Uncertainty surrounds weddings, funerals during COVID-19 pandemic

“I’m lucky to be marrying someone who says they would marry me in a paper bag at a courthouse, but I’ll tell you, as a bride, it’s hard to give up the vision you planned,” she admits. “I know that ultimately it’s about the marriage and your love for one another, but it’s also about being able to celebrate your love with the people you care about.”

Paul Figler and Shellie Michael have had to cancel their May 16 wedding due to COVID-19. (Supplied)

Michael is hopeful she and Figler will be able to rebook once the worldwide health pandemic is over.

“Will the world be back to normal by August? Sept? Oct?” she wonders. “Hopefully people will take the measures the government has put into place seriously, so that those who have lost jobs or made sacrifices have not done so in vain.”

Lori Angebrandt, an event planner from Sylvan Lake, says all weddings and events planned prior to June have been postponed to later dates.

“Self-isolation and social distancing are having a real impact,” says Angebrandt. “Even events and weddings under the 50 person gatherings rule are being postponed. There is a real hesitation for people to come together even in small groups. Staying healthy and not taking a chance on getting sick has become the priority.”

Angebrandt notes industry vendors she works with have either closed up shop or are working from home in order to self-isolate.

“We are all trying our best to be comforting to our clients and to ‘do the right thing’ when it comes to deposits,” she says. “The professional industry vendors I know and work with are all more than willing to work with clients and move the deposits held to future 2020 dates. We are just seeing a hesitation in clients to move forward with their events/weddings (even ones in the fall) or to even book an event or wedding at all for 2020.”

Angebrandt says her best advice if you are still planning a wedding or a major event is to be realistic.

“I am suggesting to clients whose events are scheduled prior to early June to postpone to a later 2020 date,” she shares. “For events and weddings occurring June or later, have a plan B in the works. Ask your venue and vendors about possible dates and see if they can tentatively book them for you, pending your confirmation that you need to reschedule.”

Funeral services are also up in the air for the time being.

Sean Witter with Arbor Memorial, which operates Red Deer Funeral Home and Crematorium, says they are limiting attendance at funerals, as per provincial guidelines and directions from the Public Health Agency of Canada to help ensure physical distancing within their facilities. (On Friday, the province limited all public gatherings to no more than 15 people)

“We are working with families to provide them with options for ceremonies that allow them to say goodbye to their loved one in a meaningful way,” says Witter. “For example, we’ve seen families embrace our live-streaming service option in Alberta and in every province across Canada. All interments and inurnments of cremated remains are being limited to immediate family only to help allow for recommended physical distancing.”

While some choose the live-streaming service option, Witter acknowledges others are choosing to simply postpone.

“In the event families may choose to postpone, we assure them that it is never too late to celebrate a life, and we will be here to help when the time is right for them.”

Witter assures families they’re doing everything possible to assist families during this unprecedented time.

“Our staff are available to serve customers by phone, email, text message, online through our website, or by Facetime, Skype or Zoom.”

by Sheldon Spackman and Josh Hall

Uncertainty surrounds weddings, funerals during COVID-19 pandemic

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