Local wedding industry is rebounding after COVID-19

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — COVID-19 put a lot of “i-do’s” on hold as couples everywhere were forced to postpone their wedding plans.

But now the wedding industry is seeing a big rebound as couples are getting ready to celebrate their love.

People are calling it the wedding boom after COVID-19.

Couples are rushing to get married now that Covid cases are down and people are getting vaccinated.

At French Novelty on Jacksonville’s Westside the biggest challenge is supply and demand. Katie McDowell started planning her wedding last February.

She had reached out to a few venues when all of a sudden it all came to a screeching halt.

”Covid happened and everything got kind of pushed back,” McDowell said. 2020 wasn’t just a stressful year for the brides but for everyone in the wedding industry.

For French Novelty it meant fewer clients coming in to purchase weddings gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

“Because you know brides were downsizing their weddings, they weren’t having the big bridal parties,” Neesh Jones, store manager of French Novelty said.

This year things have turned around and the wedding industry is seeing a wedding boom in full-effect as COVID-19 cases are dropping and restrictions are easing up.

Jones said brides have been flocking in, excited that they’re able to resume wedding planning and finally tie-the-knot.

“The new challenges are trying to keep the dresses in store and on the rack for the brides to shop,” Jones said.

For McDowell, getting married post Covid-19 means her loved ones will now be able to see her “say I do,” in person.

“We are all just kind of waiting until all of our friends and family got vaccinated or were comfortable enough to travel,” She said.

McDowell said now she can’t wait for her wedding day.

“I’m just excited to finally marry my love and finally be his wife and you know the adventures we’re going to go on in the future,” McDowell said

Wedding industry leaders say if you’re planning on getting married soon try to be flexible with the dates since there’s such a high demand now for venues.

And keep in mind for destination weddings outside the U.S. many guests are still required to quarantine for 10 days depending on the country.

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