Will July Bring Wedding Bliss?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to choosing a date. There are many factors to consider, such as venue availability, guest attendance, and costs. While some couples opt for popular dates like sequential or repetitive number patterns, others may prefer to avoid holidays or significant events that could impact their plans. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preferences, and what matters most is that the couple's wedding day reflects their unique personalities and values.

Rules and regulations for weddings in July

Weddings in July will be able to go ahead with no limit on the number of guests. However, there are still some rules and regulations that need to be followed. Here are the key things to keep in mind:

• Social distancing rules have been lifted, but it is still recommended to maintain a safe distance where possible.
• Face masks are no longer mandatory, but it is up to individuals to choose whether or not to wear one.
• There are no longer any restrictions on singing, dancing, and live performances.
• Wedding ceremonies should be kept as short as possible and limited to the legal requirements for the marriage.
• Religious communities should adapt traditional religious aspects that usually take an extended amount of time to limit the risk of infection.
• Food and drink can be consumed, but a table service policy must be implemented to prevent people from mixing while ordering drinks.
• All guests must be served while seated.
• It is recommended to provide extra hand washing or hand sanitising facilities and ensure communal areas are cleaned regularly.
• The area should be arranged to maintain social distancing.
• A temporary record of all visitors must be kept for 21 days to assist with contact tracing in the event of an outbreak.
• The number of attendees will be determined by how many people the venue can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place.
• Indoor ceremonies are permitted, but the venue must be large enough to ensure social distancing.
• Ceremonies in private gardens and non-enclosed private spaces are permitted, but a risk assessment must be carried out beforehand.
• In indoor venues, guests are required to wear masks when they are not seated, except when eating or drinking.
• An organist is permitted to play, but there are still restrictions on singing.
• First dances are permitted, but only the newlyweds are allowed on the dance floor.

Advantages of small weddings

Small weddings can be a great option for many couples, and with the recent pandemic, they have become an even more popular choice. Here are some advantages of small weddings:

Cost-Effective

One of the most significant advantages of a small wedding is the cost savings. With fewer guests, you will spend less on food, alcohol, invitations, transportation, and rentals. You may also be able to cut costs on floral arrangements and linens. This budget flexibility allows couples to splurge on other expenses, such as a dream photographer, a unique venue, or a luxurious honeymoon.

Venue Options

Large weddings are often restricted to traditional venues that can accommodate a significant number of guests. Small weddings open up a world of venue options, from your favourite neighbourhood restaurant to your parents' backyard. You can truly personalise your wedding and choose a setting that reflects your style and personality.

Curate Your Wedding Design

With a small wedding, you can allocate more of your budget to design elements and create a stylish and ambient celebration. You can focus on the finer details, such as floral installations, stunning tablescapes, calligraphy signage, or a hand-painted wedding cake.

Avoid Overwhelming Crowds

Small weddings are perfect for introverts or couples who feel overwhelmed by large crowds. You can exchange your vows and share your first dance in an intimate setting, surrounded by your closest loved ones. A small wedding allows for more quality conversations and meaningful moments with your guests.

Smoother Planning Experience

Planning a wedding can be a logistical challenge, especially when dealing with a large number of guests. A small wedding simplifies the planning process and reduces stress. If you're planning a destination wedding, a smaller guest list also makes organising travel and accommodations much easier.

Memorable and Authentic

A small wedding allows you to create a unique and memorable celebration that reflects your personalities and values. You can choose which traditional elements to include and add personal touches that make your special day authentic and meaningful.

Small weddings offer flexibility, cost savings, and a more intimate atmosphere. They allow you to focus on the finer details and create a celebration that is truly yours. So, if you're considering a small wedding, these advantages might just seal the deal!

Social distancing and other safety measures

Guest List and Capacity

The number of attendees, including the couple, staff, photographers, and officiants, should be limited to what the venue can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place. It is essential to perform a Covid-19 risk assessment to determine the maximum capacity and ensure that social distancing can be maintained. For outdoor weddings, consider the amount of open space available, as marquees or other structures must have at least 50% of their walled area open to be classified as "outdoors."

Social Distancing

Venues should provide guidance to facilitate social distancing, such as markings on the floor. It is recommended to maintain a distance of one metre or more between individuals from different households. This may impact certain traditions, such as the father walking his daughter down the aisle, unless they live together.

Face Coverings

Guests are required to wear face coverings during the ceremony and reception, except when eating or drinking.

