It’s something of an understatement to say that this has not been the summer we expected; if you were planning a wedding, did you go ahead (obviously following the government guidelines)? If so, all best wishes and happiness!
If you’re one of the many couples who have put their wedding plans on hold as the UK navigates its way out of lockdown, that’s so understandable whilst there’s still a lot of concern, confusion and frustration as weddings throughout the country are subject to changing restrictions.
Over 73,000 weddings and civil partnerships have been postponed
Since the Covid lockdown started, over 73,000 weddings and civil partnerships have been postponed, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The Government department calculated this eye-watering number based on the historic trend and numbers of weddings over the past few years between 2014-2017.
Unfortunately, this number is just the start, because the figure doesn’t include wedding ceremonies planned abroad that have also been postponed.
Is there any good news? Yes! As you’ll know, wedding ceremonies were allowed to start again in England from July 4 as the lockdown was slowly eased. This doesn’t mean lavish receptions can re-start, but the regulations are being reviewed on the 15-August. And the current limit on the ceremony numbers is still 30 (socially distanced) guests and suppliers (eg the photographer counts in this number).
And the ceremony itself has changed, for example singing is still banned, and there are a whole set of rules and regulations for the ceremony hosts as well as any reception afterwards. Check the government site for the latest information.
As bad as all of that seems, there are still ways to have a great, if slightly different, wedding – and even a few positives about something as big as a postponed wedding.
Lifting each other up is something that we need now more than ever. You might even be able to make someone else’s wedding that much more special by embracing sustainability and sharing your dress.
The government has said it will publish its revised roadmap on the 15-August. Hopefully, this will provide good news on slowly and safely re-opening ceremonies and receptions.
We’ll keep you updated.