Businesses Bouncing Back As COVID Postponed Wedding Events Resume

Wedding season is back in full swing after a year of postponed events and smaller parties. 

Janice Harris, the owner of Harris Custom Catering, said her schedule is full once again, after a year where she wasn’t sure if the business would make it.

“It’s been busy, and my body is tired and not used to it, just getting back in the rhythm, but it’s been amazing, the increase in business, and guest counts,” she said. 

A full fridge means a lot. 

“That means we have a lot of events coming up, and those guest counts are higher, and we’re going to be feeding a lot of people,” she said. 

Harris is relieved to put a long year of COVID-related cancellations in her rearview mirror. 

“There were times when I was thinking how am I gonna pay payroll? How am I gonna pay this,” she said. 

Harris said she learned some lessons along the way.

“I need to get a bigger savings account. My business savings it lasted three months and it was depleted,” she said. 

But some pandemic issues are not over yet. the cost and availability of food and supplies still changes unexpectedly. One cut of beef that is typically $100 dollars now costs $140, she said. 

At JJ Kelly Bridal Salon, it’s taking longer than usual for some orders to be filled. 

“If you want to have the look you want, you have to prepare,” said owner Dorothy Kelly. 

You can buy dresses from in-store collections but ordering a different size or a certain style might take over six months. 

After 46 years in business, Kelly said nothing could have prepared her for the pandemic. 

“No one would have expected for healthy people to be in lockdown, how do you prepare for that,” she said. 

Kelly is looking forward to a year of gorgeous gowns, and beautiful brides.