A new support network within the wedding industry has been launched to help support couples affected by COVID-19.
North West caterer Carringtons Catering is calling on wedding suppliers from across the region to support its new initiative that will offer free expert advice to couples in light of government restrictions.
The award-winning team is collaborating with other industry specialists to offer guidance on a range of subjects from venue hire to photography through to food and floristry, and any other wedding related queries, designed for brides and grooms-to-be who are facing cancellations or setbacks regarding their big day.
The latest government guidelines state that wedding receptions, even those with less than 30 guests, will no longer be allowed, with a review of the new rules set to be announced on August 15. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the plans of thousands of couples across the UK, with 64% of weddings in 2020 expected to be postponed or cancelled.
Director of Carringtons Catering Helen Wynn said:
“The last few months have been turbulent for the wedding industry, both for couples and their families who have spent months, if not years, planning every detail of their special day; through to suppliers and venues, many of who have been unable to work at all as a result of Covid-19. With that in mind, we’re urging suppliers to come together to do the right thing and provide support and guidance for North West brides and grooms. We’ve had many emotional conversations with couples, based locally and from as far as Dubai and New Zealand, who have been both heartbroken and confused by the situation. They’ve been reaching out to us on an almost weekly basis as they’ve found comfort in having us as a sounding board.
“To open those conversations up more widely, we have set up a support network, which will include a regular Q&A with a different trusted supplier each week across our social media platforms. We want couples and suppliers alike to have access to the right advice in a community-led setting that allows for direct contact with professionals who’ve been in the business for decades.”
Carringtons Catering has worked with couples across the region and further afield, specialising in bespoke wedding catering that offers something different in venues that include Walton Hall & Gardens, Meols Hall, Hoghton Tower, Liverpool Town Hall and St George’s Hall.
With 25 years of events experience, Director Helen together with her husband and Master Chef of Great Britain Darren Wynn, want to use their expertise to help couples facing dilemmas around their own wedding day.
Helen added:
“Whether couples have booked with us or not, we feel that we should use our years of experience in this field to help where we can. Planning a wedding is up there with life’s most stressful events, and in the midst of a global pandemic it can become overwhelming, particularly when there’s important decisions to be made. Whether you’re now looking for a new venue, need to change your menu to suit a different season, or simply want to ask our opinion and just chat, we are here for you.
“We’re delighted that a number of local suppliers have already reached out to us to support this campaign, which is a true testament to the resilience of the wedding industry as a whole. As professionals in this environment, we’re invested into people’s weddings and events as much as they are and share their every emotion at this difficult time. If anyone is seeking advice, we’ll be posting weekly Q&As on our Facebook and Instagram pages and our emails are always open.”
For more information, visit www.carringtons-catering.co.uk
