As indoor gatherings restrictions stay, event planners feel the pinch

“They have been postponing their life essentially. As a wedding is usually a starting point for couple’s [to make their] choices in their life.” said Simpson.

There was hope on Tuesday’s announcement that Dr. Bonnie Henry would loosen restrictions once again for indoor gatherings, but instead another extension was given.

Simpson says she still has clients who originally starting planning their wedding in 2020 which has made it hard for both parties due to the uncertainty from the province.

“”To some brides, we’ve planned up to three weddings: their original wedding, a modified wedding, and then down to a 10-person backyard wedding and that’s sort’ve chipping away at their wedding dreams each sort’ve time we’ve hit the restrictions. Most have been adaptive and we try to really be flexible with their needs as well.” said Simpson.

The waiting game is forcibly being played other event planners as well. Signature Weddings and Rentals owner Rachelle Bachand says she doesn’t know when she’ll be able to deposit money from booked events or if she’ll have to return it to clients.

“They reach out to vendors and are like “this is my event date, but we have to say sorry cause clients before still have wanting to plan their event, so it’s really a tough, tough time cause I’ve had to say no to clients that are postponing still and all that stuff cause I’ve already been booked up two years ago.” said Bachand.

Both owners have adapted, however, to help make sure their businesses can stay afloat.

“We’re doing like florals. We can do birthday parties, anniversary parties, valentine’s day florals, just to keep revenue coming in.” said Bachand.

Simpson says she’s expanded to offering makeup work for brides and offering luxury champagne experiences.

“There are also some very creative brides that are willing to move forward…so I am not losing all hope.” said Simpson.

Hope is the keyword for both owners. But Simpson adds that running an event doesn’t happen at the hands of one business. It takes multiple.

While grants from the government do help, it’s only a temporary bandaid.

“Yes you’ve extended the time and given some financial aid for a moment, but if there’s no return of the economy, return of the investment, then it’s just a small bridge.” said Simpson.

The province will review its health orders on February 16th.

by Oli Herrera

As indoor gatherings restrictions stay, event planners feel the pinch

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