Hold off the sound of the church bells for now as some couples are waiting for the right time to celebrate their marriage in style with all in attendance. In the mix of recent events we have all witnessed and currently been affected by with the pandemic crisis the vast majority of people across the globe have all had to face challenging and difficult decisions. Some of those decisions have been within are our control and some that sadly have been taken out of our hands. Soon to be married couples have been throughout quarantine and currently facing their biggest decision in their event planning journey so far, with the current restrictions in place are the majority of couples set to go ahead or make the difficult choice to postpone their nuptials?
With the latest restrictions set for all small and civil marriages which is displayed on the government website, it clearly states and underlines that no more then 30 guests should be present including the couple whom are to be wed and also includes any third party suppliers including photographers and videographers at the small gathering. Couples have been advised that they have to keep the ceremony as short as possible but can keep to traditions with being allowed to share their traditional first kiss and the exchange of wedding rings, so long as they wash their hands before hand. The recent change in guidelines which came into affect on the 15th August in light to the reception which takes place after the ceremony is now allowed to go ahead so long as the same rules and restrictions apply as above with the guest limitations and in venues that are following COVID-19 guidelines which means that mass gatherings on private property is prohibited.
The restrictions are having a divided opinion with couples with some adapting and finalising their wedding plans and other couples without hesitation rearranging their plans to next year or some even further to 2022 to air on the side of caution. Having not yet decided on her plans Bethany Sennett who is set to marry her partner in December has expressed her thoughts on the situation and how this is going to impact so many more factors.
“We have not yet decided on what we are planning to do, it is either one of two ways as it is still a couple of months away but who knows what is set to happen as there is the talk of a potential second outbreak to come in winter. We are happy regardless as long as we marry we’re happy but the ongoing disputes with the venues have been another storey.”
In light of the words spoken by Miss Sennett the disputes are in reference to some venues that are still charging full price even with restriction of 30 guest’s currently in place and they are not willing to adjust. Sadly, I don’t think they will be the only people to fall under this category as across the country there will be venues that may act in the same manor which is becoming a detrimental factor along with all the other key points in potentially postponing their nuptials or maybe even second guessing their choices.
“I know there is technology that people can use to watch our wedding but it won’t be the same for those and for us; it is either all or just us two”.
Religious communities have also been asked to change their traditions to adapt to the new restrictions during this period as some ceremonies can last hours, days or even a week long event.
With the R rate in England rising above the 1 figure to as it stands at present and according to reports still set to potentially increase. I think we are all wishing and hoping for the restrictions to ease on over time so long as everyone sticks by the rules and restrictions that apply the sooner we can slowly start hopefully returning to normal ways.
