A passionate campaigner for the Welsh wedding sector throughout the pandemic said she is 鈥渢hrilled鈥 for operators and couples that weddings have resumed under more 鈥榥ormal鈥 circumstances.
Tracey Owen is managing director at Tyn Dwr Hall in Llangollen and helped form an all-Wales wedding group to give a voice to the sector.
She has pressed for them to be considered in all the lockdown changes and for financial support as the sector was first closed and then impacted by restrictions on guest numbers and other parts of the ceremony and reception.
They were eased last month and this has seen Tyn Dwr bring 19 staff off furlough and take on 60 casual workers.
She said: 鈥淭he last 18 months have been extremely tough for all involved in the Welsh wedding industry and us here at the hall, but particularly our couples.
鈥淚t has been heart-wrenching to have to deliver a continuous stream of bad news to our couples and whilst there has been patience and understanding, it hasn鈥檛 softened the blow.
鈥淔or the hall, we鈥檝e adapted to fit our means, furloughing staff members and reviewing projects ready for our 鈥榬e-emergence鈥.鈥
She added: 鈥淲e are delighted to be back up and running with weddings. We made sure we kept a constant dialogue going with each of our couples during the start of the pandemic and throughout lockdown.
"Many have had to postpone not once, but two times and we are so thrilled that ceremonies and celebrations at the hall can finally resume under more 鈥榥ormal鈥 circumstances.鈥
She hopes there will be more relaxations in the rules in the coming weeks. She added: 鈥淲e have adapted our policies and procedures to align with the ever changing legislation from Welsh Government.
"Whilst frustrating, our couples and their guests have been wholly understanding of the restrictive measures we鈥檝e had to impose and we鈥檙e hopeful that the next announcement from Welsh Government will see these interim rules relaxed.
鈥淥ur industry has really struggled to get clarity on legislative changes, a definitive road map and has often felt left at the bottom of the pile.
Get your BusinessLive news direct and all in one place
Stay in touch: BusinessLive newsletters have been re-designed to make them even better. We send morning bulletins straight to your inbox on the latest news, views and opinion. Get our breaking news alerts and weekly sector reviews too. Sign up now - it's free and it only takes a minute.
鈥淭he wedding industry in Wales rallied together to form the Welsh Wedding Venue Alliance, of which Tyn Dwr Hall were founding members.
"The group has played an important part in liaising direct with Welsh Government on behalf of our couples and the support provided within this forum has been invaluable.
"We鈥檝e been able to bolster our voice through the forum and we feel relieved that we鈥檝e finally been heard.
"Of course businesses need ongoing monetary support and guidance from government, but most of all timely communication to ensure they鈥檙e fully prepared and equipped to adequately service clients and customers to the best of their ability.鈥
