Michelle White Photography / Vickie & Sam 2019
Are you planning a wedding in 2021?
Well, firstly, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebration.
Although this is my first blog of 2021, I didn't expect to write the first one straight after the government announced it’s national lockdown last night.
However, I do hope that all of your loved ones are safe, well and doing ok through what has been a very strange festive season.
I am sure after last night’s announcement, many of you will be feeling some pain, uncertainty and possibly anger about planning your wedding this year.
Firstly, it is ok to feel this way. I am also due to get married in 8 weeks time and I have complete empathy for you all. Until February 15th, the rest of this year may feel uncertain, but let’s remind ourselves we have got through this before and we will get through this again.
Love is patient…
So I wanted to provide some advice, support and FAQ’s for anyone that is unsure about booking me for their wedding, a current booking or even the next few weeks or months.
It is my sole intention to make sure I give you the utmost care and support as best I can, so please don’t hesitate if you want to get in touch to chat or even just vent. Let me help you any way I can.
Where do I stand If I want to postpone my wedding to a new date?
I am very hopeful that we will all receive our dream wedding days this year. And whilst it may still feel uncertain, I truly believe we are more prepared and ready for this year and I am also hopeful that the rollout of the vaccine will mean weddings will continue to proceed this year.
However, like myself, I completely understand if you are feeling uncertain about your dream day.
Although I can’t see what plans look like post-February 15th, I truly believe in doing the best thing for my clients and couples.
If you are planning to book me for your wedding or if you have already booked me and your wedding is due to take place within the next 2-3 months and you decide to move your booking to another date. If your new date is available in my diary, I will happily move your booking to the new date with no charges at all. Remaining payments will be moved to 2 weeks before the new date and I will update our hire agreement with the new information.
If you plan to move your wedding to a date where I am already booked for some of the day e.g the drinks reception. Then I may be able to offer you a performance for your evening reception instead, or vice versa depending on if travel between the two venues/weddings is possible.
If I am completely unavailable for your new date, I can offer you another magician of the same standard or higher that will also provide you with an amazing experience on your wedding day.
What is your availability for 2021
2021 is very busy from May to September with some flexibility in October onwards.
What is your availability for 2022
I currently have 23 bookings in the diary but there is a good amount of flexibility throughout the year.
If I decide to have my wedding with restrictions this year, can you still perform?
Yes, I performed at 3 restricted weddings at the end of 2020 and I can wholeheartedly say they were wonderful, amazing and beautiful weddings. Whatever your thoughts are on planning a micro or restricted wedding, I can absolutely say that each one of them was as powerful as a traditional wedding and so special. Don’t be put off just because the numbers are smaller, they are still incredible days.
Here is the official guidance from the Government for weddings (as of January 5th 2021)
Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals are allowed with strict limits on attendance, and must only take place in COVID-19 secure venues or in public outdoor spaces unless in exceptional circumstances.
Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people. Linked religious, belief-based or commemorative events, such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 6 people in attendance. Anyone working is not counted in these limits. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble.
You can read the full COVID-19 guidance by clicking here
The Prime minister has stated we will return to the tier system after the lockdown (February 15th) , Both tiers 1 & 2 are allowed 15 guests with a reception. Tier 3 you are allowed a wedding of 15 guests only but with no reception. Tier 4, weddings of up to 6 people can continue only if it’s an exceptional circumstance.
So the answer is yes! Due to the current guidelines, anyone that is working at the wedding is not included in the guest numbers.
Over the past 12 months, my performance has been adapted and tailored to meet social distancing requirements. The new approach doesn’t negate any quality or value and I can still provide a unique & unforgettable experience for all of my couples. Or you can book my alternative performance.
Richard Moore Photography / Sam & Rob 2020
What is the alternative performance?
If performing socially distanced “close-up,” magic may not fit with your restricted plans, then you can take advantage of my socially distanced 45-minute parlour magic show which is a truly unforgettable experience. The show is inspired by my online magic show which I have been performing for the last 7 months during Covid-19. The show is a perfect alternative to bring some light entertainment and fun for your after-dinner entertainment or evening reception.
What are your thoughts about this year?
Whilst I remain hopeful that weddings will continue again post-lockdown, I do believe we will all have our dream wedding days this year. I really think that the Vaccine will help this year and we will return to some normality. Also, the values that support my business is that of being kind, supportive and doing the right thing. So if you aren’t feeling as positive as me and you are feeling uncertain, I will do everything I can to support and deliver an exceptional customer experience for all my clients.
Will your business be ok through the lockdown?
Whilst, I have not received any support from the government to help my business over the last 12 months. I believe in a strong work ethic and doing the right thing for my family and my business. Over the past 7 months, I have adapted my business to perform online shows and I am currently working on alternative projects to keep me busy. Rest assured, I have every intention to perform at every single wedding and event booked with me.
What can we do to support?
The biggest thing to support my small business is to be kind and patient. Every like, comment, share and check-in messages mean the world to me. And whilst this may only seem like small gestures, they mean the world. I have every intention to still deliver magical experiences for many more years to come. But, If I have done anything to make you smile, created a post that you like, or you just enjoy my content, then the best way to support me would be to share my posts with your friends, tell someone about me or maybe write a review about me. That would be amazing!
Likewise, for all of the hospitality industry, it is a very tough time for them and if you can shout out about your supplier, they will all be very grateful for your support.
Can I get in touch?
My door is always open and I am always up for a chat. So if you do want to vent, chat or even just have a moan, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, let me help you any way I can.
With last night’s announcement, I do expect to be receiving quite an influx of emails or calls, so if I don’t get back to you straight away, please know that I do care for you and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Remember, Love is patient, and we will have our dream days!