Lockdown forces couples to move their big day

Lough Erne Resort said couples who were due to have their weddings at the Co Fermanagh hotel over the next four weeks have been left “distraught”, after having to cancel their plans due to the current lockdown.
By Helen McGurk
Published 16th Oct 2020, 17:14 BST
Lough Erne Resort, where a number of couples were due to have their weddings over the next four weeksLough Erne Resort, where a number of couples were due to have their weddings over the next four weeks
Lough Erne Resort, where a number of couples were due to have their weddings over the next four weeks

General manager Joanne Walsh said: “Every stay at Lough Erne Resort is special, but our hearts go out particularly to those who had chosen the resort for their weddings over the next four weeks.

“We have spoken to four couples who were to have been married over the next month and who now have had to cancel. Understandably they are distraught. So far, many of our 2020 brides have rebooked for next year or for 2022, with many of our 2021 bride and grooms taking the decision to move their wedding to 2022 due to the uncertainty that lies ahead.’’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Janice Gault, chief executive, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, added that those who have booked weddings are in a “weird limbo”.

“The new restrictions appear to permit weddings for up to 25 people until Monday, however, it is not clear if the newly married couple and their guests are permitted to stay in the hotel on their wedding night.”

She added: “There has already been significant movement of weddings into next year, with many opting to postpone until then and hoping that restrictions will be more relaxed in the coming year.

“Those planning to get married in the coming weeks will only be able to have a service. At this time we are unsure if hotels can even facilitate this element of the day. Our understanding is that the majority of weddings are being rescheduled.

“This is a valuable income stream for the sector and we appreciate the considerable stress the latest development has caused.”

Related topics:Lough Erne ResortCo FermanaghJoanne WalshNorthern Ireland Hotels Federation

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.