Oklahoma's Wedding Industry Braces For Packed 2021 Season

As vaccine distribution ramps up and herd immunity starts to rise, gatherings such as weddings are within reach. That hope is giving couples the green light to start planning to say, "I do." 

Weddings may look a little different this summer with smaller guest lists, more outdoor venues, and even pod seating may become the norm. The people making those special days happen are getting ready for a busy season, where weekends may become a thing of the past. 

"We're pretty booked up this year already. It normally wouldn't look that way," said Travis Wackerly, owner of Full Circle Melody Entertainment.  

Couples are getting ready to walk down the aisle, and after a 2020 full of cancellations, people in the wedding industry will be working overtime.

"So some weddings from last year are still being brought in to 2021 and so that really makes 2021 go in to 2022, but we're actually getting to have weddings happen so that's really nice," owner of Forever Cole Events, Heather Cole, said.  

Wackerly said nearly half of his clients last year put off their weddings, some rescheduling to this year. While the influx of business is good for FCM, it makes things more difficult on couples planning their nuptials for the first time.

"For new clients as well, new couples who are wanting May 15 for example. May 15 is already triple booked for us. We can't fit anymore May 15s on the calendar, and I think two of those are rescheduled from last year," he said.

Cole, who is a wedding planner, said she's had couples abandon the idea of a big wedding all together. Some are opting for a small destination wedding instead. Her advice to couples planning to get married at home, move fast. 

"Clients used to be able to wait a little closer to their wedding date to book a venue, or a wedding planner, or book certain vendors; however, I say don't wait. Book in advance as far as vendors will allow you to," said Cole.

Experts said heading to a wedding expo is a good place to begin for couples who don't know where to start when it comes to making those initial plans.