Weddings, so where are we at now? July 2020

Where are we at now? It’s July 2020, the first phase of returning to normal is now underway, but what does it mean, and how can we make the most of it?

CLICK HERE for the Government Guidance document issued on 29th June 2020.

Let’s look at what’s on offer and what we could do to create a great wedding sooner rather than later.

Since 23 March, the start of lockdown, weddings in England have been banned.

The new government guidance for weddings in England from 4th July allows for ceremonies of up to 30 people but advise against receptions.

Wedding Ceremonies

This maximum number of 30 people is to include everybody at the ceremony – the couple, their witnesses, the officiants (registrars/ministers/vicars priests etc), guests and suppliers such as photographers. I think there’s no room for misinterpretation of this especially for civil ceremonies with a registrar.

The new guidelines go on to say, people should socially distance (I imagine that means 2 metres whenever possible and masks etc if 2 metres are not possible). Singing is not allowed. “Hands must be washed before exchanging rings” – that seems a bit strange, I would have thought it would make more sense to say the bride and bridegroom should keep the rings and not use a ring-bearer or Best Man to hold them – but what do I know!

Ceremonies should be kept “as short as reasonably possible” and limited to just the parts that are legally binding.

It’s been suggested that the requirement to follow the 2m rule – or 1m with extra precautions – will likely rule out the tradition of a father walking his daughter down the aisle unless they live in the same household. Again, I feel this is something you should discuss with your registrars or minister/priest/vicar.

The virus can be transferred by droplets from the mouth when speaking or coughing. So, it is recommended that singing, shouting or playing music at a volume that means people have to raise their voice, should all be avoided. As I say, this is based on scientific advice which suggests doing so produces more respiratory droplets which enter the air and can be inhaled by others.

Instead of singing, recordings are suggested. This means if someone was going to sing at your wedding you could record them and have it played. Remembering the previous point about keeping things as short, this may mean using it for the processional or recessional.

The government advice suggests changing traditional wedding layouts to avoid face-to-face seating, improving ventilation, using face masks and floor markings.

Wedding Receptions

The guidance also says receptions that “typically follow or accompany marriages or civil partnerships are strongly advised not to take place at this time”. 

It goes on to say, small celebrations should only take place if they follow social distancing guidelines. Such as groups of up to two households indoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors. So outdoor (garden) receptions might be an option – but not really.

Penalties

The government says venues that do not follow the guidance could face action from the HSE or the local authority. The venue, especially for a civil ceremony where a registrar is present, will not allow any bending of the rules.

If you were thinking of a “back garden” reception again I would suggest you need to stick to the guidelines. If a neighbour alerted the authorities that there was a gathering, you could get a police visit. Then possibly be forced to stop.

So what can we do?

Well, you can get married. It probably won’t look much like a traditional wedding but you can do the legal bit. You can have a small gathering to celebrate the fact but, I would suggest, you need to be very careful. What would it look like? Will the registrar be wearing a mask or visor – who knows? The only way to find out is to ask.

You could postpone to a later date, but again this isn’t as straightforward as it should be. I know some wedding companies and venues are not as flexible as one would have hoped.

Bottom line… everybody’s situations are different. I’m more than happy to talk to you, whether you’ve booked with me or not, and suggest options.

There are things you can do to make the most of the current situation. For example, you can set up a video link for extra people to see the ceremony through a web link. And you could get everyone together for a big Zoom chat during the reception. I have lots of ideas, so if you want a chat please get in touch. I’d love to help if I can – even if it’s just with some free advice. Please email paul@thepartydj.co.uk

To go to Hampshire County Council’s weddings page PLEASE CLICK HERE.