Uk Weddings: Happening Or Not?

Weddings are happening in the UK, but the number of ceremonies has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. In 2020, there were far fewer weddings in the UK than in 2019, and the average cost of a wedding fell from £31,974 in 2019 to £9,100 in 2020.

In England, there were no limits on the number of people attending weddings, civil partnerships, and receptions from 19 July 2021. Rules also eased in Scotland on that date. However, some restrictions remained in place in Wales and Northern Ireland. For example, in Wales, the number of people who could attend a wedding was restricted by the venue's ability to manage social distancing, and all guests were required to take a lateral flow test. In Northern Ireland, there was no limit on the number of people at a wedding, but receptions were subject to certain rules, such as a limit of 10 people per table (excluding the top table).

The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the average number of guests at UK weddings. Before the pandemic, only 3% of weddings had fewer than 20 people attending. Now, due to restrictions and safety concerns, couples are opting for smaller weddings.

Wedding guest numbers and COVID-19 restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty for couples planning their weddings, with ever-changing updates and restrictions on guest numbers. In the UK, weddings were only allowed to take place in exceptional circumstances and with limited guest numbers during the pandemic.

In England, small wedding ceremonies with up to six people were allowed during lockdown, but receptions were banned. This meant that couples had to make difficult decisions about who to invite, often limiting guests to parents only. Some couples chose to livestream their ceremonies so that more people could join in the celebration virtually.

From 12 April 2021, the next stage of easing restrictions in England allowed wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 15 people. However, receptions could only be in the form of a sit-down meal or in outdoor venues and not in private gardens or public spaces.

In Scotland, wedding ceremonies and receptions resumed with a maximum of 50 people, but no alcohol was allowed at receptions. Wales permitted weddings in licensed visitor attractions and hotels, with guest numbers determined by the capacity of the venue. Northern Ireland allowed up to 25 people at ceremonies, with risk assessments required for events of more than 15 people, and face masks mandatory for guests.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at weddings, guidelines included wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, improving ventilation in indoor spaces, and avoiding large gatherings.

While some couples chose to postpone their weddings until restrictions eased, others embraced the opportunity to marry with a smaller group of guests. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of adhering to recommended mitigation measures, even in communities with low transmission rates, to prevent outbreaks and protect the health of guests, especially those who are vulnerable.

Wedding costs and budgeting

Wedding costs can quickly spiral, so budgeting is essential. The average UK wedding costs around £20,700, but some spend closer to £31,000, and it's easy to go over budget. Here are some tips to help you plan and stick to a wedding budget.

How to Plan a Wedding Budget

• Be realistic about what you can afford.
• Discuss the budget with your partner and anyone else who will be contributing.
• Sort the guest list – the size of your guest list will determine how much you need to save.
• Set aside 10-15% of your budget for unexpected costs.
• Block out your biggest costs first, such as the venue, food and drink.
• Decide on your priorities – what are your non-negotiables?
• Track your budget using a wedding budget planner or spreadsheet.

Wedding Budget Breakdown

The following is a guide to how you might allocate your wedding budget. You can adjust this to suit your needs and priorities.

• Venue, ceremony and catering: 50%
• Wedding stationery: 1.5%
• Wedding flowers and décor: 4%
• Photography and videography: 10%
• Wedding cake: 3.5%
• Music and entertainment: 4.5%
• Wedding transport: 2.5%
• Wedding rings: 3%
• Couple's wedding outfits: 9%
• Wedding favours: 1%
• Wedding hair and makeup: 1%
• Honeymoon: 10%

Wedding dates and astrology

Weddings are happening in the UK, and astrology can play a role in choosing a date for the ceremony. Astrology can be used to pick a "lucky" wedding date or to determine a date that aligns with specific zodiac signs and their associated traits.

For instance, according to astrologers Ophira and Tali Edut, also known as the AstroTwins, a wedding during Aries season (March 21 to April 19) would be adventurous and bold, with lots of spontaneity. In contrast, a wedding during Taurus season (April 20 to May 20) would be decadent and sensual, with an emphasis on luxury.

