Doubt over crowd restrictions throws wedding industry into chaos
What should be the happiest day of a couple’s life has fallen under a cloud as coronavirus restrictions cause chaos in the wedding industry, with uncertainty over big gatherings causing panic cancellations and postponements.
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Coronavirus restrictions have thrown the wedding industry into chaos and prompted fears of loved-up couples losing thousands of dollars in deposits as businesses are pushed to the brink.
Uncertainty over large gatherings has caused a wave of wedding postponements and cancellations.
Mary-Anne Lowe, owner of luxury reception venue Bramleigh Estate, said she feared many businesses that were in the dark about when they would be able to function could collapse.
“We will survive, but I worry many others won’t without any kind of direction or timeline that allows them to plan,” Ms Lowe said.
“Weddings are a multibillion-dollar industry in Australia and it’s not just reception venues, it’s the flow-on effect for suppliers like cake makers, florists and cars.
“There’s an overwhelming feeling of frustration when you’ve got people talking about the prospect of getting crowds back at the footy and yet there’s not a clear idea of a path forward for us to make decisions.”
Her property’s glamorous ballroom at Warrandyte has been empty since March.
Ms Lowe said it was not feasible for a venue of that size to proceed with small celebrations allowed under current Victorian rules.
She said anxious brides who had paid deposits averaging $5000 were calling daily to delay their nuptials by as long as a year.
“We are all in a holding pattern. We’re not asking for special treatment but we need some kind of information. Tens of thousands of brides and businesses need some sort of direction.”
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