'Demand is incredibly high': Wedding vendor prepares for influx of events as province reopens
Following a number of wedding postponements due to the pandemic, a wedding professional is predicting a busier-than-usual season over the next three years.
Alberta is inching closer to the announcement of Stage 3 and once couples get the green light, they will be able to go from hosting an intimate affair capped at 20 to a larger unrestricted gathering of friends and family.
However, a wedding planner from St. Albert told CTV News Edmonton her business is in a unique position. Sandra Bettina Wedding and Events is going from 12 to 18 months of pre-planning to 4 weeks for some clients.
“Our timelines have really shifted, the demand is incredibly high,” Sandra Cassios, the owner and lead planner, said.
“Original 2021 couples are competing with 2022 couples and then they shifted over,” she noted, adding, “Essentially, we have two or three wedding seasons all happening in one.”
Because of the high demand, Cassios explained weekday weddings are growing in popularity because it’s easier to secure services and dates.
“Most wedding vendors have more availability Monday to Thursday,” she said.
'BE FLEXIBLE'
Cassios predicts 2022 is going to be much busier then 2021, in particular for those clients who don’t want to deal with the “unknown.”
“Will people even want to come to weddings?” Cassios asked. There’s still going to be some hesitancy, she expects.
As the province starts to reopen, her best piece of advice it to “still be flexible.”
“Be prepared for a smaller wedding. Small doesn’t have to mean 20… But, would I be planning a 200-person wedding in July? I wouldn’t.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.