This was such an exciting project to put together. It all started when a WPIC Alumni, Kathi Robertson Weddings suggested getting tips from wedding pros of various backgrounds to see what protocols wedding pros are doing to keep their business and their couples safe and relevant. Of course, we absolutely loved this idea, and ran with it!
We asked WPIC Alumni to provide some words of encouragement and thoughts/advice on how couples can still enjoy the wedding that they are now planning even though it’s different. We also asked them to include how their business will, or has changed to adapt the the “new norm”. ~Tracey Manailescu, WPIC Co-founder and Vice President
“Dear Couples, Please stay calm and positive during this challenging time! Better times will come back very soon! Remember we are all in this TOGETHER, we are all connected!! Nature is breathing while we are sitting home, the world is changing and is becoming a better place for all of us to live! People become kinder, more friendly and supportive with each other, we spend more time at home with our families, which doesn’t happen normally, we have some more time for self-care and self-development, we all take a little break from the hectic busy lifestyle! And of course, in the future, you will have a story to tell your kids and grandkids about this unique, strange, yet interesting time, when you had to postpone your wedding! See positive sides in every situation and be strong 🙏❤️🙏 Stay safe everyone!!”
How we adapted to the situation? We can up with the new service, that we called “Event in a Box”, where we bring the whole event experience: decor, flowers, table setting and food with the set-up instructions to people’s home, so they can enjoy this experience in the comfort of their homes and it became such a popular service!! Please check it out at https://www.designeddream.com/event-in-a-box/We also continue planning 2021 weddings and are still busy with the reschedulings. We also offer an Emergency package for Rescheduling for non-clients!
~Fidan Ismayilova
Designed Dream Wedding & Event Planning Location: Toronto, ON
“When a pandemic gives you lemons, spike your lemonade!
With the current pandemic, many brides are now in a state of distress. Many weddings have had to be cancelled as countries all over the world have gone into lockdown. We want to spread positivity and we want all brides to know that this is not the end and many opportunities can arise from this setback! Let us use this time to ensure a magical wedding. Once life goes back to normal, both you and your guests will be anxious for social interaction and reasons to celebrate life.”
Take the time to save up for those upgrades you wanted: This can be the perfect time to save up for the upgrades you wanted to add to your wedding! Upgrades can make your wedding day even more memorable. Some upgrades may include adding more flowers, booking a private venue, or upgraded décor.
Use the time to see who really had your back: It is in these times of crisis that we see who really had our best interest at heart. You have had an extended period of time to see which people are the most trustworthy, dependable, and helpful. Since this is likely revealed by the postponement , you can begin to make changes to your guest list and even your wedding party.
You may benefit from travel/vendor incentives: Some venues will use this time to do upgrades that they did not have the time to do before. You might be able to benefit from these new upgrades. Your Wedding Planner/Travel Agent may even be able to find better rates for your new date.
You now have more time to spend with your significant other: Many brides and grooms to be are so busy with their jobs and the wedding planning that they barely find adequate time to spend with each other. They never had the opportunity to just slow down and connect with each other. Take this time to connect with your significant other and spend quality time together. You might create a bond much stronger than before. You may find the time to add some personalized details such as learning a new dance routine.
Connect with your friends and family: With all the wedding planning details, many brides never had a chance to connect with family and friends and tell them how much they appreciate them. Take this time to have those long conversations with all the persons you valued enough to invite to your wedding. Catch up on each other’s lives and create even stronger relationships. We are lucky to have access to social media/video applications which can facilitate this even while staying home.
Take this time to get healthy and in shape: Have you been working so hard that you have been missing out on those exercise routines? This is the perfect time to catch up. If you needed to lose or gain 10 pounds to fit perfectly in your wedding dress, then use this time to do so. Also, if you needed to change your face routine, due to breakouts, this is your chance.
If you are part of an essential service: If your job is considered an essential service then, you may be working a lot of overtime during this time and finally get approval for the extended honeymoon you wanted once everything is back to normal.
“Let us use this time to create positive outcomes. Dwelling on the negative will not change the circumstances, however, taking the time to upgrade your health and a wedding can create new opportunities.
