Ontario Wedding Association - OWA

02/12/2022

Anne from TheWeddingRing.ca spoke with our members tonight and we can't thank her enough! The information she shared about wedding shows will truly help the members of the OWA.

30/03/2022

🥳SAVE THE DATE WEDDING PROS!🥳

April 12th at 7pm we'll be hosting a Peer Panel discussion evening that will be open to all Wedding Pro's in Ontario. You don't need to be an OWA member to attend this event.

Let's learn from each other about what would make each of our lives a little easier at a wedding! There will be a few larger presentations and then individual tables available for smaller discussion. The entire night will be virtual so everyone in Ontario can join!

Helping each other will only help couples have an even better Wedding!

Head to www.ontarioweddingassociation.com/links to register for free! Connection details will be emailed to you closer to the date.

09/03/2022

Did you see the news?!

As of March 21st you will no longer need to wear a mask!

Keep in mind that people can still choose to wear one and venues can still choose to require it if they wish.

These measures will continue so long as the trends continue to be positive.

03/03/2022

BIG UPDATE!

We finally received clarity from the province!

ALL capacity limits are removed. You can now dance and celebrate with no capacity limits.

The only restriction currently in place is that you must be wearing a mask and there will be passive screening.

In summary, there are no capacity limits for your Wedding and there is no vaccine passport requirement. Venues and Couples still have the ability to ask if they choose.

15/02/2022

Well.. here comes some change again. We are expecting more changes as well. Here's what we know so far...

*Starting February 17th at 12:01am

**Receptions at a venue with NO dancing
- No capacity with proof of vaccination or medical exemption
- Masks required

**Receptions with dancing
- 25% capacity with proof of vaccination or medical exemption
- Masks required

**Ceremonies
- Physical distance requirement with no proof of vaccination
- No restrictions with proof of vaccination or medical exemption

*March 1st at 12:01am

Proof of vaccination expected to be removed from all restrictions. No other details at this time, but will absolutely update everyone as soon as we have more information. Venues can still ask for proof of vaccination if they wish.

14/02/2022

Look what we recieved today from the province!

"If public health and health system indicators continue to improve, we intend to take additional steps to ease public health measures on March 1, 2022, including lifting proof of vaccination requirements for all settings."

20/01/2022

Here are the updates with the target dates. It's important to remind you to call your local public health as well, as each jurisdiction can add additional restrictions if they wish.

***Effective Jan 31

Private property gathering limits will be 10 people indoor and 25 outdoor

Indoor staffed venues will be able to reopen with

- proof of vaccination or medical exemption
- 50% capacity
- No dancing
- Masks required
- Personal services where face coverings need to be removed will be allowed to resume working i.e. makeup artists, facials
- Patrons will need to be seated for food and drink services
- Max 10 people per table for food & beverage
- No time restrictions for food and beverage service
- No buffett service

***As of Feb 21st

Private property gathering limits will be 25 people indoor and 100 outdoor

Indoor staffed venue restrictions include:

- Proof of vaccination or medical exemption
- 100% capacity with NO dancing
- 25% capacity WITH dancing
- Masks required
- Patrons will need to be seated for food and drink services
- No time restrictions for food and beverage service

***As of March 14

Private property gathering limits will be 50 people indoor and no limits outdoors

Indoor staffed venue restrictions include:

- Proof of vaccination or medical exemption
- Capacity limits will be lifted at staffed venues
- Mask requirements are TBD
- Restrictions will be lifted regarding guests needing to be seated for food and beverage service
- No time restrictions for food and beverage service

***Ceremonies

- From now until Feb 21st are 50% capacity
- Feb 21 will be the number who can safely maintain the 2m distance
- March 14 - No capacity limits

17/01/2022

Today’s call still wasn’t 100% clear, but we do have some more details.

