England Weddings: What's The Current Status?

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown wedding plans into disarray, with many couples forced to postpone or cancel their nuptials. In England, weddings were banned under the Tier 5 national lockdown restrictions, except in exceptional circumstances. However, as of July 2020, wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships have been allowed to take place with up to 30 people in attendance. This limit was later reduced to 15 people as COVID-19 cases began to rise.

The pandemic has caused a lot of stress and uncertainty for couples, with many left wondering if their weddings can go ahead as planned. It has also had a significant financial impact on the wedding industry, with photographers, planners, caterers, and florists losing income due to cancellations and postponements.

To help couples during this challenging time, the UK government has provided guidance and support. From June 21, 2021, there was no longer a maximum cap on the number of attendees at weddings, with the limit instead determined by how many people the venue could safely accommodate while maintaining social distancing. This provided some relief to couples and allowed them to plan their weddings with more flexibility.

Despite the challenges, many couples have found creative ways to adapt their wedding plans. Some have opted for intimate outdoor weddings or elopements with only their closest family and friends, while others have chosen to postpone their original plans and host a celebratory party at a later date.

Overall, the pandemic has caused significant disruptions to the wedding industry and left many couples facing difficult decisions. However, with flexibility and creativity, it is still possible to have a safe and memorable wedding during these uncertain times.

Can you dance at weddings?

Dancing at weddings has been a controversial topic since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In England, dancing was advised against due to the increased risk of transmission, with the exception of the couple's first dance. However, as of June 2021, the rules around dancing at weddings have relaxed. While dancing is still not allowed at indoor venues, it is only strongly discouraged at outdoor venues.

If you are planning a wedding, it is important to keep up to date with the latest government guidelines, as these are constantly evolving. As of June 2021, weddings can proceed with up to 30 attendees, and social distancing is required between people who do not live together. Additionally, guests must wear face coverings.

If you are worried about your wedding plans, consider seeking the help of a wedding planner, who can assist with any necessary changes and paperwork. It is also recommended to only hire suppliers with legally sound contracts and to check their references and social media activity to ensure they are actively promoting their business.

To make your wedding safer, you can arrange for guests to get tested for COVID-19 before attending. This will help reduce the risk of transmission and allow you and your guests to feel more comfortable during the event.

Remember, it is important to be flexible and prepared for any last-minute changes. By staying informed and following the guidelines, you can help ensure that your wedding is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

What about the buffet?

Buffets are a communal food concept, and while they are not banned, they do come with risks. The main concern is the spreading of a virus due to any activity that includes other people and the provision of food. An infected person can spread a virus by direct contact or by touching and using communal serving utensils, which are then used by everyone else.

To reduce the risk, you could:

• Provide hand sanitiser for guests before and after the buffet.
• Provide a disposable serving utensil for every communal food platter, or for each person.
• Provide individually wrapped disposable cutlery.
• Use disposable cups and plates.
• Put up signage reminding guests not to touch the food with their hands.
• Ask someone to monitor the buffet and to leave the line if they do not adhere to safety measures.
• Provide portable sneeze screens.

Alternatively, you could provide individually boxed buffets for each guest. This is the option most buffets in hotels are currently using.

Will mask wearing and social distancing be enforced?

According to Sarah, for weddings taking place from April 12 onwards, the ceremony needs to be socially distanced. However, this is unlikely after June 21.

Rosie Woodhouse from What About Weddings hopes to see a return to non-masking and non-socially distanced celebrations as soon as it is safely possible to do so. She hopes weddings in 2021 will look increasingly 'normal' as the year progresses and the vaccinated population increases.

Rosie adds that couples planning to marry may need to build some flexibility into their planning and keep in close contact with their suppliers, who are working very hard to keep their couples updated and advise on working with any restrictions applicable at the time of their wedding.

Mask wearing and social distancing requirements could be scrapped on July 19, reports suggest. The public will be free to decide whether to wear masks, and 'different people will come to different conclusions', Robert Jenrick suggested.

Boris Johnson is preparing to update the nation this week on his plans for easing coronavirus restrictions in England, with multiple newspapers suggesting the Prime Minister believes a host of domestic measures can end on his "terminus date".

The newly appointed Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, said there were "compelling" health reasons to ease lockdown measures. According to The Sunday Times, mask-wearing will become voluntary in all settings, and the one-metre-plus rule in hospitality venues will end, meaning a return to drinking at the bar without the requirement for table service.

Will wedding numbers be restricted?

The number of guests allowed at weddings in England has been a source of contention since the beginning of the pandemic. In March 2020, weddings were banned when the national lockdown began. In July 2020, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions could go ahead with a maximum of 30 people attending. However, this number was reduced to 15 in September 2020.

In December 2020, the government published a four-step plan to ease restrictions. The first step, which came into effect on 29 March 2021, allowed weddings and civil partnership ceremonies to take place with up to six people in attendance. The second step, which came into effect on 12 April 2021, increased the maximum number of guests allowed at weddings and civil partnership ceremonies to 15 people, with receptions for up to 15 people permitted outside. The third step, which came into effect on 17 May 2021, allowed weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions to take place with up to 30 guests. The fourth and final step, which came into effect on 21 June 2021, removed all limits on weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and receptions.

The number of guests allowed at weddings in England is determined by the government's roadmap for easing restrictions. The roadmap is based on scientific evidence and aims to control the spread of COVID-19. The government has stated that they do not want the restrictions to remain in place any longer than necessary but that their priority is to ensure the safety of couples, their families, friends, and venue staff.

The number of guests allowed at weddings in England has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that the restrictions are unnecessary and have caused financial hardship for couples and the wedding industry. Others have argued that weddings pose a high risk for the transmission of COVID-19 due to the extended period of time that guests spend in close proximity.

The government has advised that social distancing guidelines should be followed at weddings, with guests remaining at least 2 metres apart from those outside their household. Face coverings are also recommended for guests and venue staff, with some exceptions for the couple and those officiating the ceremony. Communal singing and the playing of instruments that are blown into are discouraged, as they increase the risk of transmission.

The number of guests allowed at weddings in England has been a challenging issue for couples and the wedding industry. The government has emphasised the importance of weddings while also prioritising the safety and well-being of all involved. The roadmap for easing restrictions has provided a structured plan for increasing the number of guests allowed, with the goal of eventually removing all limits.

Can I hold my wedding outdoors?

Yes, you can hold your wedding outdoors. In fact, in April 2022, the UK government made permanent the temporary measures introduced during the pandemic that allow for outdoor civil weddings and civil partnerships. This means that civil ceremonies can now take place fully outdoors or under a partially covered structure, as long as it is set up within the grounds of a licensed wedding venue.

However, there are some things you should keep in mind when planning an outdoor wedding:

• The British weather: Always have a plan B in case of rain or high winds.
• Accessibility: Consider the needs of your guests—elderly or disabled guests may not be able to access certain outdoor locations.
• Clothing: Stiletto heels and long dresses may not be the best choice for sinking grass or muddy river banks.
• Timing: Avoid high tide at the beach and seasons when your partner has terrible hay fever.
• Logistics: Planning an outdoor wedding can be stressful, so be sure you're confident you can pull it off.
• Confetti: Check your venue's policies, as cleaning up confetti outdoors can be challenging.

Frequently asked questions