• Start with your birthday: Astrologist Susan Miller suggests choosing a wedding date within six weeks of your birthday as it is considered a lucky time due to the sun's energy being strongest when it returns to its position at the time of your birth.
• Avoid Mercury in retrograde: Mercury in retrograde is associated with foggy thinking and rushing into decisions. As marriage is a type of contract, it is not advisable to choose a wedding date during this period, which occurs three times a year.
• Consider the Moon phase and sign: A waxing moon phase is considered favourable, while the Moon in Aries, Scorpio, or Capricorn is not, as Aries is associated with war.
• Ruler of the Day: Saturday, ruled by Saturn, is considered the least auspicious day to marry. Instead, Fridays, Thursdays, and Sundays, ruled by Venus, Jupiter, and the Sun, respectively, are deemed better choices.
• Fixed Ascendant: A fixed Ascendant is desirable, while a mutable sign like Pisces is not.

It is worth noting that these astrology wedding date tips are subjective, and it is not necessary to strictly adhere to them. Couples can use these suggestions as a fun experiment to guide their decision-making process while also considering their personal preferences and timelines.

In the UK, August is the most popular month for weddings, with June, July, and September also being favoured. Saturday is the most popular day of the week for weddings, with Tuesday being the least popular.

Wedding venues and their COVID-19 compliance

Wedding venues and their staff have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their guests and workforce. The UK government has published guidance for venues hosting weddings and civil partnership ceremonies, which includes advice on how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Here are some measures that wedding venues can implement to ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines:

• Encourage the use of face coverings: While no longer required by law, the government suggests that people continue to wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces. Wedding venues can encourage the use of face coverings by visitors and staff in such settings, especially when in close contact with people they do not usually meet. It is important to respect the choices of those who wish to wear masks and be mindful that some people are unable to wear them due to invisible reasons.
• Ventilation: Good ventilation is crucial to reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Wedding venues should ensure indoor spaces are well-ventilated before, during, and after events. Opening windows and doors, as well as using window fans and HEPA filters, can improve airflow. Properly functioning HVAC systems are also essential to delivering clean air and diluting potential contaminants.
• Signage and social distancing: Wedding venues can use signage to promote hand washing, social distancing, and the proper use of face coverings. They can also help guests maintain social distancing by modifying layouts and seating arrangements and providing floor markings to ensure people from different households can stay at least 6 feet apart.
• Cleaning and disinfection: Venues should have designated cleaning staff for commonly used surfaces and implement additional disinfectant protocols. Hand sanitizer stations should be available throughout the facility, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn by all staff.
• Daily health assessments: Wedding venues should conduct daily health assessments for employees and vendors, including regular temperature checks. If a staff member is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, they should receive support and access to medical treatment, and all areas used by that person should be cleaned and disinfected within 24 hours.
• Guest management: Venues should work with couples to maintain an accurate list of attendees for possible contact tracing. They can also encourage guests to use apps like Bindle to provide proof of their negative COVID-19 status or vaccination.
• Food and beverage service: Wedding venues should follow the guidance for restaurants, pubs, and bars when serving food and drinks. Plated meals and covered individual plates for hors d'oeuvres are safer options than buffet-style meals, which involve shared serving utensils.

By implementing these measures, wedding venues can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission and ensuring the safety of their guests and staff.

Wedding insurance and refunds

Wedding insurance is a type of event insurance that can cover you in case of accidents, property damage, or injuries that occur during the event. It can also cover you if you need to postpone or cancel your wedding due to unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather or illness.

In the UK, the average wedding now costs £21,000, so it's important to consider wedding insurance to protect yourself from unexpected costs. Wedding insurance can help cover the costs of rearranging your wedding if you need to cancel or postpone due to unforeseen circumstances. It can also cover the cost of wedding vendors such as caterers, photographers, or car hire companies who fail to supply their services. Additionally, it can provide cover for the wedding dress, rings, and other special items. Some policies even offer counselling services for couples who need to cancel or postpone their wedding due to unforeseen circumstances.

When considering wedding insurance, it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully and choose a policy that suits your individual needs. Check the upper limits of the insurer's payout and make sure it covers the amount you have paid for the wedding. Note that wedding insurance typically does not cover cold feet or a change of heart, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, most policies did not cover cancellations due to government restrictions.

If your wedding plans are affected by COVID-19, it is recommended to first speak to your venue and service providers to discuss your options and request a refund for any payments made. If they are unwilling to refund you directly, but you paid by credit card, you may be able to obtain a refund through your card provider.

Wedding Insurance Cost:

The cost of wedding insurance can vary depending on the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the type of coverage you choose. In general, liability coverage only costs less than $100, while larger cancellation policies can cost over $1,000. Wedding insurance in the UK starts at around £75 for cancellation policies and £119 for liability policies.

Frequently asked questions