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With COVID-19 still threatening the U.S., people are taking steps to protect themselves and others — even if it means doing something a little different for their big day. That includes foregoing large weddings for smaller, more intimate services. As brides- and grooms-to-be alter their plans, hotels are emerging as the perfect venue.
Smaller Weddings Trend Due to COVID-19
While some couples are delaying their weddings until things have settled down, this approach doesn’t work for everyone. Many people already have plans in motion and can’t cancel; others don’t want to delay their marriage indefinitely since there’s no telling when it will be safe to gather again. Many people are compromising with a small ceremony now and a larger celebration at a later date.
Risk of Infection Increases in Large Groups
COVID-19 is incredibly contagious — much more than the flu. To make it even more dangerous, people can be carriers, but asymptomatic. That means one person can infect dozens of others without having the telltale cough or fever.
Small weddings help lower the risk of infection. The fewer attendees there are, the fewer people are exposed if someone is sick.
Orders Limit Size of Gatherings
In some areas, gatherings can’t exceed a certain number of people. This can change at any time as the public health situation grows better or worse. With this uncertainty, it’s better to go with a small, intimate gathering to ensure you’re complying with state, county, and city orders.
Money is Tight as People Are Out of Work or Furloughed
Larger weddings also mean more expenses. The pandemic has cost many people their jobs as the stock market plummeted and businesses shut down. While unemployment and a stimulus check have eased this for some people, others are still waiting on the promised funds. If you don’t have the cash for a large wedding, you can save a significant amount of money by narrowing down your guest list.
Why Hotels Are a Great Spot for Small Ceremonies and Events
Hotels are a popular option for weddings of any size, but they’re especially suitable for small events. In fact, here are four reasons you should consider having your wedding at a hotel:
1. Perfect for Guests From Out of Town
Travel is always difficult, but it’s especially stressful during the pandemic. If you have people coming from out of town, having your wedding at a hotel is an excellent option. For one, guests don’t have to worry about finding a place to stay, since they can simply get a room in the hotel itself. This also eliminates the need for transportation to a venue, so they don’t have to worry about renting a vehicle or getting lost in an unfamiliar area.
2. Gorgeous Spaces
Hotels are designed with aesthetics in mind, which means you can have the ceremony and reception in gorgeous spaces. You can work with a hotel’s event planner to have your reserved areas decorated to your liking and be assured that every space will look photo-ready. Though at-home weddings have their own charm, they just can’t compete with a hotel when it comes to pure glamour.
3. Affordable Packages
When you work with a hotel wedding venue, it usually has packages with a range of features and prices. The fewer people the hotel has to accommodate, the less expensive the package. Additionally, you may be able to get everything you need in one place; for example, many hotels have restaurants for catering and lounges for drinks.
4. Convenient Staging
Oftentimes, couples have the ceremony at one location and the reception at another. When you choose a hotel venue, you can do both in one place. Since hotels often have a variety of spaces at their disposal, you can even have the ceremony and reception staged for drastically different atmospheres.
How Ellicott Development Can Create Dream Weddings
Ellicott Development manages many hotel properties that could serve as excellent wedding locations. Our staff can help you create a magical day, no matter the size of the gathering. For more information, give us a call at 716-854-0060 or contact us online.