- In order to qualify you must have been forced to close by the restriction (limited capacity would not qualify)
- Your Jan 2022 income must be at least 20% lower than your Dec 2021 income
- Home-based businesses are not eligible (we are not happy about this and will be going back to our contacts about this)
- If you qualified for the grant previously you do not need to reapply. Your application will be reviewed and determine if you still qualify or not. Those that do qualify will receive an email in the next week or two to confirm that you still meet the requirements (revenue decline etc). If you don’t receive the email you can apply again once the portal opens up to do so.

So... there are the details we have so far. We are absolutely connecting with our contacts to express our concerns about some of the points on here. There still is no full list of who will be eligible (we may never receive this).

We are still working hard to try and get the supports needed!

16/01/2022

Recently the province announced that those eligible would be receiving additional funding from the Ontario Small Business Support Grant. Unfortunately the released list did not include many in the Wedding Industry who have been forced to close.

We reached out to our contacts and happy to report that we have a response. Not a super clear response, but still good to know someone is listening!

The province has not finalized the eligibility list and they have taken our comments/concerns to the appropriate people. We hope to hear more soon and will be part of a meeting on Monday to learn more. Fingers crossed we can report back with positive news! 🤞

03/01/2022

Effective January 5th at 12:01am for at least 21 days Ontario will be going back to a modified step 2 within the roadmap to reopen.

Indoor Receptions
- Not permitted, with limited exceptions (e.g., washrooms)

Outdoor Receptions
- Maximum 10 patrons per table
- Patrons must be seated at all times, with limited exceptions (e.g. washrooms)
- Businesses must record the name and contact information of every member of the public and actively screen individuals
- Rented space must be configured so patrons at different tables are 2 metres apart or separated by a barrier
- No dancing

Private Residences (social gathering)
- Indoor - 5 person limit
- Outdoor - 10 person limit

Wedding Ceremony Only
- Indoors - 50% capacity
- Outdoors - as many as can maintain 2m social distancing

Restrictions will be in effect until at least January 26th, 2022 but may be extended if needed.

Always consult your local health unit for final decisions as they are able to implement additional restrictions if they wish.

01/01/2022

2022 will be amazing!!

To say the last couple of years has been difficult is an understatement. We're sure many of you are feeling defeated and just out of energy. Trust us, we know the feeling.

Use this time to focus on yourselves though! Do what makes you happy and take time to appreciate everything you do have. Focus on the things that are in your control and kick butt at it!!

Take 2022 to be the best version of yourself!! You got this 😀

25/12/2021

Happy Holidays to everyone!

We hope that you have yourself a day that's filled with love!

17/12/2021

All restrictions come into effect Decemeber 19th at 12:01am.

- 50% capacity at a staffed venue
- Limit of 10 per table
- Required to close by 11pm
- No alcohol sold past 10pm
- No alcohol consumed past 11pm
- No Dancing unless by a performer

Limits do not apply to wedding ceremonies

Private property receptions will be reduced to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors

50% capacity of the room for receptions at a staffed venue

22/10/2021

We’ve got some updates and exciting news (for meeting and events spaces)!

We have some dates to look forward to so long as things continue to improve. If the metrics deteriorate these dates will possibly change.

October 25th, 2021 - Capacity limits removed (including social distancing requirements with proof of vaccination)
November 15th, 2021 - Dancing capacity limits will be lifted with proof of vaccination.
March 28th, 2022 - ALL restrictions will be removed. No more masks or proof of vaccinations.

We are beyond excited that there are dates we can look forward to now!

The roadmap with dates can be viewed on our website at www.ontarioweddingassociation.com/links

08/10/2021

Starting October 9th at 12:01am venues can now entertain 100% capacity (while still ensuring social distancing).

This means, if a venue's 100% capacity number allows guests to have adequate social distancing space, then event capacity can increase.

Note: Each venue will be different.

We certainly have more questions like how this will impact dancing at receptions.

Once we have more answers we will absolutely share that information.

14/09/2021

We have some more details surrounding the vaccine certificate system. Here's a couple of highlights from our meeting today.

