The rules just got loosened for those about to tie the knot
On June 21 Covid-19 measures were relaxed for weddings and wakes in England. Here’s what you need to know. Produced in partnership with the UK Government.
THIS is UK Government advice relating to England only
For many of us, family and friends have played a big part in helping us get through the coronavirus pandemic. They’re also the people we’ve missed the most – which is why, if you’re hosting a wedding or other big occasion in England, there has been some good news to celebrate recently.
Before this week, only 30 people were allowed to attend weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and receptions. But since June 21, that limit has been lifted across England, allowing couples to invite more guests to their celebrations.
If your venue is big enough to hold more than 30 people while remaining Covid-secure, including following the two-metre social distancing rules, there is no legal limit to the number of guests you can invite. Instead, the number of attendees at weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and receptions will be determined by how many people the venue or space can safely accommodate, in line with the rules for pubs and restaurants.
Commemorative events such as wakes or memorials are also subject to this easing of the rules, allowing more people to get together while still staying safe. Before the big day, your venue manager will be able to tell you the maximum number of people who can safely attend your event, based on a risk assessment.
Anselm Guise is the owner and manager of wedding and events venue Elmore Court, in Gloucestershire. He has been busy preparing for a number of weddings in the coming weeks.
He says: “We host around 130 weddings a year and we’ve got a few weddings booked over the next month, so there was a lot of relief that we could increase guest numbers up from 30. It means couples can invite everyone they were hoping to, which is fantastic.
“Thankfully, we’ve got a lot of space here. In the main hall we can safely host 94 people for the ceremony. We are also thinking of extending our ceremony room into the adjacent dining area, so that couples with more guests can still have their loved ones there for the actual wedding.
“We’ll be serving food and drink to guests sitting down, and closing the dance floor after the couple’s first dance. But when it comes to mingling, as long as we provide a Covid-safe venue, the guests are being asked to assess further risks themselves – we won’t be stopping people from hugging!
“In line with the rules, we’re going to put up a marquee that offers a socially distanced space to anyone who may not be comfortable. Our priorities are giving couples a great experience on their big day, as well as keeping their guests and our staff safe.”
Those attending an event can do their bit too. Before and after any gathering, everyone should continue to stick to the hands, face, space and fresh-air rules, and get tested for Covid-19 twice a week, even if they don’t have any symptoms.
The new wedding rules
THE following guidance for civil partnership ceremonies, weddings and receptions has been put in place to minimise the risk of Covid-19 spreading and to keep you, your guests and anyone working at an event safe.
1. Attendee limit
Limits are determined by how many people the venue can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place.
2. Covid-secure venues
A Covid-secure venue will follow the latest guidance and should have already completed a risk assessment.
3. Other venues
In other venues, such as private gardens, organisers must complete the risk assessment themselves to keep their guests safe.
4. Pre-wedding celebrations
Celebrations, such as stag, hen or Mehndi parties must keep to 30 people outside or the rule of six, or two households, when indoors.
5. Dancing
Dancing should not take place. There is, however, an exception for the happy couple’s first dance.
6. Entertainment
Bands, DJs or professional performers can perform at a ceremony or reception, provided they follow Covid-secure guidance.
7. Singing
Guests are advised not to join in singing with bands or choirs.
8. Food and drink
People should remain seated when they are consuming food or drink, even if they are in outdoor settings.
Amber Pearson, 32, is delighted that she and fiancé Stuart Lewis, 49, can still have their full quota of guests when they get married in Tenterden, Kent, on June 26.
She says: “Our three children are getting christened on the same day as our wedding, so we were really hoping we would be allowed to have more than 30 guests. Now we can have both our families and lots of friends, and we can’t wait.
“The hall where our reception is being held asked us to do the risk assessment with the caterer. We laid out the tables with two metres between each one to check it would be Covid-secure. Luckily our tables were for six people anyway, so my table plan still works and everyone can fit in safely.
“We had a barn dance booked and the band is still going to come and play music for our first dance, and afterwards in the background.
“But the biggest thing for me will be having all of my family there at the wedding – that means more to me than anything. Whatever else happens, that will be amazing.”
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