Last updated: June 22, 2020
By now we've all gotten the message that we should be staying home and doing our part to flatten the curve, preventing our healthcare system from buckling under the pressure of a huge wave of coronavirus infections. How will this health crisis impact your wedding plans in Banff, Canmore or Lake Louise this year? What should you do if your wedding is scheduled for this summer? Your wedding photographer and other wedding vendors are here to help you navigate through this stressful time.
What is the Current Situation with Covid-19?
The Alberta Government has prohibited gatherings of greater than 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors to reduce the chance of spreading the coronavirus, and have stated that this restriction will likely continue through August. There are additional restrictions relevant to your wedding which can be found here regarding mass gatherings.
Banff National Park and Alberta Parks are now open to visitors meaning we can take photos in some of Alberta's most scenic locations!
Reduce Your Wedding Size Instead of Postponing It
According to the current recommendations from the Alberta Government, weddings where there are less than 50 present do not need to be postponed. You can have up to 100 in attendance if the event takes place outdoors. You may be able to reduce your guest count and do a live video stream on Zoom, Youtube or Facebook Live for all the guests that are unable to attend. There are additional restrictions which can be found here regarding mass gatherings.
Elope Now and Have Your Reception in the Future
I've heard from several couples that they still want to get married even if they have to scale back their big day. Many of your guests may not even be able to travel at this time. You can elope with just your photographer and officiant while still following social distancing measures and then throw a big reception once things settle down. Elopements will also save you some money right now.
Alex Popov Photography: I'm now offering 1 and 2 hour "Short and Sweet" elopement packages for new clients that still want to get married this summer. Click here to learn more.
Check the Contracts You Have With All of Your Wedding Vendors
Now is the time to re-read the fine print of your contracts and see how much notice each of your vendors requires in order to reschedule your wedding. This is a difficult time for everyone in the wedding industry but the vast majority will be willing to work with you to move your wedding forward.
Alex Popov Photography: You can reschedule your wedding photography booking for later this year or into 2021 with no penalty. Please contact me as soon as you decide that this is what you wish to do since dates are changed on a first-come-first-served basis.
Thinking About Booking Your Wedding for This Summer? Think Local.
Support small businesses in your area by having your wedding celebration locally instead of travelling. This will save you money as well as support local businesses that are hurting right now. Small weddings, elopements and couples shoots can still proceed at this time while following all Alberta Government regulations surrounding social distancing if the appropriate measures are taken. Here is all the information you need to know about when deciding whether your wedding can proceed and what changes may need to be made.
I hope that this information has been useful and if you want to get in touch, please don't hesitate to contact me. We're all in this together and by working together and supporting each other we'll make it through this tough time.
