VOWS TO FIND A WAY TO WED IN PANDEMIC
LOST deposits, delays and slashed guest lists were the heartbreaking reality for many 2021 couples, but love found a way for these newlyweds from Varsity Lakes.
Navigating a rollercoaster of restrictions in the lead-up to their big day, Brodie Blamey and Graeme Clancy tied the knot on September 24 at Mudgeeraba’s The Acre Boomerang Farm.
“While it was stressful planning the wedding, I’m incredibly lucky to have a background in events, plus some wedding experience working with The Events Lounge, which came in handy,” Ms Blamey said.
“The biggest challenge was the constant juggle of guests with changing capacity and border closures, but in the end we were still able to celebrate with 80 friends and family.”
They were among the lucky ones. Two in five recently married couples had to postpone their nuptials more than once in the past year, according to Choosi Insurance’s Cost of Love Report 2021.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported only 78,989 marriages were registered in Australia in 2020, a 30.6 per cent decrease from 2019.
While the key challenge for 2022 is shaping up to be finding a date, organisers say not to give up too easily – if you’re flexible, you may score a last-minute spot at your dream venue.
“Don’t assume all dates are gone, there will be options,” The Bower Estate general manager, Amanda
Appel, said. “If a venue has event co-ordination services and catering built in, then there is no stress with shorter lead times too. You may even snag a little discount.”
Ms Blamey’s advice to brides-to-be is to keep your suppliers close and your eye on the prize.
“Try to support friends and family who have businesses – it’ll make the day even more special,” she said.
“Stick to your budget – everyone knows weddings are expensive but some things aren’t so important.
“For us that meant investing in a band rather than signage and elaborate stationery.”