Deborah Chan
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many people's wedding plans, with restrictions on guest numbers, social distancing, and other safety measures. In Australia, while the situation is promising with dropping case numbers, there is still uncertainty about when restrictions will be lifted for weddings. In the UK, restrictions are being gradually relaxed, with a roadmap in place to remove all limits on weddings, civil partnerships, and receptions by June 21, 2021, though this is subject to the outcome of the scientific Events Research Programme. Couples are advised to prepare for potential changes and consider postponing their weddings to later in the year to ensure a safer and more enjoyable celebration. Wedding professionals are also adapting to the new normal, with an emphasis on safety, creativity, and intimacy in post-pandemic weddings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The information in this table pertains to weddings in Australia, the UK, and the US |
| Date | Restrictions are expected to be lifted gradually from March 29, 2021, with all limits on weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, and receptions expected to be removed by June 21, 2021, in England. In Australia, some areas are expected to be at stage 3 by the end of July, allowing gatherings of up to 100 people. |
| Safety Measures | Smaller weddings, social distancing, plated meals instead of buffets, sealed snacks and consumables, hand sanitizers, masks, and gloves. |
| Livestreaming | Livestreaming, photography, and videography will play a larger role, allowing loved ones who cannot attend in person to experience the event virtually. |
| Vendors | Vendors and suppliers may be facing challenges, so flexibility and support are important. |
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What You'll Learn
Guest numbers will be limited to 30 people in Covid-secure venues
As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, weddings will still have to follow certain rules and regulations. In England, as of June 21, 2021, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are permitted to host up to 30 people in COVID-19 secure venues that are permitted to open. This includes both indoor and outdoor venues. Receptions can also be held with up to 30 attendees in COVID-secure indoor or outdoor venues.
To ensure the safety of guests, there are several measures that can be implemented. One way is to space out guest seating during the ceremony and dinner, following the 2-metre rule. Smaller tables spaced apart can be used instead of large tables to encourage social distancing. For food and drinks, plated meals are preferred over buffets to minimise the possibility of contamination. All snacks and consumables should be sealed under hygienic conditions, and hand sanitisers should be readily available.
To further reduce close contact, it is suggested that everyone stands for the ceremony. Masks and gloves can also provide additional protection, especially for the couple who will have the most interaction with guests. Customised masks with the wedding logo or date and location can even be offered as favours.
With guest lists shrinking, live streaming, photography, and videography will play a more significant role in weddings. This allows loved ones who are unable to attend due to quarantine or travel restrictions to still be a part of the celebration. Digital invitations can be sent to those joining remotely, matching the formal invitation and providing instructions on how to access the live stream.
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Social distancing measures will be implemented
To ensure social distancing, weddings will have to be smaller than before. Couples may opt for more intimate weddings, allowing guests to have peace of mind while attending. Venues and wedding planners may suggest that everyone stands for the ceremony, especially if it is an outdoor wedding. If guests are to be seated, tables will be spaced further apart, with smaller tables and fewer guests at each table.
Food and drink will continue to be a major part of wedding receptions. However, the way meals and beverages are presented will change. The goal will be to ensure as few hands as possible are involved in plating and setup, while still providing guests with a delicious culinary experience. Buffets and sharing platters should be avoided, and all snacks and consumables should be sealed under hygienic conditions.
Hand sanitiser stations can be set up at weddings, and couples may even offer customised masks with their wedding logo or date and location as favours. Couples should also be mindful of everyone's situation, including their vendors, who may be facing difficulties during this time.
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Smaller tables will be spaced further apart
Smaller tables spaced further apart will be the new normal for weddings. This setup will allow for social distancing and will be implemented in both indoor and outdoor venues. Couples will have to consider the number of guests they can accommodate with this setup and plan their guest list accordingly.
In the past, large tables with many guests contributed to a lively and festive atmosphere. However, with the new normal, smaller tables spaced apart will be the safer option. This setup will allow guests to maintain a safe distance from each other during the reception. While it may seem unusual at first, couples can get creative and use this setup to their advantage by incorporating it into their wedding design and theme.
To ensure guest safety, couples should also consider providing hand sanitiser stations throughout the venue and encouraging guests to wear masks and gloves, especially during close interactions. These measures will help prevent the spread of any potential viruses, including COVID-19.