Hand Hygiene

Proper hand hygiene is essential. Hands should be washed before and after exchanging rings, and hand sanitiser stations should be provided throughout the venue.

Food and Drink

Consumption of food and drink during the ceremony is not allowed. Receptions should follow social distancing guidelines, with guests seated at tables of up to six people. Buffets are not permitted, and food and drinks should be served directly to the tables.

Music and Singing

Music and singing should be avoided, as they can increase the risk of virus transmission. If singing or chanting is required, only one person should be allowed to do so. Playing instruments that are blown into should be avoided as well.

Dancing

Dancing should be avoided at indoor venues and strongly discouraged at outdoor venues.

Other Considerations

• Keep the ceremony as short as reasonably possible.
• Avoid speaking with a raised voice during the ceremony.
• Consider arranging Covid-19 testing for guests before the event.
• Comply with local guidelines and regulations, as rules may vary depending on the region.

Wedding planning during uncertain times

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and the pandemic has only added to the challenges faced by couples looking to tie the knot. While restrictions have eased in many places, allowing weddings to go ahead, there is still a level of uncertainty for those planning their big day. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a wedding during uncertain times:

Stay Informed

It is important to stay up to date with the latest government guidelines and restrictions. The rules around weddings have changed several times during the pandemic, and they can vary by location. In the UK, for example, the rules for weddings in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have all been different at times. By staying informed, you can make sure you are following the correct guidelines and can plan accordingly.

Be Flexible

When planning a wedding during uncertain times, it is important to be flexible and prepared to adapt. This may include changing the date or location of your wedding or adjusting the guest list to comply with restrictions. It is also a good idea to have a backup plan in case restrictions change or if someone in your wedding party becomes unwell.

Communicate with Suppliers

If you are worried about your upcoming wedding, it is important to communicate with your suppliers and venue as soon as possible. Many venues and suppliers are willing to work with couples to find solutions, such as offering no-fee postponements or alternative dates. It is also essential to review your contracts and understand your rights and responsibilities.

Consider Wedding Insurance

Wedding insurance can protect you financially if something goes wrong. However, it is important to read the fine print, as some policies may not cover cancellations or postponements due to COVID-19. It is also worth noting that wedding insurance may be harder to obtain during the pandemic, with some companies suspending new policies.

Focus on What Matters

Remember that, despite the uncertainty and challenges, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to your partner. Try not to get too caught up in the details and focus on what truly matters. This may include scaling back your plans or opting for a more intimate wedding than you had originally envisioned.

Planning a wedding during uncertain times can be challenging, but by staying informed, being flexible, communicating with suppliers, considering wedding insurance, and focusing on what matters most, you can still have a special and memorable day.

The financial impact of postponement or cancellation

The financial impact of postponing or cancelling a wedding can be significant. The average Irish couple spends €30,000 on their wedding, while the global wedding services market is projected to reach $414.2 billion by 2030. This underscores the significant financial investment involved in weddings and the potential financial losses that can occur in the event of postponement or cancellation.

One of the main financial impacts of postponement or cancellation is the loss of deposits and non-refundable expenses. Couples may have paid deposits to vendors, venue rental fees, catering costs, and transportation arrangements, which may not be recoverable if the wedding is postponed or cancelled. These expenses can quickly add up, resulting in a substantial financial burden for the couple.

Another financial implication is the additional costs associated with rescheduling the event. If a wedding is postponed, couples may incur extra expenses such as new venue fees, catering costs, and vendor fees for the new date. These costs can be especially high if the postponement is last-minute, as vendors and venues may have limited availability and charge a premium for changing dates.

Furthermore, there may be costs associated with downscaling the event to accommodate restrictions or social distancing guidelines. For example, a couple may have originally planned for a larger guest list but now need to reduce the number of invitations, resulting in additional expenses for stationery, catering, and venue space.

In the case of cancellation, there may also be legal and contractual implications. Couples may need to seek legal advice or dispute contracts with vendors and venues, incurring legal fees. If a contract is broken, there may be penalties or damages owed to the other party, resulting in unexpected financial losses for the couple.

To mitigate these financial risks, some couples may consider purchasing wedding insurance, specifically cancellation or postponement insurance. This type of insurance can provide reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses and additional costs associated with rescheduling. However, it is important for couples to carefully review the policy details, as coverage limits and exclusions can vary among insurance providers.

Frequently asked questions