As the days roll into weeks in the wake of Covid-19 here in the UK, it’s safe to say we are all beginning to realise the immense challenges this unprecedented time is bringing to life as we know it.
Our hearts go out to everyone right now - as we all have no choice but to face the difficulties, the worry and the sadness of this crisis head on.
Many of you will already be aware of the devastating impact this epidemic is having on UK weddings and events - as doors to venues have temporarily closed, marriage ceremonies are postponed, festivals and shows are cancelled, leaving so many wonderful people forced to make radical changes to their plans.
Spring and summer 2020 wedding couples nationwide, their families, friends, and network of amazing South West Wedding suppliers, have watched their plans, designs, and endless efforts for a day that dreams are made of, be abruptly altered. Plans which have been curated with love, joy and excitement in the months, even years leading up to this point.
So what can we, Coombe Trenchard the relatively small private West Devon Country House Wedding Venue do to help couples whose wedding plans are in jeopardy?
The Coombe Trenchard team and I have brainstormed - with kindness, flexibility and personal attention to detail at the forefront of everything we do here - and we hope the following measures (which are available with immediate effect) will provide a positive and practical ray of hope to couples as together we stand strong and weather this storm.
Additional availability for 2021 now available
As of today, Philip and I have taken the decision to increase the total number of wedding bookings we accept annually, by way of releasing additional booking dates within our private events diary. The new booking opportunities will apply to Spring, Summer and early Autumn 2021 dates, to enable couples urgently seeking a venue for next year to place an enquiry with us in confidence, instead of being turned away.
A discounted and flexible phase of booking payments
To support couples whose wedding budgets and personal cash flow during this difficult time, we have decided to reduce the deposit amount we require to secure a new booking by 50% - and we will run this discounted scheme for the duration of 2020.
Thereafter, we will also offer a staggered phase of final balance payments should couples prefer to spread the cost of their venue hire fees.
Embracing virtual ways to keep the conversation & the support flowing
I’m fortunate to have access to (and be able to use!) a number of digital communication tools which I enjoy using to stay in touch my family and friends from all corners of the world. And in these times of isolation, I will be pleased to use these digital platforms for our wedding business too.
So for anyone wishing to have an initial wedding venue chat via skype or facetime to begin establishing a connection with Coombe Trenchard - to find out more about us, to explore our availability and the beautiful spaces, props, services and wedding planning support we just love to share - feel free to email me to schedule in a virtual meeting.
Sowing the seeds of love
And finally, for those who haven’t yet watched our new film, below is a link for you to do so via our You Tube channel. I invite you to sit quietly for a moment, and enjoy being temporarily transported to our very special West Devon estate as I share an insight into the story of Coombe Trenchard.
I’ll let you into a little secret… I’m not a natural in front of the camera at all, so this film took a lot of patience, and many many edits. Enormous thanks to Will and Nell for working so patiently with us to create the finished film, which we all love, are very proud of, and is a beautiful reminder that happy days will return again.
Take care & keep well,
Sarah x
