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What's up with weddings in 2020?
Hi friends! My name is Melissa Mattingly and I am the Event Producer here at The Children’s Museum. I plan events for individuals or companies who want to rent our space for their own event. I’ve been a part of this industry for close to 8 years, 2.5 of which have been with the museum. Part of the job description for an event planner is being prepared to adjust and always having a good back up plan. And let me tell you: those skills have never gotten so much use like they have in 2020! This year has challenged us to focus on events in a new light, specifically our wedding clients.
As much as 2020 has taken away, what it’s really given us is time. We've had time to put every offering and option we have under a microscope and make sure we come out on the other side ready. For the wedding industry as a whole it’s created some new trends:
1. Micro weddings. Couples are opting for smaller, more intimate affairs. Whether it’s due to government guidelines or a personal safety preference, couples are deciding bigger isn’t always better.
2. All-inclusive packages (and I’m not talking about a tropical getaway). Many couples are now looking for venues that are a one-stop-shop. Packages that include the venue, food, tables, chairs, linens, event coordination, floral, the photographer and more. In case of postponement, it’s a lot easier to reschedule when everything is controlled by one entity instead of having to contact a multitude of vendors to find a new date that works for everyone.
3. Health and safety. While this was always important to couples, it was never really on top-of-mind in the past like it is now. Couples are now asking questions about sanitation and thinking more about safe spacing within floor plans. From handing out personalized masks to color coded bracelets that indicate individual social distancing comfort level, couples and venues are going out of their way to ensure that are their guests have fun but feel safe, too.
4. “I do” part two. Some couples don’t want to forgo their original wedding date, but still want a large reception as well. A solution that has begun to pop up is to move forward having a small ceremony on the original date and then host the larger reception down the road when it’s safer to do so. This comes with the added bonus of wearing that gown twice—or buying two outfits. No judgement here!
5. Moving it outdoors. Outdoor weddings have always been popular. Now more than ever, people are moving their nuptials outside in the fresh air. It automatically makes people feel safer and venue safety restrictions and guidelines are typically more lax than what’s allowed indoors. But make sure to find a location that has a Plan B in lieu of inclement weather!
Wedding options at The Children's Museum
In the end, your dream wedding day may have a multitude of revisions but one thing no one can edit is your love for each other. Focus on that and the rest will fall into place. Here at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and The Manor at The Children’s Museum, we are proud to offer a multitude of wedding options. From our Mini Matrimony all-inclusive packages, to outdoor options, to our health and safety standards, I’m sure you will be pleased with what we can offer you on your big day. Click here to fill out a form to find out more information or to schedule a tour.
Just because we are the world’s largest children’s museum doesn’t mean your wedding has to be too. We are excited to announce the arrival of our new Mini Matrimony packages! Available for The Children’s Museum and The Manor at The Children’s Museum, these packages were put together to create a big impact for couples having a small ceremony. Its all-inclusive style makes the planning process easy too!
Each package includes:
- One gallery within the museum or the entire Manor
- 2 hour rental
- Up to 15 guests
- Chairs
- In-house music
- Standard AV
- Three cocktail tables with candle centerpiece
- Parking
- Security
- Toss bouquet
- Event planning and production support
- Choice of catering package
After the ceremony you can celebrate your marriage with your choice of one of our six catering packages. From personalized bottles of fruit infused water with donuts to cake-cutting with champagne to cocktails with chocolate covered berries, you’re sure to find the perfect way to toast your happily ever after.
Fill out our contact form or email mmattingly@childrensmuseum.org to get additional details and to start planning your mini matrimony today. We can’t wait to say, “I do,” with YOU!
