To Wed Or Not To Wed

It's felt a bit like love was cancelled for a few months. With weddings postponed and celebrations halted and even the planning journey dented, all the joy the industry celebrates disappeared.

It’s been a difficult few months for all of us and as the light of normality starts to glimmer, what does that mean for you and your wedding? As of the 4th July those magical words ‘I Do’ will be heard around the country yet again. This was simply the best news for those who just want to be married and I will be delighted to watch couples take their vows and begin their new chapter in life together.

But for those that dreamt, planned and paid for a wedding with all the trimmings it’s a different story. The relaxation of the Government Guidelines is only in relation to ceremonies, limited to 30 guests and a two metre social distancing rule (at the time of writing). You are still prevented from hosting a celebration, not even a wee Toast at the end of the ceremony, and the rules are quite strict. In line with social distancing, only groups of up to two households indoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors. There are also quite a few rules regarding the ceremony i.e. no singing and vows must be spoken softly; for up to date guidance please refer to www.gov. uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidancefor-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/ covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civilpartnerships.

The weddings of 2020 will certainly be unique! If the thought of a ceremony without all your guests followed by no dancing and warm embraces is unbearable, your first point of communication needs to be with your venue. All venues are managing this situation completely differently, it is crucial you understand the position your venue is taking. As we progress through the year, hopefully, we’ll see further positive changes, with this in mind please do note, your venue is unlikely to discuss a wedding planned for the Autumn.

It is important communications are in writing/ email with your venue and you set out your wishes. Some venues have contacted couple’s due to get married later in the year to advise they no longer have space in 2021 or 2022, preventing couple’s from postponing. Please seek legal advice if this is the case especially if you do not have the support of an independent wedding planner.

Some venues are also sending new T&C’s to clients, again, please seek legal advice before signing if you do not have the support of an independent wedding planner. I wish you all much luck and fun on your new wedding experiences. To those couple’s who will walk up the aisle in the coming months, I wish you much love on the first day of your married life.