With Freedom Day now pushed back at least four weeks, summer 2021 weddings have been thrown into disarray once again.
If you are getting married in the next few weeks, chances are – like thousands of other couples – you had probably been banking on all COVID-related restrictions being lifted. Alas, following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday that’s not the case.
And while some restrictions on weddings have been lifted from Monday 21 June 2021, many restrictions do in fact remain. So, if you are getting married this summer, for the time being this (as far as we can ascertain) is what you can – and can’t do.
Summer 2021 Weddings: Allowed
Unlimited guests: but restricted to the venue/marquee capacity and social distancing (two thirds capacity?)
Bride, groom and officiant can be mask-free during ceremony
Bands, choirs, musicians and performers (maximum six indoors/30 outdoors)
Large group tables
Summer 2021 Weddings: Not Allowed
Standing drinks and canape receptions (table service only)
Buffets & informal food stations (table service only)
Drinks at the bar (table service only)
Indoor dancing (with the exception of the first dance) is advised against and dancefloors/areas must be ‘closed’
Shouty indoor speeches
Prolonged group singing
Indoor mask-free mingling – masks must be worn unless seated for eating/drinking. See below for marquee exceptions
Marquee Weddings (on private land)
More freedoms in this instance (assuming it’s an outdoor event). Crucially you must:
Conduct and write down a risk assessment (templates available) – and keep it for at least 28 days afterwards unless not more than 30 people present in total
Ensure outside space permits social distancing
Ensure at least 50% of the marquee sides are open to qualify as an outdoor event and avoid ‘indoor’ restrictions such as mask wearing etc
“It’s fair to say that the much talked about ‘exemption for weddings’ doesn’t go quite as far as most people were expecting,” said Expresso Catering’s Roland Schreiber.
“The reality is that if you’re getting married in the next month or so and had been hoping for a traditional reception and party then the chances are you’ll be disappointed. Mingling, drinking and dancing are what people at weddings do.
“And while larger numbers are welcome the reality is that most couples will have to cull their guest list in order to adhere to the restrictions. It’s not quite the happy ending we’d all been hoping for,” he added.
Back to the drawing board? Get in touch to find out how we can help.
Further reading: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-wedding-and-civil-partnership-ceremonies-receptions-and-celebrations
