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In what is normally a peak season, businesses involved in the wedding industry are suffering as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Wedding dress shopping is such a special event, and most brides-to-be want the in-person experience and personal touch that we offer. Without the option to have in-person appointments, we have seen an absolute reduction of wedding dress sales," said Kimberly Tsikalas, who owns Diamond Bridal, Hollidaysburg, along with Heather DeStefano and Kelsey Riehle. "We never could have imagined being closed for weeks at a time during our busiest season. We have been working to find other ways to service our clients and address their questions and needs during this time, as we know they are also being negatively affected."
Diamond Bridal has been closed since March 20, and customers can still order merchandise over the phone or via email and have it shipped right to their door.
"We are currently working to set up online ordering so that our clients can purchase merchandise online in the very near future," Tsikalas said.
Tsikalas remains optimistic that area schools may reschedule their proms for sometime during the summer.
"A few schools have already announced that they are committed to rescheduling special events like graduation, prom and senior trips. Of course, the elimination of prom season altogether would be very challenging. Between dresses, tuxedos and accessories, prom is one of our busiest seasons," Tsikalas said.
Venues that host weddings have taken a hit.
"We lost all of our April and May weddings, (and) the June and July people have been calling," said Kevin Leonardis, owner of Whispering Hollow Estate, Alum Bank.
"It is like a great punch, but it is what it is. Hopefully we can get over it. The people have been very nice about it. Most are moving to Fridays and Sundays. We have no Saturdays open the rest of the year," Leonardis added. "I don't want to reschedule for July. It would be better to wait until August or September. Let's let people shop at the grocery stores and go back to the malls first."
Leonardis said he is in the midst of an expansion project at his venue.
"I am trying to make it really nice and will do some extra things for the customers," he said. "I built a honeymoon suite and am building seven cottages. We are trying to make the place to look great when we come out of this so people will be excited."
Business is also down at Diamond Lane Farm, Roaring Spring.
"We had four weddings booked for May. We were able to reschedule three for dates later in 2020. And one wedding is waiting until the end of April to make a decision for possibly next year. I feel bad for the brides and all involved," said co-owner Terry Woodring.
Woodring has also lost out on graduation and birthday parties as a result of the coronavirus.
Photographers and videographers have been affected by the pandemic, too.
"COVID-19 has certainly created a big impact on the business. April and May weddings have been getting canceled and rescheduled left and right for me and many other wedding/event professionals. Wedding celebrations are the complete opposite of social distancing, so it's definitely a hard-hit industry. June and July weddings may be compromised soon as well if the situation doesn't start looking up," said Zack Zsifkov, owner of Memories Wedding Videography, Altoona.
"It has been tough," said Aaron Porta, owner of Aaron Lee Photography, Hollidaysburg. "I have had to do a lot or rescheduling. I am still trying to book and secure deposits and make money. There has been a lot of rescheduling and cancellations. I have a lot of money invested. It is tough when you don't get leads and are trying to get bookings."
Add bakeries to the affected businesses.
"We don't do much with weddings, but COVID-19 crushed our fundraising business. With the schools being shut down, we lost a ton of business," said Andy Hoover, co-owner of Bake Shop Bakes, Tyrone.
"As far as weddings, we don't have any scheduled until the end of summer, so I am not sure how that will turn out," said Sharon Ebersole, owner and operator of Say It With Sweets, Altoona. "We have had all of our other events canceled or postponed -- birthdays, anniversaries, wedding and baby showers, that is where most of our revenue comes from. Business has definitely slowed down because of COVID-19."
Florists have also taken a major hit. Creative Expressions Florist in Altoona has been closed.
"I have had a most definitive impact: No sales, no income," said owner Debbie Arnsparger. "That's about as direct an answer as I can give. As far as weddings, so far, some have postponed. Others are questioning what will be happening in the next few months. That will remain to be seen.
"On a positive note, customers are waiting for me to reopen. They have messaged me. That's shop love. I've been keeping in touch with my loyal customers through Facebook, reciprocating the love of my customers -- trying to stay positive. An end will come. It's the waiting for that end that is difficult. We all must remember, we're in this together."
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.