Q: Could you tell me a bit about your business?

My name is Manjula Balasubramaniam. I run a wedding card business called ‘Elegant Cards.’ We print and manufacture wedding cards. I’ve been running this business for 12 years.

Q: Could you run through the process to make an order?

Normally, customers browse through our website first to find a small selection of cards they are interested in. Next, they would book an appointment to see the cards and discuss pricing. Then, the design and manufacturing process starts.

Q: How has the pandemic affected weddings?

By now, the wedding season should be reaching a triumphant end but this year, of course, it never started. Wedding ceremonies are currently banned in England during the second lockdown, which runs until December 2nd. Weddings were banned when the national lockdown was imposed on March 23rd, affecting 73,600 weddings. The Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent government regulations have had an adverse effect on the wedding industry.

On 4 July, people were given a glimmer of hope as weddings were allowed to resume, albeit with a limit of 30 guests but, just two months later, the number of Covid cases began to rise once more and the government doubled down on social gatherings. 

Q: What is your opinion regarding the response from the government? 

The response from the government has been inconsistent in the eyes of the industry and has seen couples have to deal with a host of last-minute changes, including a complete U-turn on receptions, which saw couples given less than 24 hours notice to cancel their evening receptions for up to 30 people after prime minister Boris Johnson announced they would not be able to recommence as originally trailed. 

On 22 September, the Prime Minister announced a series of new guidelines, many of which served a devastating blow to the wedding industry. While other sectors of hospitality, such as pubs and restaurants, were instructed to implement a 10pm curfew and only take bookings of up to six people per table, the 30-person limit for all weddings was drastically reduced to just 15, including the couple. I believe this is very unfair. 

Q: What help have you received from the government?

I have received the self-employment income support grant. This covered 80% of my profits.