Summer 2021 update - 26.02.21
Yesterday we had our bi-weekly catch up with our 2021 couples. Always so lovely to see so many friendly faces. Our calls usually consist of an update from Danielle on the Italian side of things, a bit of speculation about how that affects what’s ahead, a few practical steps and then Q&A. We wrap up with a bit of an update of what W&W are doing next and what our couples can expect from us.
This week things are starting to look more promising with the UK roadmap and vaccine roll out. We tend to focus on the UK now as our couples from the US, Australia and New Zealand have all moved their weddings to 2022.
In Italy, the new President is pushing forward in getting Italy’s vaccine roll out scaled up, finally using GPs and creating satellite sites for this. The vaccine supply from Europe needs to remain consistent to keep up with new targets which are simply all adults vaccinated by the end of 2021. It’s clear that tourism and weddings are hugely (understatement) important to the Italian economy and it’s an absolute priority to open up this summer.
What remains unclear is the when (we can travel), what the requirements for entry into Italy / back home will be, and what the rules around the size and format of weddings may be. We hold tight, we stay positive.
In a week’s time we should hear some news from the Italian government on a roadmap of sorts. It could contain a plan for the next month, it could be longer. Italians are pushing for a long term aspirational roadmap like the UK now has. We expect to hear that Italy will be in an orange lockdown for the next month to really push the virus down.
(and orange lock down means Italians cannot travel outside of their commune (town) unless for work or medical reasons.)
Our advice remains the same:
Work out the possible scenarios and know your action plan ie. 50 person restriction is not OK, we want 100 people - postpone.
Aim to make a decision 3 months out from the wedding ideally.
Consider planning for smaller weddings to be more confident they will go ahead as you’ve planned
For those having civil ceremonies, keep pushing forward with paperwork even when it’s tough. If you don’t have someone helping you on the Italy side - make sure you book someone that knows exactly what they’re doing and has checked that relevant offices required to translate/legalise paperwork are open in orange lockdown. If paperwork doesn’t get to Italy until 4 weeks before the wedding it is certainly not ideal and does add risk but it will be OK if you’re in the right hands.
Keep guests up to date and let them know when you’re aiming to make a decision / give them their next update. Expect guests to book their travel last minute.
W&W couples, we’re just an email or call away.
Love from,
L&D x