Couples, Wedding Industry Feeling Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic canceled events around the country and those include weddings right here in Green Country.

The summer months are typically jam-packed with weddings, but this year, the pandemic has made them few and far between. Wedding planners and vendors said they are experiencing a large decrease in business and don’t see an end in sight.

Tulsa Weddings and Designs owner Sharon Holm said her business has taken a huge hit since March. Her company was on a hiatus until mid-May when they began having a few small wedding gatherings to test the waters with a few staff members per event.

Holm said they’ve had several postponements, cancelations and a lot of downsizing for the events that are still happening. The wedding planner said she normally works at least 25 weddings and several more holiday or general parties per year.

But Saturday was a different for Holm. She had the opportunity to plan a family friend’s wedding.

“Avery and Brandon are getting married today on their original date which is super exciting,” Holm said. “They have been planning for at least eight months.”

The bride, Avery Lear, has been with her fiancé, Brandon, since college.

Once the pandemic hit Oklahoma, Lear began to worry how it would impact her special day.

“I don’t think I’m nervous,” Lear said. “I think I’m more excited that the day is finally here because it’s been a long time coming, so I’m just exited it’s finally here. I planned a lot of it and it’s a special day for both of us.”

Lear said she was ready to tackle whatever was thrown at her and her soon-to-be husband.

“We will have masks available. They aren’t mandated, but if they feel more comfortable, they can,” Lear said. “I think Brandon and I will have one on. While talking to people, there will be sanitizing stations.”

“It’s one of those things that, at the end of the day, love isn’t canceled,” Holm said. “They still want to have their wedding day and celebrate.”