Ireland AM – Wedding Restrictions, Insurance and Trends 2022

You cannot beat a 5.30am start! Its one of those sleeps where you’re afraid that your alarm wont go off, you’ll miss it and be late.

I had the pleasure of joining Muireann & Alan on the Ireland AM sofa this morning to chat about the current landscape of weddings as well as insurance and the key bridal trends coming in to 2022.

How are wedding businesses coping?

• Over Christmas it was a challenge for many venues across their service staff and in particular make up and hair. It’s difficult as so many vendors in the industry are the service provider and there is no back up. The industry really pulled together over those weeks and where one make up artist would have covid, another one of their connections would kick in and support the wedding. Obviously very stressful for a couple as they may have issues right down to the final hour. The industry has been living under consistent stress and uncertainty like couples over whats coming close to 3 years now.
• Staff aside, guest drop off was the biggest issue for couples. Some couples had up to half drop off in the lead up right through to the day.

What are the current guidelines?

As of today (January 2022), the main guidelines include;

• 100 Guests
• midnight curfew
• No covid certs required
• Advised to antigen test in advance of attending

For couples in difficulty, where do they stand? Is insurance advised?

• At present suppliers are working with the couples where they can. It’s so important to understand every contract you sign. I break down contracts in my book.
• Unfortunately Corona Virus is excluded from all wedding insurance policies. That does not mean that you shouldn’t get insurance for your wedding, spending 20K+ on anything should be insured. It covers all of the failures or unforeseen, particularly illness related or death in the family related but ultimately none directly or indirectly that relate to corona virus. You can view WeddingInsurance.ie to see the various different options. Wedding Insurance and MultiTrip Insurance have very kindly offered 10% off for all followers of Irish Wedding Blog -Multitrip.com – MTIWB10P22WeddingInsurance.ie – WED10

Trends for 2022?

• Less is definitely more. Seeing more opt for a smaller wedding irrespective of the uncertainty
• Over the last number of weeks I’ve had more questions around elopements….many couples just want to go away, just the two and get married.
• Ongoing increases in civil ceremonies but church still there
• Many really investing in the experiences and also in particular quality photography that is Instagram gold.

Are people still postponing their weddings or just going ahead with them?

• Many were postponing up until the last while but I feel there’s:
• A. more acceptance that the numbers situation is out of everyones control and we don’t really know what way it will go.
• B. In saying that, a lot more optimism in comparison to last year and that is urging couples to just keep going. There is still some that are pushing out but they aren’t in any rush but really just want to have the day they want on their terms.

Bridal trends 2022

This is a really exciting time as so many celebrities have inspired looks over the last few months

Traditional Opulence: Paris Hilton & Lily Collins: Both opting for dramatic high neck – traditional with long sleeves. Differences in skirts – either over the top in length or depth.

Image Credit: Paris Hilton Instagram.

Simplified Contemporary: Ariana Grande – Bow & simple ‘Charmeuse’ strapless gown – ultimately a silk slip dress

Image Credit: Page Six.com

Less formal – 2020 shorter / mini dresses and overall mixing it up – Laura Whitmore in the trouser suit and i’m seeing a lot of jumpsuits – particularly from those that went ahead with smaller weddings or less formal ceremony celebrations rather than the big party. That trend is continuing.

Image Credit: Laura Whitmore Instagram

Layers & Sleeves: Closer to home, seeing layers & puff sleeves / alternative sleeves or 70’s or boho chic feel– as seen from Lauren Arthurs Wedding and very simple clean tailoring – satin clean and crisp

Image Credit: The Vedrines & Lauren Arthurs

Grooms: more adventuring with colour! Greens and purples are high on the request items! Also many more opting for a bespoke tailor-made suit over rental.

I hope you all enjoyed the chat!

Sara XX