Saying ‘I do’ in the time of Covid-19

Weddings have become just one of the heart breaking events now with social distancing and weddings without much glitz and glamour. For many couples December is a romantic month to get married with all the the p araphernalia of flowers,candles,confetti and others.Ramani Fernando talks about the “new normal’ in the post-covid world if you were just about to walk down the aisle?

by Zanita Careem

When you’re newly engaged and contemplating what month to have your wedding. December exactly the first month that comes to mind. December generally means holidays celebrations, food and family time. But if you love all the things that make this month so special, that precisely why most people consider getting married in December.

The ‘New Normal’ for celebrating weddings in the post covid world will be difficult with social distancing becoming the norm, weddings will be smaller, more intimate with emphasis on top notch hygiene standards. The coronavirus outbreak has brought the wedding industry to a screeching halt. Now we see intimate weddings, no grandeur with no great spending.

The preparations had begun early this year for 29 old Danushka. A long guest list, multiple functions and an exotic honeymoon. But however when Sri Lanka imposed pandemic lockdowns, everything was brought to a grinding halt. Things were beyond our control echoed Danushka’s family. It was our first marriage in our family and we wanted all our friends and relations to be invited.His story is not alone, in Sri Lanka many wedding ceremonies suffered a major jolt due to the pandemic, which was witnessed a massive increase. But amidst the pandemic people are either cancelling postponing or having small gatherings.

With all uncertainty, still there are some weddings taking place in an informal manner. Five -star wedding, flower decors, beautiful thrones, rich wedding dresses, photographers and well known beauticians are still the norm of certain families. Regarding weddings I spoke to Ramani Fernando, the popular hairdresser and make -up artist who has the credit of dressing many brides in Colombo and suburbs. This is what she had to say about thier weddings , make-up and safety measures.

Ramani said ‘We have requests from many brides this month for appointments Most families are interested in planning their weddings on a grander scale and curious to know about the bridal details.

Q: In weddings,brides of any race and religion, glamour is an integral part of any bride’s dream, hair and make up is done at a closer contact? What are your guidelines to safeguard in such situation.

A: Needless to say we are taking every possible precautions to make sure the bride and bridal party feel safe, during the process of dressing. I ensure the bride and the safety of my client to the maximum We have some guidelines drawn up for the safety of our client and the staff.

Q: Could you elaborate on the safety guidelines?

A: We first check the temperature, sanitise and then prepare the client for the service.

Q: Make up is important for brides to enhanced the bridal look. How do you deal with the bride, to do the colour make -up. hairstyles and other fine details.

We try to use as much as possible disposables and advise our brides to bring in their own make up if possible. We also sanitise all our brushes and sponges and keep the place clean and tidy.

Q: What are some of the risk factors faced by you?

A: We are on high alert and everything is done with the masks, adhering to rules and regulations

Brides want to look beautiful and feel their best on their great day. It does not mean you should bid adieu to make up, because of Covid-19 It is necessary for a bride to look extra beautiful, on this special day and get the wedding pictures captured.

Q: As an experienced beautician how would you envisage a simple make up if a bride desire during this time.

A: The minimalist wedding make up has been the trend this year.

I always love to choose a style that fits the bride’s personality, truly reflecting the most beautiful version at the same time, giving a natural look,Some of the brides are radiant with heavily worked masks. this is a new trend, followed by many brides at many brides, The eyes can do the talking with fluttering lashes.

Q: What are your safety precautions?

A: Staff with cold, sore-throats. cough and fever are not allowed to come to the salon.

Q: How do you face the risk factors?

A: Our salons are very vigilant about sanitation and infection practices Aside from following strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols regulated by the authorities , hygiene and sanitation are our top priority. I am committed to continually evaluate the sanitary conditions and see what must be done to meet the needs of the bride and and bride’s party

Every single staff member sanitizes themselves before entering the salon.

All staff have to wear (PPE)- Personal Protective Equipment.

Disinfect the entire salon immediately after opening – using a suitable detergent. (includes equipment, surfaces etc.)

Clients must be informed that they cannot crowd the salon

Only clients with the appointment should be allowed into the salon.

Everybody must wear a face mask.

All clients must be checked for temperature, sanitized and taken in.

After every service, make sure everything used is disinfected before the next client is taken in.

Q What do you do with the months you can’t plan and prepare the way you expected

A I take each day as it comes, things are so unpredictable during this pandemic and its been a very rough ride. But I take up all the challenges in good stride

Q As a makeup artist, for me there is no concept working from home. When dressing a bride, I had to stand in very close proximity to clients. How do you tackle this?

I always ensure that I am wearing my PPE as it is impossible to maintain one meter distance while doing someone’s and makeup. I make sure that I and my wash my hands and sanitizer as much as possible.

Q The sanitation practices and guidelines you adopt when it comes to bride’s makeup.? A Few Top Sanitation Practices

NEVER put lashes on a client if they have been worn by another person. You cannot sanitize eyelashes.

Never double dip.

Always use disposable sponges and mascara wands.

Sanitize everything with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol.

If you have EVER double dipped into a product, throw it away to play it safe.

Use disposable brushes or clients if you can’t properly sanitize between clients.

Carry hand sanitizer in your kit. Wash your hands with soap and water between clients. This is more effective than using hand sanitizer only.

Never use lipstick from the tube on clients. Scrape a bit with your spatula onto a palette and use a brush or disposable lip brushes.

Some brides have realised an intimate affair is all they ever wanted, sometimes. As Danuksha puts it: “I don’t think I would’ve had it any other way. At the end of the day, it’s about you and the person you love. The rest doesn’t matter.” It seems, in 2020, the old-adage remains true: bigger isn’t always better.