them at Sunday’s 2021 Mackay Weddings and Events Expo, held at St Patrick’s College.

Now in its eighth year, the expo boasted vendors, raffles and a fashion show.

Organiser Tez Grantham, from Wedding Excellence by Tez, said she was pleased to see more than 300 people come through the door after last year’s expo was cancelled because of Covid-19.

Ms Grantham said the pandemic had not quashed brides’ hopes and dreams for their big day.

A couple getting married at Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef. Picture: Daydream Island

She said venues had all adopted their own Covid plans as well as increased hygiene measures such as hand sanitiser and social distancing.

“I think we just have to live with Covid,” Ms Grantham said.

Some brides and grooms are also opting for less extravagant weddings with rustic vintage and boho themes remaining popular.

“We’re still doing a lot of the rustic vintage but the boho theme with dried flowers and cotton wool decorations is popular,” Ms Grantham said.

The 2021 Mackay Weddings and Events Expo raised funds for Headspace Mackay through gold coin donations and raffles.