THE coronavirus pandemic has not only changed our day-to-day lives, but has also put a dampener on what should be one of the most memorable days of a couple’s life.

The wedding industry has felt the impact more than most, countless loved-up couples have seen their big-days cancelled since the pandemic began 10 months ago.

At best, the ceremony has been restricted and capacity significantly reduced, at worst, plans have been indefinitely delayed.

At the award-winning wedding haven Crondon Park, 2020 and 2021 were supposed to be their most profitable years to date.

While the pandemic has naturally changed things, the venue still has 180 weddings pencilled in the diary.

Fiona Thom, wedding co-ordinator at Crondon Park, said: “It has been a horrendous year. However, our couples have been very understanding. Our biggest challenge has been finding suitable dates as we offer exclusive use so are only able to accommodate one wedding per day.

“Another challenge has been keeping up with the regular changes in government guidelines that has affected our industry.

“A lot of prime dates for 2021 were secured prior to the pandemic and we have rescheduled over 200 weddings from 2020 and found dates for them in 2021 and 2022.”

Weddings were first banned when the national lockdown began on 23 March.

They are now allowed, but strict rules are in place. In England, wedding ceremonies should only take place in exceptional circumstances, for example if one of the couple is seriously ill, and only six guests can attend.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding when weddings will be able to go ahead at full capacity again, Fiona insists Crondon Park is expecting a stellar 2022.

She added: “We have seen a big increase in enquiries for 2022. People are not wanting to put their lives on hold and are hopeful that we will be back to some form of normality by then.”

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It is not just venues which have suffered, with shops selling wedding attire and florists also struggling.

Blue Beau Boutique is situated on Rayleigh Road, Benfleet, and among its best sellers are bridesmaid dresses.

However, the lack of weddings has made it a difficult period for the business.

Kelly Nichols, who owns the shop, said: “It’s been pretty awful because we can’t do anything.

“People can’t get married and it’s leaving them upset. Alterations have been put on hold and seamstresses can’t work.

“There were five or six weddings which we were supplying dresses for last year but were then postponed.

“We’re worried for our future and need weddings and other events to start up again.”

It is a similar story for florists across south Essex.

A spokesperson for Fiori Florist, on London Road, Leigh, said: “Weddings is a big chunk of our business, so seeing them rebooked or cancelled is affecting us.

“We have to try and adapt, but it’s not easy.

“In the peak of last summer, there were 10 weddings we were due to be supplying flowers to but everything was put on hold.”