SURVIVING AND LEARNING THROUGH 2020
"Uncertainties and constant rule changes meant our relationships with our clients, vendors, partners and team required that extra understanding."
Theme Weavers Designs have been delivering luxury destination weddings for 12 years, so when it comes to ‘being up against it’, we are an experienced team and we thought we had it all covered. However, nothing could have prepared us for March 2020, when the entire world was thrown into fear and uncertainty by Covid-19 – and weddings as we knew them, ground to a complete halt overnight. Not only did we survive the year, but also have learnt a few things that have allowed us to sharpen our offering. Here are our learnings -
This is the new normal:
Whilst Covid-19 is causing panic and disruption, we cannot put our lives on hold forever. It is unclear if life will return to the previous normal as we know it, or how the new normal could look like. Your wedding is a cherished moment, so we suggest you carry on and not wait for the previous normal to return.
Safety has become paramount:
Not only do we have the task of ensuring a grand and memorable event, but we also now have the additional task of ensuring all your family and guests travel and stay safe during the event. We strongly recommend government guidelines are followed as they are in place for a good reason. In addition to the safety of the wedding party, safety of all team members, vendors and partners also becomes our responsibility.
A new role in our team has emerged of a designated “on-ground-safety personnel” to oversee all the arrangements on the day are in tune with our 21-points safety checklist. From the staff being monitored for temperature, material received was screened and most importantly the venue being sanitised before and after events. It meant that we worked hard to source the best of everything and had been safety checked and passed before approval.
Venue is king:
Indian weddings are big and about 500 people participate over multiple days. Every state in India has implemented different rules regarding numbers allowed, so we worked hard for our wedding couples to find the right venue to ensure a safe maximum attendee itinerary. In one example, the extended family physically attend the wedding on a “rota” basis at different times/events. In another example we choose a venue that would allow us to erect a large screen for an “outdoor movie style” wedding experience, so everyone could witness the nuptials, from a safe distance. “Always on zoom” was implemented at all weddings for those who could not attend physically.
Our relationships proved vital:
Uncertainties and constant rule changes meant our relationships with our clients, vendors, partners and team required that extra understanding. We had to constantly balance our couple’s wishes with ever changing rules, be that from the government, venues or our suppliers. This was only possible due to our strong, trustworthy relationships and we are thankful to everyone around us, including our clients.
Creativity adds a touch of fun
We thought of ways to make the weddings fun yet safe. We sourced bespoke facemasks, added jewels and creative messaging. The hand sanitizer was incorporated in fun ways throughout the venue. And grandchildren found it funny when elbowing Nani instead of touching her feet!
Here is a lovely message we received from a happy couple who got hitched at ITC Grand Bharat earlier this year, despite the odds.
