As I sit here and try to think of what can be said about our current situation, I have several thoughts, but so many of them are scattered, and focused on the unknown…
COVID-19. I am hoping that word doesn’t define what the 2020 year brings. I have the highest of hopes that it will soon be a distant memory that we look back on with sorrow, but also with the feeling of our community uniting.
Since there are so many unknown things. I will write about what I do know. I know that I have faith in people. That the couples planning to get married at our Venue have shown nothing but empathy, gratitude, and patience as we navigate these uncharted waters.
I know that in a moment when everyone could just worry about what is happening to them, that their gratitude for how our business is handling this situation is so reassuring and thoughtful.
As a Venue director in this scenario, we are faced with hard decisions… The industry will follow our lead, for no other reason than we are the wedding day location, and we cause this domino effect. There is pressure to make the right decision for the couple and the dream you had when you signed a contract a year ago. For the florist who needs somewhere to deliver your bridal bouquet and centerpieces. The DJ that needs a dance floor for your guests to bust a move. A ceremony site for your officiant to say “repeat after me”. A location for your caterer to serve your customized meal… All of these things can’t happen without the Venue. So this pressure to keep everyone safe, yet provide a platform to help avoid an economic crisis in our industry is so very apparent its unsettling.
I felt inspired to write this because sometimes people don’t understand the power they hold. There are two groups in this scenario that will make an enormous impact and can save our year of events… First being the couple, and then being the Venue.
Please know that I am aware that everyone’s situation is different, that maybe you just can’t make it happen this year. But please don’t panic. Please know that your vendors will work with you. Please know that all of these people are a family-owned business that will go above and beyond to give you the day of your dreams. We are standing on a thin line between event industry economic crisis, and pulling through this together as a community of couples and vendors. Please take the step across the line of supporting your event industry, I know it can be scary, and there are unknown factors, but we are on your team and will do everything within our power to create your dream wedding. It’s what we do. It’s who we are. We are the crazy people who vow to give up our entire Summer and every weekend because we genuinely enjoy watching people celebrate love.
When you are faced with the decision of postponement or cancelation, please understand the power you hold…
Sending so many virtual hugs and positive vibes. Stay safe, and support your event community.
Megan Riviezzo
Director of Marketing and Business Development
The Venue at Flying Horse Ranch