Although it’s been an extremely difficult time financially for the business, the downtime has been very productive. It has given us time to make upgrades to Borghinvilla and improve many things that have been on our to-do list for years. It has finally forced us to take a break and have enough time before the next wedding to make these changes. We are very excited to start hosting weddings again and miss executing weddings. Before re-opening, new protocols will be put into place(these are coming from the government). Since our venue is 2 acres, we have a lot of space to be able to facilitate all of these new safety measures.”
Jennifer Borgh Borghinvilla Wedding Venue Location: Jamaica
“ I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. It’s not always easy to view situations as thus, especially when it involves having to postpone a wedding celebration that so much sweat and tears went into. But, I believe our planet needed a break and a little time to heal. Now couples can make plans for a more sustainable wedding (possibly smaller) and cherish their celebration of love even more. That’s the bright side!”
The new norm for us now includes: having customizable à la carte packages for smaller celebrations and starting to make eco-friendly boxes. Our first “Pride Box” will be released on June 1st in Toronto to help people celebrate pride month from home. $5 of the proceeds from each box will go to support Rainbow Railroad
Each box will be made up of eco-friendly goodies all made locally in Canada.
~Holly Perrier of Perrier Planning Location – Toronto & Vancouver
“When my clients are feeling stressed, I always encourage them to look at the bigger picture. The whole reason you are planning a wedding is to celebrate the love between you and your fiancée. This can happen any day of the year, so stay patient. You will celebrate your love story and the wait will be worth it!
If you had to postpone your wedding, you can still celebrate your original date with your partner. Cook your favourite meal together, light some candles and pick up a bottle of champagne!”
CK & Co. Events is now offering Elopement/Intimate Wedding Planning & Coordination since we believe that smaller weddings will be more popular now than ever. Even though you may want a more intimate wedding, it is still a lot of work to plan!
~Chrissy Kumornik of CK & Co. Events Location: Kitchener, ON but services all of Ontario
“Love is love. I remind brides who have rescheduled their Bahamas destination weddings to fall that in spite of COVID-19, they will still get married and it will still be a beautiful affair. We’ve encouraged brides to use the time to tweak plans during by working on such things wedding details and personalization of their wedding.
We’ve weathered much. We continue in a spirit of positivity and hold faith that this too shall pass; brighter days are ahead. In fact, couples are booking micro and large destination weddings for the latter part of this year and 2021.
Hugs from the sunny Bahamas!”
~Marva Munroe of Chic Bahamas Weddings Location: Freeport, Bahamas
“Going forward, we foresee smaller weddings being a mandatory part of the events industry. For a while, we predict couples will be budget-conscious, embracing the prospect of a small, cozy wedding! An intimate gathering, with a few of the most important people, can be just as aesthetic and special as a big elaborate room full of people. The intersection of a tighter budget and a minimal guest list means you can make your budget stretch, allowing you to indulge in an even more extravagant experience that will be memorable and beautiful. You can splurge on all of the little details you weren’t sure you needed but always wanted. Embrace this! Get excited about it! We know we are!”
Nóbl Events is thrilled to expand our full service planning to include Intimate Weddings. We are also proud to offer a 20% reduction from all the services offered on our website to Medical Professionals (including those working within Senior Homes) in the GTA.
~Kirsten Rezek of Nóbl Events Location: GTA and Montreal
“My industry friends and partners, we all know that COVID-19 has changed everyone’s lives including the way we interact with others, do business and the way we learn. Therefore, I would like to thank all those persons that attended the – Saying I Do In The Bahamas Post COVID-19 webinar on May 14th, 2020, hosted by WPIC.
A huge thank you to Danielle and Tracey for giving me the opportunity to talk about The Bahamas’ wedding market, and for allotting additional time to respond to questions. Once we’re on the other side of this pandemic, I would appreciate your recommend The Bahamas to your client, because we’re just a short three-hour nonstop flight from Toronto. There is no doubt that we offer your clients 16 romantic island destinations to choose from. Couples can get married on any of our powder white or pink sand beaches or opt to transform any of our amazing venues into their dream location. After the wedding, your clients can travel just a short distance away to another island and enjoy a perfect honeymoon.