- Vaccine verification only applies to patrons, NOT vendors.
- Indoor washroom access for an outdoor space will be allowed without verification.
- Events on private property are not included in the verification process. Event limits still apply as per the social gathering limits.
- Wedding Ceremonies are exempt no matter the location of the ceremony

Full details of what has been released can be found at www.ontarioweddingassociation.com/links

06/09/2021

So much drama in this photo!!!

Reposted from Sizzle With Decor]......
✨ Wedding lighting adds drama, ambience, warmth and welcoming visual aesthetic ✨

Every event deserves high quality lighting design, whatever the budget - we’ve got you covered! 💫

Styling, Design & Decor: Sizzle With Decor]
Venue: Hilton Lac Leamy
Photography:

01/09/2021

Here’s what we know so far about the vaccine certificates.

Starting September 22nd, 2021 Meeting and Event spaces will have to screen for vaccinations for guests that are eligible to receive the vaccine. Only those that are fully vaccinated will be allowed to enter their space. This is for indoor weddings only. Outdoor spaces are exempt from this. If an individual is medically exempt from the vaccines, they will be able to enter the space so long as they provide the appropriate documents.

Guests will be able to show a negative covid test to enter the space as well, but this is only an option until October 12th, 2021. After the 12th, this will no longer be accepted.

If your ceremony is happening within a religious building, there will be no requirement for vaccination to enter the building. If your ceremony is happening within a meeting/event space there will be a requirement of vaccination.

There are no changes to the capacity limits at this time.

We are told the full legislation will be available as soon as possible.

17/08/2021

We are thrilled to introduce to you our Board of Directors!

This amazing group of people will help guide and govern the Ontario Wedding Association into the future! These people were selected by a panel of OWA members and we couldn't be happier with their decision.

Please help us congratulate the following individuals (in no particular order):
Stephanie Miaco of YesInspired Events
Heather MacArthur of Bowtied With Love
Rami Salib of The Place - elmacan
Brandy King of La Petite Fleur & La Petite Chapelle
Vicky Nicholas of Perfect Planners - Your Event Specialists

We can't wait to see what they will accomplish. More information about each of the Board of Directors will be shared soon :)

06/08/2021

It's so exciting to see wedding professionals working and posting again! We've finally made it.

We aren't completely out of the woods yet. We're working hard to make sure the wedding industry isn't forgotten about.

Remember, we'd love to see what you're up to. Use the hashtag so we can see everything!...........
Repost Mobile Makeup & Hair Team GTA]

Nothing can make a woman look beautiful like the glow on her wedding day ✨✨

Makeup by Michele Mobile Makeup & Hair Team GTA]

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

30/07/2021

Post step 3, what's it going to look like?!

Well, we recieved the legislation today!

First, we won't be exiting step 3 until the metrics are met (see graphic for details). Ontario has met 1 of the 4 metrics so far. At the time of posting this we are seeing that 68% have received their second dose. So getting close to meeting a second metric.

There has been no date set yet to exit Step 3 as it all depends on the metrics. We will update everyone as soon as we hear an official date.

POST STEP 3 RULES

They have been posted (www.ontarioweddingassociation.com/links). Capacity limits will be removed. However masks are still required indoors, except when eating and drinking.

Business owners, please read the legislation so you fully understand.

29/07/2021

We can finally see the light!

As we approach the end of step 3 (so long as the vaccination thresholds are met) we have the same question as you. Is this it? Will we be reatriction free?

As of right now, we don't have an answer. We've ask the question to our provincial contacts and will update you as soon as we have an answer.
......

Reposted from
Downtown feels 💕
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Hair: The Hair Studio on Barrie Makeup: Venue:

15/07/2021

We recieved this notice today from the province!! (Direct copy from the email)

The legislation will be updated soon to make dancing restrictions more clear.

There's certainly more questions that we need clarity on but this is a great first step.

Get those dancing shoes ready!

