Tamworth venues are "reinventing" wedding celebrations as a rapidly changing coronavirus situation forces them to think outside the box ... literally.
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The Pavilion Functions Centre and Gardens general manager Chris Roach said couples have spent months planning their special day.
"We need to reinvent the wedding experience," he said.
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That means thinking about moving weddings outdoors, and paying more attention to how food is served.
"The canape service has to be reworked into more individual servings," he said.
And yes, that could mean ditching the much-loved grazing board.
"There are going to be so many new ideas with society adjusting ... this is not a short term thing," he said.
Mr Roach said outdoor weddings have always been an option at the venue but haven't been especially popular - but that could change.
"It might be a new thing ... change the whole style of weddings," he said.
The Pavilion is headed for a busy weekend, but Mr Roach said it's important to keep in touch with people and let them know their options about postponing or altering plans.
With recent rainfall bringing a splash of colour back to the country, other venues are also looking to throw outdoor weddings.
Tangaratta Vineyards co-owner Liz Pike said she had five weddings coming up before July at the property and - so far - none of them have cancelled.
"We'll be offering people to move the reception out onto the lawn," she said.
"We have a lovely lawn in front of the function centre.
"Then, we can have up to 500 people, I suppose."
Ms Pike said the guest numbers at Tangaratta weddings are generally between 70 and 100 people, so they are hoping COVID-19 restrictions won't hurt them too badly.
She said guest numbers are being slashed as people travelling from interstate or overseas pull out of attending because of coronavirus concerns.
"It's a shame, but it helps alleviate the worries people have," she said.
The Australian government announced on Friday there is to be only one person for every four metres squared when indoors to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Tangaratta Vineyards generally have their busiest season towards the end of the year, with about 20 weddings already on the books.
Ms Pike is hopeful the coronavirus pandemic will be over by then, but if not, they'll adjust.
"As far as possible, we'd like to stay open so it doesn't impact on people's special day," she said.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