~Vinincia Strachan, Sr. Manager, Romantic Travel, Weddings & Honeymoons Bahamas Tourist Office Toronto
At Swoon Events, we are working tirelessly with our couples to continue to plan the day of your dreams. From virtual meetings and site visits, we are ensuring our couples still feel connected and very involved in the planning process, even from afar.
“To all the amazing couples who have had to postpone your wedding, the date may have changed, but the love hasn’t. During this time it is important that we all focus on our health and safety first. Remember that your wedding day is truly about love and commitment, and nothing can ever change that. When your new day arrives, everyone will be that much more eager to celebrate with you!”
~Alana Klein of Swoon Events Location: Toronto, ON
“Dash Events & Co. is providing clients during this pandemic seamless flexibility in postponing their weddings and/or guiding them through the various options to host their wedding while maintaining the social distancing and “new norm” guidelines. We are virtually connecting with our couples by hosting conference calls and online video meetings, which will inevitably continue to be the “new normal” post-pandemic. In order to stay connected with our audience, we have increased our presence on social media platforms to provide information on all wedding planning related topics.
In these uncertain times and fluid circumstances, it can be difficult to enjoy planning your dream wedding. The definition of your dream wedding may be tweaked but remember that sometimes change can lead to beautiful new beginnings. Though the chaos of the pandemic has brought frowns to many faces, it re-heightens the importance of weddings – two souls becoming one and starting a new chapter together officially as partners. Hang in there and the celebration of love will always conquer all!”
~Sonia Kohli-Tamber of Dash Events & Co. Location: GTA
“In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything.”
—Mignon McLaughlin
“Once you have your spouse, you have everything. And on the day of your wedding, no matter how small or how virtual it is, you will be the happiest person in the world because your very, best friend is at your side. Your eyes will see them and them alone, and the change in wedding plans will matter no more. Thanks to technology, your loved ones who are unable to attend, can still be with you. And, with the extra wiggle room in the expenses due to reduced numbers, you can splurge a little more on your hair, makeup, photographer, décor or bridal dress. It will all be a win-win situation in the end because you will be married! And that’s all that counts.
Located in the sunny isle of Barbados, we will be adapting to the times by tweaking our designs to accommodate social distancing, offering live streaming, offering in-theme face masks and setting up sanitizing stations in a way that they fit right in with the décor. We will also be suggesting more open-air venues, which give the added benefit of gorgeous Caribbean landscapes. For destination brides, we will also provide health information and tips on travelling and staying safe.”
~Rhea Corbin of Elegant Designs by Rhe Location: Barbados
“In this time of uncertainty, please know that our thoughts and hearts are with you and we look forward to better times ahead. The Waterside Inn Team is committed to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for our current and future guests and clients. We sympathize with all of our clients that have had to postpone their events, especially weddings! We have been very flexible and allowing our clients to postpone their events up to a year from their original booked date, transferred their payments on file, and not charged any rebooking fees. We definitely agree with the message of #POSTPONEDONTCANCEL!
For any couples that still wish to move forward with their original date, but on a more intimate scale (and have the bigger reception at a later date), we’d love to host the ceremony (with the couple, witnesses and officiant) in one of our beautiful penthouse suites with stunning views of the Credit River or Lake Ontario. This can then be followed by taking wedding photos by the water, and then back to the suite for a reception. And every guestroom is equipped with a large screen TV that can be hooked up to a laptop so family and friends can virtually attend and be a part of the celebration. While it might not be what was initially envisioned by the couple, it’s a different memory made that will become a part of their special love story!
Stay positive! This too shall pass!”
Marlene Barcelos Social Catering Sales Manager The Waterside Inn Location: Mississauga, ON
We are truly living in extraordinary times, aren’t we?
Who would have ever imagined in their lifetime that we’d be living through a global pandemic? However, and in spite of all of the ups and downs, we still have LOVE! People who are so in love that no matter what the challenge, they are embracing those feelings, holding on tightly, and continuing to get married. Yay!!!
