Marry Now, Party Later
Article written for Cairns Life Magazine
The wedding industry, like many industries in North Queensland, has been hit hard by the effects of COVID-19.
What originally started as the initial decisions by clients to postpone or cancel April – June weddings, when the original lockdown across Australia first began, has led to an ongoing ripple effect of significant changes.
Many couples who had weddings booked for August, September, October were holding onto every possible hope that Australia would be in a better position by their date and their dream wedding would go ahead.
Now, with the restrictions around border closures, international and domestic travel and the quarantine rules in place, many have realised that their families and special guests may not be in a position to travel.
Adapt and Overcome! That's the message I've communicated to my clients, and thankfully, many of them have taken this advice on board.
For some, sadly cancelling or postponing is the only option for 2020 however, many have chosen to change up their big wedding plans and create the perfect unique elopement or simply, marry now and party later!
What do you mean by, 'marry now and party later’, I hear you ask?
It merely means, lock-in the legalities of your marriage now with your chosen celebrant, working within the COVID guidelines and select a date in 2021 to hold your reception party with your special VIPs and your favourite wedding vendors.
Some couples are even asking to re-create a commitment ceremony of sorts to be held on their new celebration date. Many of us celebrants are jumping at the chance to be part of this.
If that sounds like too much work, then eloping may be the answer for you!
What I love about elopements is that you can create and experience your day, your way!
All that is legally required to elope is the celebrant, two witnesses and the official paperwork.
Destinations like Port Douglas, Fitzroy Island, the Daintree, the Atherton Tablelands are all favourite elopement locations here in North Queensland.
I was fortunate to be part of the most epic elopement in May up at Emerald Creek Falls on the Tablelands.
Jesse and Madi had originally planned to be married in early May in Port Douglas, but due to COVID their venue was shut down, and guest numbers were restricted to five.
Instead of postponing or cancelling, they adapted their wedding plans and overcame the bad situation by choosing to elope.
With the help of a dedicated, professional vendor team who had their best interests at heart, their adventurous elopement at Emerald Creek Falls was created and successfully delivered.
It was a unique, intimate, magical day with only five of us onsite, that culminated with Madi and Jesse becoming, Mr and Mrs Roberts.
Remember, if your 2020 wedding plans have been affected by COVID, look for the silver lining, adapt and overcome and work closely with your team of wedding vendors to find the best solution.
The Elopement Team:
The Raw Photographer
Hudson Films
Events Makeup and Hair Cairns
Cairns Luxury Limousines
Creating Moments with Tammy Barker
