The invasion of Covid-19 has not only turned the world upside down, but it has also turned marriage into quite a nightmarish experience. Small or low budgeted marriages have lost their entire negative connotations to become the new normal! Getting married while restricted can be quite frustrating. However, the citizens are doing their best to abide while event organizers are trying to meet the expectations!
In 2020, Statistics Mauritius has registered 6929 weddings performed. “Civil marriages, provided that not more than 10 persons are in attendance,” stipulates the Government Notices 2021 in its section: Events or activities authorized to be carried out. Weddings can be performed in the presence of a Civil Officer, a religious official and “closest” or most important family members.
Thus, Grand Wedding becomes Micro Wedding! It can be quite saddening for the new couple or family, however rich or poor they may be. Dreams remain dreams! The newlyweds are called to get over the numerous “Royal” suits and dresses, sumptuous feasts, religious processions, and traditional gatherings… Only the basics, the strict minimum! On top of that, there is the concept of Long-Distance Weddings/On Screen Weddings where Technology gives a helping hand!
Technology as a balm
Mobile apps are numerous to fill in this blank. Since the borders are closed and the situation is getting worse, delaying further this next step of life seems to be pointless. Candasamy and Nooreza Maslamouny recently married their daughter, Tanya who lives in France. “It was a wedding without the presence of the close ones. When our daughter got married in France, we could not be physically present because of the Covid-19 situation. My wife and I were deprived of the right to give our blessings to our pride. It is quite a painful topic to talk about. The wedding was organised within the rules and regulations. Thanks to the Zoom application, the whole family and friends could be part of this special moment. We all got dressed up and in small groups from Mauritius, France, South Africa and England; we enjoyed what could be termed as a ‘technolo-magic’ moment. We only hope that once the pandemic bans are lifted, we can celebrate together.”
Solutions exist for the bolder!
Wedding planners and event organizers are coming up with new ways and packages. For Curtis Chundee, owner of Catrex Events “We are waiting for a better future, but we need to reinvent to make the magic of weddings happen. From organizing mini tailor-made wedding ceremonies to ensuring the whole family can attend the wedding from their respective venues. Since we work with strategic agencies and partners like Logos Publicity, we have the necessary equipment for this organisation and fulfilment”. This event organizer is proposing giant screens, sound and lights system, videography and photography services, decoration settings and animation for the couples and families on the day of the big event. Among the different packages, Curtis Chundee, together with partners dealing with the rental of Wedding Halls, Restaurants and other wedding venues is also proposing a special package for all couples who were married while the sanitary measures were still in force. The package allows the couples to organize a proper wedding reception and includes a free venue in exchange of catering and animation.
The pandemic period should not refrain people from living, planning their future, being happy and getting married. Would it not be better if we agree in living with it, adopting the new ways in our disposition and adapting them as the customs of this era?
