COVID WEDDINGS TAKE OFF
AUSSIE actor Christie Hayes and fellow radio host Justin Coombes-Pearce eloped in an intimate ceremony with two guests recently, instead of their big, grand wedding which got postponed twice last year due to Covid-19.
The pair are part of a growing number of couples opting for intimate affairs over big guest lists, with the pandemic showing how smaller events can be more memorable for the bride and groom.
“I have planned two large weddings for Christie and Justin, however after the recent Queensland shutdown and an interstate move for the couple, they decided to elope,” The Wedding Series founder and wedding planner Kate O’Shea said.
“With smaller numbers, couples are definitely more focused on the detail including the quality of food and beverage, and I think the food is a particular focus for Christie and Justin’s elopement experience.
“Christie and Justin also invited their 130 guest list to join them virtually – this is the first time I have been involved in a virtual wedding and it’s definitely a new trend as a result of the pandemic.”
She said regional weddings were also booming, with most venues booked until 2022.
“Those that have opted for a more intimate wedding are in most cases still working with the same budget however opting for more bespoke details to wow their guests such as monogrammed napkins, individual menu selections over alternate service and higher quality champagne.
“With the pandemic now impacting multiple years of weddings and events, other major life events still are a priority like buying houses or having babies so some couples just want to get married and ‘get it done’ so they can move forward with the other really important goals in their life.”
Acclaimed Sydney photographer Franky Tsang, of Divon Photography, said guest numbers had dropped for all new bookings, with smaller events for up to 40 guests becoming more commonplace.
“Covid has made us realise what’s important — it has bound people tighter and the relationships between friends and families are stronger, and we are really seeing that in weddings now.”