As a WPIC Certified Wedding Planner and Coordinator based in Trinidad & Tobago, we are enthusiastic for all of our clients regardless of the circumstances and encourage them to continue dreaming, continue loving and continue planning… Stay excited! We are also so fortunate to have the opportunity of pivoting our business to now include virtual events and micro weddings to accommodate those who wish to keep THEIR SPECIAL DATE – the date they’ve always dreamed about. Additionally, we have clients who have decided to postpone to a future date (like many), who embrace having a micro wedding on the original date too. Done this way, our clients have two distinctly different days which are absolutely memorable for their family and friends all around. Whatever the personal preferences of our clients are, Events by Tricia (and Planners on the whole) commits to standing by your side and providing all of the support that you need. Just remember – LOVE IS NOT CANCELLED!
Tricia Ng-A-Mann of Events by Tricia Location: Trinidad and Tobago
“In uncertain times, it’s completely normal to feel uneasy especially for something that you’ve spent months or years planning. At Dazzle & Dream Events, we’ve encouraged all of our clients to still find a way to celebrate their original wedding day! Whether it’s ordering from your favourite restaurant and dressing up and making it a special night for the two of you or you both cook something for each other! Although you may not be celebrating with your closest family and friends, celebrating the day with just the two of you will make it memorable. This uncertain time shall pass and your dream celebration will happen. Your wedding planner will help you navigate this with excellent problem-solving skills and expert advice. Also, we’re permitting wedding postponement to 2021 with no additional fees which have helped our clients feel at ease.
For all couples, we encourage you to keep planning and don’t forget to celebrate you!
~Khatija Saleem of Dazzle and Dream Events Location: Toronto, ON
“Le Love Events hopes that everyone is staying safe and healthy. We have been taking the necessary precautions to maintain the health and wellness of our clients. To adapt to the new “norm”, we have been conducting all consultations and meetings via video chat, telephone or email. Our clients and vendors have been so supportive and cooperative and we are so grateful.
To all of the couples who have been affected by the pandemic, Le Love Events wants you to know that no matter when your day will be, it will be beautiful and everything you have ever dreamed of and more! We, along with vendors and the event industry are here to guide you, be supportive, flexible and compassionate.
Get ready to be in a room full of people who love you and are ready to celebrate!”
~Maria Commisso of Le Love Events Location: Toronto, ON
“It’s okay to be upset, angry, frustrated and even cry if you need to. This isn’t something any of us predicted and no one is 100% prepared to deal with it. We are all struggling to figure out what the new norm in the wedding industry is and it’s important to remember that you’re not facing this alone. Many couples have been forced into a challenging position of having to reschedule their wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an emotional time for many but it’s critical to stay focused and keep in mind that it’s just a set-back. Your wedding day will occur, it’s just a matter of when and when it does all of this will seem trivial!
One thing I know is that you can’t stop love and while it’s easy to be negative about being in quarantine, you can easily flip that on the positive side! Use this time to re-discover your love for your future spouse, family and friends. Prior to the pandemic, on a daily basis we were so busy and caught up in our everyday lives and the average couple didn’t have much time to really personalize their wedding. Instead of allowing your emotions to get the best of you, channel that energy into something positive! Learn a new dance for your wedding, create a monogram that will last a lifetime, personalize and even hand make gifts for your wedding party or for homemade favors! The possibilities are countless and it’s really up to you how you decide to utilize this time.
Of course, you will also need to think of your new contingency plans and ways to keep your guests safe while adhering to the social distancing regulations in place at that time. While these are pressing issues you must now address during your wedding planning process, protocols are changing on a daily basis which can be discouraging at times. It’s important to keep in contact with your vendors and wedding team, leaning on the expertise of your wedding planner to guide you through this. Many planners including myself, have been following the daily news and communicating with one another and other industry professionals to keep ourselves up to date on the latest protocols and the latest wedding trends during COVID-19. Personally focusing on Destination Weddings, I’ve been in contact with Tourism Boards, other Travel Agents and International Professionals to get their take, based on their locations and current situations. We’ve personally pushed back all 2020 Destination Weddings to mid-2021 and beyond. It’s important if planning a 2020 Destination Wedding to push your date back sooner than later, as 2021-2022 will be swamped with their regularly scheduled weddings plus the overflow of 2020. You don’t want to wait to long and be forced to postpone even longer and you want to make sure your airline will also have space for your travelling guests and yourselves. Regardless if you are having a Local or Destination Wedding, remember to breathe, don’t panic and remember it’s only a matter of time before we get a chance to celebrate your love and your wedding day!”
