A passionate campaigner for the Welsh wedding sector throughout the pandemic said she is “thrilled” for operators and couples that weddings have resumed under more ‘normal’ 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: “The 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.
“It 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’t softened the blow.
“For the hall, we’ve adapted to fit our means, furloughing staff members and reviewing projects ready for our ‘re-emergence’.”
She added: “We 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.
Most Read
"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 ‘normal’ circumstances.”
She hopes there will be more relaxations in the rules in the coming weeks. She added: “We 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’ve had to impose and we’re hopeful that the next announcement from Welsh Government will see these interim rules relaxed.
“Our 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.
“The 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.
Don’t miss
"We’ve been able to bolster our voice through the forum and we feel relieved that we’ve finally been heard.
"Of course businesses need ongoing monetary support and guidance from government, but most of all timely communication to ensure they’re fully prepared and equipped to adequately service clients and customers to the best of their ability.”