Thinking It Through
Sue Lovell, of Susan Nichols Opulent Bride, has become a regular contributor to Wedding Trader with a series of heart-felt features behind her and many a thought to share for the future
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sung joyously, confetti thrown, cake Staff training and run throughs, inally shops are starting to cutting and Champagne flowing toasts risk assessments and re-arranging reopen, and as we grapple with group photographs of laughing with social distancing in such changing rooms and furniture are loved ones, first dances and gorgeous all part of the big opening plans, a personal environment, it’s flower girls, will not be able to fulfill with a focus on cleaning, protecting fair to say it’s been a very productive that vision. Which is why most shops and quarantining dresses and still and somewhat exhausting time. have been taking more distressed providing a bride with a magical We are all on a learning curve – but calls, with more new wedding dates experience and her dream dress. happy to share what we are doing to added to 2021. promote a safe and still welcoming This is obviously causing retailers Planning for a different event environment for staff and customers. some major logistical issues. Storing As the new guidelines from the Shops have really stepped up to the of dresses, increased insurance, Government were announced, it challenges, reorganising the way collecting balances for dresses we work and interact with no longer required as wedding each other whilst keeping everyone safe, but without So deep breaths everyone – masks up, plans change. Looking after future brides at the beginning dampening the fun and excitement every new bride crowns on, and let’s focus on supporting of their dress journey, whilst still caring for brides who wants and expects when should have been preparing dress shopping. each other. We will prevail for their big day, or enjoying Sanitising stations, mask married life by now, is still a wearing, temperature checks priority. There is no question, 2021 is became increasingly clear that and defined seating areas are all going to be incredibly busy with two the postponements were going to standard now, and early indications years of weddings squeezed into one. continue, probably late on into the are that brides are returning, ready I have brides who were forced to year. Whilst small weddings are to buy, and happy to accept the new postpone just a few days before their romantic and intimate, those who protocols. Facetime appointments March wedding, and now their Autumn are proving popular, involving excited had planned a bigger event and wedding is being rescheduled – in dreamed of walking down the aisle bridal parties, from a safe social some cases to 2022 – as dates for 2021 with their dad by their side, hymns distance.
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