Like many other sectors, the wedding industry was hit particularly hard over the past two years.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been shutdowns, followed by glimmers of hope and then, almost inevitably, more disappointment. And usually with little notice.
For businesses that rely on long-term planning leading up to a big day — often with large numbers of guests — the result was devastating.
So, seeing hundreds of people come through the doors for the Chatham-Kent Wedding Show on Saturday had vendors breathing a sigh of relief, albeit cautiously.
“It feels so good to be back again,” said a smiling Patricia Clark, manager of Collins Clothiers. “So not due.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chatham-Kent hosted the event, which featured 55 vendors at Links of Kent Golf Club & Event Centre.
Making the best of the snowy and drizzly weather, more than 400 visitors were expected to stop in at some point to check out wedding fashions, catering, photography and other services.
Clark said her clientele had no choice but to have massively scaled-down ceremonies in 2020 and 2021, but were now looking forward to having the wedding they’ve always wanted.
“We’re already crazy with wedding guests already booking up,” she said, adding she hopes to be involved in wedding fashion shows once again in future years.
Local photographer John Lyons said the pandemic forced an adjustment to how vendors operated.
He said businesses still worked with “backyard COVID weddings,” but noted that wasn’t sustainable in the long run, leading many to take on corporate work to make ends meet.
“I have always done those big 300 to 400 people weddings,” he said. “It’s been tough. We’ve had to pivot.”
With about 15 weddings booked for this year, and a goal of 20, Lyons is hoping 2023 will bring even more action.
He admitted some couples are “a little bit more gun shy,” especially when it comes to large expenses.
“Next year will be the big one,” he said. “There’s just good energy here.”
Lyons added he enjoyed being able to see many familiar faces in the wedding business, given that trade shows are usually the only chance they can connect with each other, due to their hectic schedules throughout the year.
Amanda Clark, executive director for Big Brothers Big Sisters, was pleased with Saturday’s turnout, but said there was some apprehension in the earlier days of planning.
“It was stressful, but exciting,” she said. “It was a challenge at first for this year I think because a lot of people weren’t sure if this was going to happen.
“(But) this is great. We’re just so thrilled.”