Restrictions on gatherings will be relaxed from tomorrow but that does not seem to have inspired Dunedin people to rush to hold weddings or memorial services.
Having waited for weeks to hold services where people could gather to grieve, many would wait a little longer so they could run the sort of service they wanted, Hope and Sons manager Andrew Maffey said.
Funerals were not allowed when New Zealand went into lockdown in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, then gatherings of up to 10 people were permitted and then, after lobbying, up to 50.
The limit will be lifted to 100 from tomorrow.
Mr Maffey said some families would be content with small funerals already put on for loved ones and others would wait for further relaxation of restrictions before running memorial services.
Gillions Funeral Services owner Keith Gillions said he expected the new limit would result in people beginning to consider memorial services. But he did not expect people to be in a hurry to make arrangements.
Some families would continue to hold off until family from such places as Australia could attend a final sendoff for loved ones.
Several Dunedin marriage celebrants said many couples had either cancelled weddings or were biding their time.
Edie Pont, who is part of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand group, said winter was normally quiet for weddings.
Concerning funerals, she was aware of people opting for cremation and keeping their loved one’s ashes, possibly with a future memorial service in mind.
Some remained wary of getting people together for events where they would likely want to exchange hugs.
The 100-people limit remained a hindrance.
‘‘People are holding off until they can gather everyone they want to celebrate or grieve.’’