09/07/2021

STEP 3!!

We are finally at step 3 (well on July 16th). There's some further rules that need to be followed but these are the quick updates.

For a wedding reception at a staffed venue, you'll need to choose if you want dancing or not.

If you want dancing it'll be 25% indoor capacity and 75% outdoor capacity.

If you don't want dancing, it'll be 50% indoor capacity and 75% outdoor capacity.

Private property receptions fall under the social gatherings, while staffed venues fall under the meeting and event spaces.

www.ontarioweddingassociation.com/links for the most recent legislation!

08/07/2021

We didn't expect to have an update so soon!

It's not a complete update unfortunately. We will hopefully have that tomorrow. We don't have details just yet. Tomorrow (Friday) we'll be in a meeting with province for a Step 3 briefing. We are really hoping they'll let us know some capacity limits and what the restrictions will be. As soon as we have information, you know we will share it with you!

08/07/2021

Waterloo Region! Great news for you. You'll be joining the rest of the Province on Monday July 12th!

Yahoo! Progress :)
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Repost

Something special is happening today! Keep your eyes peeled on my stories for some sneak peeks on today’s adventures.
Also, please pray the rain takes a quick pause. 😩
Published: .bridalmagazine
Planning & ex*****on:
Venue:
Decor:
Floral:
Photography:
Video:
Favours:
Suit:
Dress:
Makeup:
Hair:
Stationary:
Cake:
Linens:
Jewelry:
Models:


Reposted from

30/06/2021

We've been hearing that local public health offices are instructing couples that outdoor wedding receptions at staffed venues are not included as part of the 25% capacity restriction.

Unfortunately we believe this is a case of confusion. In step 1, receptions were considered part of the social gathering limits. Step 2 however was updated and outdoor receptions at a staffed venue fall under the Meeting/Event spaces now.

Of course always be respectful when speaking with public health, but try and direct them to Schedule 1, section 4, subsection 4 of the legislation (O. Reg. 263/20). This section states:
"(4) The person responsible for a business or place that is open may rent out outdoor meeting or event space for a purpose other than a purpose listed in subsection (1) if the business or place complies with the following conditions:" it then goes on to list the conditions.

Hopefully this helps clear up any confusion. You can also download the summary document (link in bio) and send that to the person you're speaking with as well. We've also been in contact with the province about how we can clear this up for everyone.

Hope this helps!

27/06/2021

We recently spoke with CBC News about how COVID-19 has affected the industry. It was incorporated into their article about Micro-Weddings :)
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/weddings-covid-19-lifestyle-love-relationships-marriage-planning-1.6080796

The pandemic knocked the wedding industry to its knees, but with COVID-19 waning, big weddings could make a comeback.

25/06/2021

We got permission from the Premiers office to share the document that was presented to the OWA about Step 2! The legislation, reopen website and summary documents can all be found at www.ontarioweddingassociation.com/links

Page 8 of the summary document outlines the ceremony and social gathering limits (private property). Page 9 outlines the outdoor reception limits (staffed venues).

The legislation goes into detail as to what the venues responsibilities are for outdoor receptions. Venues owners take note of Schedule 1 Section 4 subsection 4 (easier to just search the page (ctrl+f) for meeting).

24/06/2021

We are excited about the expansion of the restrictions. Lots of people have been hard at work fighting for the Wedding Industry. There's still more work to do but thrilled that the province is listening and willing to make changes. Here are the details about outdoor receptions:

- Maximum 6 patrons per table

- Patrons must be seated at all times, with limited exceptions (e.g. washrooms)

- Businesses must record the name and contact information of every member of the public and actively screen individuals

- Rented space must be configured so patrons at different tables are 2 metres apart or separated by a barrier

- Indoors not permitted, with limited exceptions (e.g., washrooms)

- No dancing

- Not applicable to private properties

These changes will start with step 2 on June 30th 12:01am (Waterloo Region excluded)



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