Spring weddings are in the air with the help of new elopement packages
As thousands of Calgary couples make alternative arrangements for their summer nuptials due to COVID-19, several businesses and individuals in the wedding industry are getting creative to help plans go ahead.
Elopement packages have become more popular in recent weeks as some couples opt to stick to their original wedding date with far fewer guests, due to restrictions on gatherings.
Before the COVID-19 crisis, wedding photographer Lori Loree, who has photographed more than 300 weddings in the past 10 years, had an idea to offer a onestop-shop for couples who wanted to have a small, intimate wedding ceremony.
“When everything hit, I realized now was the time . . . that this was a needed service,” she said.
Loree launched Shotgun Wedding about a month ago. She’s used her experience and expertise as a “professional wedding attendee” and photographer to offer a safe way to tie the knot during the global pandemic.
“I knew that I couldn’t be photographing eight- to 10-hour weddings like I’ve been doing, so I knew that in order for my small business to survive I had to make a change and it’s been an absolute explosion . . . It’s incredible,” she said.
Loree is offering a one-hour package that includes an officiant and photography by her for $1,100. A maximum of 15 people can be present and social distancing measures are a priority.
“It’s just enough to be legally married, but to have something really beautiful and symbolic and be able to enjoy your surroundings in the midst of all this chaos . . . gives them a beautiful way to celebrate,” she said.
Couples can choose from four outdoor venues across the province, and Loree can recommend and connect her clients to other vendors, such as florists.
“This is definitely the simplest of the simple,” she said. “Our packages just allow people to get married.”
Kristen Primrose, the owner of Primrose Lane Farm (a local seasonal and sustainable flower farm near Waterton Lakes National Park), is also offering special packages for couples pining for wedded bliss.
From July 21 to the September long weekend, Primrose is offering a two-hour elopement package for $400, which includes a bouquet and boutonniere from her garden and full access to the property.
“In the last two days I’ve had 130 calls, so I’m having a hard time getting back to everybody,” Primrose said. “I can’t imagine how devastating it is for most couples trying to plan something, so even offering something as small as this I think will go a long way in helping these couples get through the next little while.”
The package allows for 10 people to be in attendance and guests must stay outdoors. Though there are no washrooms on the premises, Primrose is recommending nearby bed and breakfasts for the couple and guests.
“We have a quarter of an acre, so there’s plenty of room for people to be able to spread out and adhere to (social distancing),” she said. “We do feel that it’s still something we can offer safely and help where we can right now.”
Chelsea Townsend, local wedding planner and owner of Coco and Ash, said she’s been busy helping existing and new clients rearrange events or schedule new elopement ceremonies over the summer.
“I saw a gap in terms of supporting couples navigating the changes that are happening so quickly, so the change-of-plans co-ordination package I launched was for couples who I’m not necessarily booked with, but who want support in deciding when to make the plan change and how to do it,” she said.
Townsend said she’s had to help around 70 per cent of her clients postpone their weddings this summer, and the entire wedding industry is already preparing for a 2021 season unlike any they’ve seen before.
“Inquires for 2021 are still flooding in as the word is getting out that next year will be insanely busy and will essentially be two wedding seasons in one,” she said.
There’s no flat fee for Townsend’s services but she said she works closely with couples to determine their individual needs and, given the difficult economic situation, tries to be as flexible as possible.
“My brides have been very amazing and super optimistic; obviously they’re sad and grieving the process, but trying to look ahead and see that it’s the safest for everyone,” she said. “I mean what is a wedding that you can’t hug your grandma at?”