COVID-19 sparks a wedding boom

An unexpected surge in South West weddings following COVID-19 restrictions has seen businesses in the industry substantially increase their sales compared to last year.

The South West wedding industry is traditionally quiet during winter, but for some businesses the past four months have been the busiest yet.

South West marriage celebrant Emma Dickson quadrupled her sales between June and August and said when regional borders reopened, she had an influx of inquiries from couples wanting to marry in a few months.

“I’ve been a celebrant for 13 years, and it was just my busiest winter ever,” she said.

Ms Dickson traditionally averages one wedding per month during winter, but secured upwards of four each month after the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.

The increase comes as the South West becomes a more attractive option for marrying couples due to virus travel restrictions impeding on interstate and international destination weddings.

Ms Dickson said she had seen couples favouring simple ceremonies over more extravagant celebrations.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the wedding dress sector also had a big surge in sales during the winter.

South West-based online bridal market The White Files has recorded a threefold in-crease in sales over the last four months.