As 2020 ends

The last few months have been quite eventful for That_Marriage_Officer. Every ceremony has been wonderful and it remains a privilege to be a part of someone’s wedding day. It feels like I have the best job in the world simply because I see people on their happiest day and I can share in that happiness!

Every ceremony remains unique and it is wonderful to see how couples have dealt with the challenges of the pandemic while planning their wedding day. People have put so much thought into the safety of everyone involved and venues have gone out of their way in order to ensure a safe space where couples can celebrate their union and my experiences have been nothing but positive.

This year has been a tough one for the wedding industry and it is great to see that people are starting to celebrate life again, we need it. It's been tough for many, especially on an emotional level, and it is great experience that connection with life through relationships again.

The recent presidential communication with South Africans has helped make us aware that even though we are starting to feel the end of year excitement we are still not out of the woods with the resurgence of a second wave of infections. So for couples who are planning their 2021 wedding allow the venues to guide you as they by now have the benefit of experience after an up and down 2020.

The year of the Home Wedding

One thing that has emerged in 2020 is the idea of home weddings as I see many couples celebrating with a small group in person as well as online while planning the larger celebration for a time when we will be able to facilitate larger gatherings again.

These are amazing ceremonies to be a part of because of their intimate feel and also because people make their house a monument of their commitment to each other. The financial benefit is also a consideration for many as a home wedding puts them in a position to afford a different style honeymoon or to plan for their future together.

Wedding venues

At the same time I have seen the incredible work that wedding venues are doing for couples. They really are ensuring that people have the minimum amount of stress on their special day and when couples have had to reschedule or postpone for various reasons I have seen many of them being more than accommodating to couples’ needs. So don’t be apprehensive in enquiring with your favourite venue.

What will 2021 hold?

Realistically we cannot predict exactly what will happen in 2021, however people are certainly going ahead with the planning of their wedding day and that is encouraging because it says to me that life can still be celebrated and we can dream about the future. Weddings give hope, they celebrate commitment, they help us to evaluate and they help us to see what is most important in life; relationships!

Have a blessed festive season and a happy new year, stay safe!