Will Covid’s arrow kill wedding industry for a second year? - Business editor's comment

‘Who keeps the ring if there’s no big day?’ it asked.

This kind of marketing message fits into the killjoy/misery category which reporters get at certain times of year including ‘beware the many legal pitfalls of Christmas parties’ and the January ones about divorce.

But this one reflected the unique circumstances of a February 14 in lockdown, couples being apart and plans ruined.

Normally we’re love bombed with messages about Valentine’s Day offers, romantic meals and locations to spontaneously elope to.

But Covid’s arrow has burst that bubble and a huge industry has been left heartbroken.

The weddings business is worth £14bn to the UK and employs 400,000 people - or it did.

Last year, some venues saw income plunge to zero after every ceremony was cancelled in a disaster that affected mostly micro businesses including dressmakers, cake-makers, DJs, caterers, photographers and more.

Many couples rearranged things for this year, perhaps believing optimistic messages from the government about it all being over by Christmas.

But some have already had to cancel for a second time. And those that haven’t will be feeling a new variant of wedding nerves that’s not so much whether the bride or groom will turn up, but whether anyone is allowed to.

That’s why the week of February 22 has become the new most important date in the calendar.

For that is when Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he plans to unveil a ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown.

The UK Weddings Taskforce has been pressing for ‘the gradual, safe reopening of our sector to 50-plus guests from Easter weekend’.

The possiblity of rapid testing, with results in just half-an-hour, is raising hopes of bigger gatherings, sit-down meals and discos. An industry waits with bated breath.

But, as we’ve seen time and again, Covid cares nothing for plans. Only hygiene, masks, social distancing and vaccines work. Ignore the rules and the wedding sector will be jilted again.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.