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Micro weddings offer intimate option for those who don’t want to delay nuptials

With limits on mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples are opting to cancel or postpone their upcoming nuptials.

With limits on mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples are opting to cancel or postpone their upcoming nuptials.

For those who don’t want to delay their vows and are happy to forego a large wedding, Anvil Centre in New Westminster is offering micro weddings — small and highly personalized events to tie the knot.

“Now that people can’t have these big weddings, we want to give them an intimate option that is an engaging and memorable way to celebrate their special day,” says Heidi Hughes, director of sales and marketing at Anvil Centre.

“Because we don’thave a crystal ball to know what next year will bring in terms of guidelines for gatherings, this is the perfect option for couples who don’t want to delay their ceremonies.”

Many couples with upcoming weddings were originally planning on a larger event, Hughes says. To include friends and families on their special day in a meaningful way, Anvil Centre offers the option of including multiple video cameras to allow for streaming the ceremony and reception.

Video camera setups include a monitor at the head table, so guests watching the events unfold remotely can get a high-quality, unobstructed view of the newlyweds.

Hughes says that in light of recent COVID-19 gathering restrictions, Anvil Centre staff pushed themselves to think of creative solutions to allow people to celebrate special events in a way that still felt significant. She credits the recent move to working from home for allowing people to be more receptive to the idea of attending a wedding virtually.

“People are becoming comfortable with the fact that these types of online things will be the new normal,” Hughes says.

“Now, with everyone getting so involved with virtual meetings, this is something that we’re getting used to.”

Anvil Centre is the City of New Westminster’s multi-purpose civic centre that brings together meeting and event space with a performing arts theatre and art gallery.

No stranger to hosting weddings, Anvil Centre is a boutique-style venue with stunning architecture. It offers a full slate of top-notch services, including event management and catering professionals to assist couples in creating an unforgettable day.

Wedding planning can be stressful, but Anvil Centre provides peace of mind as a full-service venue that can accommodate any event from formal plated dinners to cocktail receptions. All services have been adapted to comply with health and safety protocols to keep guests and staff safe at all times.In addition, beverage service, including all liquor, is provided by Anvil Centre. They are also able to provide both cash bar and host bar services.

Micro weddings offer an advantage for couples who don’t want to wait to get married, Hughes says.

“With fewer guests, what you’re able to do is really focus on personalization. Hand-written notes and menus, customized meals, and everything catered to your specific tastes so you don’t have to worry about pleasing a large group. You really can do a lot more with a smaller event,” Hughes says.

“It’s about ensuring intimacy for the on-site guests, but at the same time using virtual technology to connect those who can’t attend in person due to restrictions on gatherings.”

To accommodate increased social distancing at weddings, Anvil Centre is also reducing the number of people seated at a table, placing the tables further apart and putting in a larger dance floor.

“We really want people out there to know that this is an option for their weddings,” Hughes says.

She encourages anyone who is curious about the event space to make arrangements to come and have a tour of what Anvil Centre can offer.

“We’re about creating experiences that are still engaging and feel intimate even if you have this physical distancing,” Hughes says.

“For couples who don’t want to wait, micro weddings are a great option.”