Covid Questions with the President of The IHF

On Sunday night I was very privileged to have Elaina Fitzgerald of Woodlands Hotel and President of the IHF (Irish Hotel Federation) join me to answer your burning Covid 19 questions. You can watch the interview here.

Here is a summary of what we went through:

• The ‘Guest’ number on the road map means ‘Guests’ and does not include staff or suppliers
• No direct bar service at all, all has to be table service
• There is no residents bar
• Hotels / Venues should not be accepting guests from level 3 counties.
• Day 2 at the moment is under review- there is nothing to say you can’t have them but that could change as the written guideline is evolving.
• You can still have music – there is no issue having music once social distancing is being maintained on the dance floor and and other Covid policies are in place.
• In terms of deposits and pricing conduct, Elaina has urged venues and suppliers to work with couples to the best of their abilities. She appreciates that many cannot open with the current numbers but has asked couples to also work with the venue to see how best they can get you over the line. Elaina’s hotel, The Fitzgerald Woodlands Hotel’ has given back deposits to couples but again understands that some venues may not be in a position as not all hotels have access to deposits. She asks venues and suppliers to engage and work together to get solutions.
• On splitting the ballroom in 2 – essentially, it could be done BUT would have to be treated as two standalone events which ultimately is not really in-keeping with what a wedding is so from a service and experience perspective it’s not recommended. If a venue goes down this route, there are considerations such as entrances, staffing, communal areas and toilets which must be unique and dedicated to that standalone area.

Tune in and see the full story, pop it on as you go for your walk!