Candice Meier owner of Stages by Candice is one of many in the wedding industry excited to see the province move into stage two of loosening restrictions.

By Tiffany Goodwein

Wedding industry excited

Hatters react to province lifting nearly all restrictions March 1

Feb 27, 2022 | 10:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB– It’s the announcement many Albertans have been waiting for. The province announced on Saturday that it would be lifting nearly all of the restrictions come March 1.

“Over the last three weeks, cases and hospitalizations have continued to drop as we have started lifting restrictions. This promising trend puts Alberta in a position to safely remove the majority of remaining public health measures. This is a good day for Albertans as we get another step closer to getting back to normal.” Kenney said

Under Step 2, Masks will only be required in high-risk settings, like public transit, AHS facilities, and continuing care centers. Capacity limits will be lifted in venues and there will be no limits on social gatherings. It’s a change many hatters say they are eager to embrace.

“I’m good with them dropping this stuff, it’s getting a little tiring. But we did what we had to do right?” one man said.

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“I feel like it will bring back some more normalcy For a lot of teenagers and kids it has been harder so. I think that will help them,” one woman said.

Also excited about the lifting of restrictions, is the wedding and event industry. Candice Meier is a wedding planner here in the city.

” We have actually been waiting for this kind of thing, as well as the elimination of the REP program because we have all been having to pivot our roles when it comes to weddings, and this is all vendors. All of us in some way have had to police for our own protection, and in some cases where some couples and families have chosen to do their own thing, some vendors have had to say,’ I can’t’ for the safety and protection of their business, ” she said.

Meier said now, she’s expecting another busy year of couples saying I do.

“Last year we were actually pretty slammed with events. This year I am finding the same thing but I am finding a difference in the demeanor of couples whereas last year they were very anxious and very, it was an emotional roller coaster this year I am finding couples are a little more grounded, prepared for anything, appreciative of everything and it has also been nice to see some fresh faces, where the ones from last year we had been working with them for three, four years,” she said.

For those itching to host that big event, Meier recommends finding a reputable venue, and to pinpoint what your big priorities are. Once that is established, she said to find the best vendors possible. If you don’t know where to look, she advises asking the professionals for recommendations, to ensure your long-awaited celebration can go off without a hitch.