Businesses across the north are preparing for wedding fever in 2021 as couples rush to rearrange their big day.
Thousands of weddings due to be held across the country this year were postposed at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic as venues closed their doors.
As Highland firms work to re-establish clientele and recoup their losses, demand for renewed wedding dates has left them inundated with bookings as far ahead as 2022.
Bogbain Farm, south of Inverness, has become a popular wedding venue, hosting wedding parties of all sizes.
Director Jo de Sylva said they are looking ahead to a busy year in 2021 as wedding dates stack up with couples eager to tie the knot.
She said: “As soon as the announcement was made that weddings could go ahead again, I think it seemed to be a catalyst for everybody to think well actually I can start thinking about my wedding, even though inquiries were getting up for next year and into 2022/23.
“We have seen a real big uptake in people coming to view Bogbain for weddings and even more inquiries all across the board. We have probably had in the past two weeks at least 10 viewings and a couple of bookings as well.”
She added: “We are absolutely delighted. Next year for us is going to be busy.”
The Kingsmills Hotel on Culcabock Road hosts up to 60 weddings a year.
Tony Story, chief executive of Kingsmills Hotel Group, said interest for weddings in the Highlands is growing with people making booking but “keeping flexible” in terms of guidance changes and delays.
He said: “We have taken a few both at Kingsmills and at Ness Walk so there is certainly a lot of interest just now.
“It will be really good to get the government guidance to know what it is going to be but there is definitely an interest. It’s just difficult to say what the shape of the event is going to be like over the next 12 months.”
Amy Nicholson from D & E Prestige Car Hire say they have also been “kept busy” following a surge in bookings.
The city firm have confirmed dates for as far ahead as 2022 including new weddings for couples who have decided to tie the knot after spending lockdown together.
She said: “It’s good that so many people now have a happy day to look forward to, particularly those who’ve been disappointed this year.
“Bookings are now highly encouraging and we’ve already taken several for 2022. That’s a boost after the enforced cancellations.”
New venues across the north are also reaping the benefits as they prepare to host their first weddings.
Newhall Mains on Black Isle officially opened for business on July 15 following a three year restoration project on the 19th century croft.
Manager Euan Ramsay said: “With the cancellation of many events and special occasions this year, I’m also excited to be able to host weddings and other events here, albeit smaller ones in the short term.”
