Cassidy Boyd is a Grade 12 student hoping to celebrate graduation this year. She like so many has already bought her dress ( Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Brides and grads going ahead with planning despite unknowns

Apr 26, 2021 | 6:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Scouring through isles of sparkling dresses are soon-to-be high school graduates and brides preparing to celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones, in what is looking to be yet another unprecedented year.

Cassidy Boyd is a Grade 12 student. She, like many of her peers, is looking forward to graduation, but what that looks like is up in the air.

“Everyone is very hesitant. It is still kind of all over the place. We were supposed to have a decision as of April 21, what we were supposed to be doing for grad but it’s been pushed back once again which is understandable,” she said.

Still, with so much uncertainty she said many in her class are holding out hope that some kind of celebration can occur, even if it may be out of the norm.

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“A large amount of us have brought our dresses because I think it is something we all feel like we can control. And it is nice to have that reminder that someday you’ll get to wear that big dress,” she said.

But the current economic situation, coupled with the restrictions has pushed some grads to change how much they are willing to spend.

“I definitely didn’t spend as much as I thought I was going to because I was a little unsure as to how much or when I was going to wear it,” she said.

Some grads, according to Boyd have even learned how to do their own hair and makeup in the event of additional restrictions.

On the wedding side, consultants with Magic Moments Bridal say brides are either choosing to compromise or postpone. Currently, the public health order only allows a maximum of 10 people, and wedding receptions are prohibited.

“Some are more love is love, we just want to get married. They are having a really small ceremony, getting their dress right away and just getting married in the smallest venue possible, and then some brides they still want to have a big wedding so they kind of just pushed it farther out,” said assistant manager Justine McDowell.

Currently, the public health order only allows a maximum of 10 people, and wedding receptions are prohibited.

One bride tying the knot is Sheri Wild and her fiance Thomas. They were supposed to get married this May but postponed to August, in the hope that restrictions get eased further.

“I think we both accepted it, because it is what it is, and we want our wedding how we want our wedding, and if we can’t do it the way we want then we have to wait,” Wild said.

Still, planning a wedding when everything keeps changing, poses a great challenge, according to Wild.

“It’s exhausting because one moment you are ready for this big wedding and the next thing you know, you can’t do it,” she said.

Bridal Consultant Christina Brunelle knows firsthand how challenging planning a wedding can be during a pandemic. She was set to get married last year in Mexico. Then COVID-19 hit, so she had to compromise, instead opting to get married at Echodale, with just a few family members by her side. Her biggest advice to other brides is to do what feels best.

“Love conquers all. You need to do what is best for you guys. It’s not easy. You have a dream, you have a plan, and you end up getting caught up in the pandemic, and you just need to do what works for you,” she said.