Additionally, couples should be mindful of local regulations and guidelines when planning their wedding. In the UK, for example, restrictions on weddings were gradually relaxed, with limits on guest numbers increasing over time. By June 21, the government aimed to remove all limits, but this was subject to the outcome of the scientific Events Research Programme.
While smaller tables spaced apart may not have been the original vision for their wedding, couples can embrace this new setup as an opportunity to create a unique and intimate atmosphere for their special day.
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Food and drink will be presented differently
While there is still much uncertainty about what the future holds, we can expect weddings to look a little different once COVID-related restrictions are lifted. Couples who have postponed their weddings will want to ensure that their big day is just as joyful and romantic as they always dreamed, but also that it is safe.
In addition to changes in the way food and drink are presented, there will be other differences to weddings once restrictions are lifted. Guest lists will be smaller, and loved ones who are unable to attend may be offered a live stream so that they can still be part of the day. Welcome bags may be replaced with something mailed to each guest in advance, and couples may choose to offer customised masks as wedding favours.
In England, wedding restrictions will be gradually relaxed, with all limits on weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, and receptions expected to be removed by June 21 at the earliest. In Australia, some areas are expected to be at stage 3 by the end of July, which will allow gatherings of up to 100 people.
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Live streaming will be available for guests unable to attend
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on weddings, with many couples forced to postpone their nuptials or make alternative arrangements. As restrictions begin to ease in some countries, there is a sense of optimism for those planning their weddings. However, it is important to recognise that the situation is ever-evolving, and the guidelines may change.
In England, for example, the government has outlined a four-step plan to gradually lift wedding restrictions. By March 29, weddings with up to six attendees were permitted, followed by step two, which allowed weddings of up to 15 people in Covid-secure premises from April 12. Step three, which started on May 17, increased the limit to 30 guests, and step four, which commenced on June 21, aimed to remove all restrictions. While this provided a roadmap, it was subject to the outcome of the scientific Events Research Programme, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the virus.
Similarly, in Australia, the government released a three-step plan to lift restrictions, with the final decision left to state and territory leaders. The crucial stage for larger weddings was stage three, allowing gatherings of up to 100 people. However, this depended on the smooth easing of restrictions and was expected to vary across states.
As restrictions are lifted, weddings will likely see some lasting changes. Couples may opt for more intimate weddings, and venues might suggest standing ceremonies or spaced-out seating arrangements to facilitate social distancing. The dining experience will also be adapted, with plated meals and individually packaged snacks reducing common contact points.
One positive outcome of the pandemic is the increased accessibility of weddings through live streaming. With guest lists shrinking due to health concerns and travel restrictions, live streaming offers an inclusive solution. Couples can send customised digital invitations to guests who are unable to attend in person, providing instructions on how to join the live stream. This way, loved ones can still be a part of the celebration and share in the joy of the special day.
To enhance the experience, couples can invest in professional photography and videography services, ensuring that the live stream, photos, and videos are of high quality. This allows guests who are unable to attend in person to fully immerse themselves in the event and provides a valuable keepsake for the couple and their extended community.
In summary, while the lifting of wedding restrictions offers a sense of relief and excitement, it is important to remain adaptable and consider the well-being of all involved. Live streaming is a valuable tool that can be leveraged to include a broader guest list and create a memorable experience for all, regardless of their physical location.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the region and the date of the wedding. In England, as of March 23, 2021, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies were permitted for up to 6 people, with receptions banned. Step 2, which would allow weddings and ceremonies of up to 15 people in Covid-secure premises, would come into force on April 12 at the earliest. Step 3, allowing up to 30 guests, would start no earlier than May 17. Finally, Step 4, which would remove all limits on weddings, would come into force no earlier than June 21. In Australia, some areas were expected to be at stage 3 by the end of July 2020, which would allow gatherings of up to 100 people.
Weddings will likely be smaller, with spaced-out seating and restaurant-style dining. Expect to see hand sanitizer stations and pre-packaged food options. Live streaming, photos, and videos will allow guests who can't attend to still experience the event.
Be mindful of your vendors and suppliers, as this is a difficult time for them as well. Incorporate health and safety measures such as masks and gloves into your wedding design. Communicate health and safety guidelines to your guests ahead of time.
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