~Cristalyne Seegobin Gulati of Cristalyne Celebrations Location: GTA
“As an engaged wedding planner who has had to postpone her own wedding, trust me when I tell you I know exactly how you’re feeling. It was hard for me at first to process the feelings of sadness and anger over not getting my special day the way it was planned and dreamt up for over a year (and even longer in other ways). The logical response was to go through the motions to reschedule, confirm vendors, reconfirm contracts and know that when it comes, it will still be an extremely special day and celebration. But emotionally, I just needed time to feel sad about the passing milestones and knowing it won’t be exactly the same. Professionally, I also felt the pain of all my 2020 business being wiped out and feeling that same sadness every time a client’s wedding day rolled around, knowing I was supposed to be with them on their magical day.
As things get more and more hopeful, we’ve personally decided to try and go ahead with a small legal ceremony in our backyard on our original date. We will see what numbers are allowed and how we can make everything as safe as possible, but we’ve decided to take back some sort of control and still be wed. Sure it won’t look the same but we’ll do our best to make it special, make it authentic to us and involve our loved ones the best way we can (at a distance or even Zoom). My Pastiche philosophy has always been to go for what works for you, there are no rules. After all this, that could not be more true.
If you have to wait a little longer for your special celebration, hug each other close and know that not even a pandemic can stop the magic you two share. Practically, you can use this time for all those little tasks and all the dreaming for your day when it does come. Think of themes and emotions you want to weave throughout your day. Make a playlist of songs you absolutely want to dance to. Think of or make special gifts you can give to your wedding party or parents. But most of all, remember to take it easy, be kind to yourself and plan for lots of date nights with your partner, just because.”
All my love,
Khrystyna Kulyasa of Pastiche Events Location: Toronto, ON
“My advice to couples planning a wedding during this time of restrictions is to focus on what really matters in a wedding, and that is two people becoming one and celebrating their love. That is what is important on the day, not huge parties, but really bringing the focus back to what a wedding is truly about, the two of you. Try to incorporate personal touches, and live stream for those that can’t be there. Keep things simpler and sweet and save the big items for an anniversary party “reception” when you can be together with loved ones again. A fun idea is to dry your bouquet and boutonniere after your wedding, to use again at your anniversary party “reception”!
To adapt to these strange times, Hlina Weddings & Events teamed up with some awesome vendors to create a ‘one-stop-shop’ elopement package to make the process simple, with a beautiful and memorable day couples deserve!”
~Aurora Hlina of Hlina Weddings & Events Location: Burnaby, BC
“United, Positive ideas and support are what our clients need right now
I have been thinking a lot about stepping back into this, and for me, it starts again very soon.
My focus is on keeping people comfortable and relaxed. In the early days at least I will wear a mask while working and will keep spares in my bag. I will also have lots of sanitizer for myself and anyone who needs it. My wardrobe will be streamlined, hair tied back tight ( less risk of face touching that way) my massive hugs will be curtailed till things settle down. I always shoot from a bit of distance so nothing changes there. People have said oh I guess you need a really long lens lol… Not sure why a photographer can’t stand 6 feet back like everyone else- changes nothing, I am always around that zone as people are more relaxed and natural when you are stepped back at it. No sharing of camera backs, no putting cameras down just anywhere. The party- I have been assuring people that if they have a dance party, I’m there. However, instead of standing in the centre of it, I will likely be on a chair a bit away, still making awesome photos. The single biggest change to a photographer, while social distancing is enacted, is to manage group portraits. This is not difficult for a strong and creative shooter. The results will be really cool done right. I will happily share some of my work as it comes up. A photographer needs to have their head around this BEFORE the wedding to ensure there is no confusion.
Thoughts I have that aren’t exactly about my job but might help…. can we PLEASE get guys to learn how to do their ties and bowties prior to the wedding to minimize all that intimate contact? Maybe boutonnières can be easier to apply – magnets that actually work, something that snaps into place?
Maybe bustling could be a lot simpler. It’s better if 5 girls don’t have to struggle
Let’s all move forward safer and better. ”
~Kathi Robertson of Kathi Robertson Weddings -Photography Location: Ottawa, ON
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