COUNTLESS couples have been forced to postpone their weddings this year following the coronavirus outbreak and drastic lockdown restrictions.
But some still hoping to hold their magical day may have to rethink their guest list with new Covid restrictions coming into place from today, September 28.
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What are the current wedding rules?
Weddings have been given a big shake up since the pandemic shut down the idea of a traditional ceremony and party in March.
Under new rules in England wedding ceremonies will be restricted to 15 people from today, September 28.
Boris Johnson forewarned that the number of people allowed to attend a wedding would be cut in an address to the Commons on September 22.
In Scotland, the amount of attendees is capped to 20 people for weddings, as well as receptions.
Anyone that is not a part of the same household or support bubble should continue to social distance themselves.
And should there be a gathering over the limit, anyone participating will face a fine of £100, which will be doubled for subsequent offences rising up to £3,200.
This is different to normal gatherings where a maximum of six people are allowed to meet – indoors or outside – which came into effect Monday, September 14.
However, Wales is continuing to allow up to 30 people to meet up in outdoor settings.
Meanwhile, couples can still have a traditional first kiss at the altar as they will not be made to wear masks on their special day.
The guidelines also say that if you are planning on exchanging rings, then you will need to wash your hands first.
Wedding ceremonies in England should be kept "as short as reasonably possible" and limited to just what is legally binding, according to the new guidelines
Guests must keep socially distant where possible during the ceremony and after-party in a Covid-secure venue.
Seating should be arranged so guests can keep socially distant and remain in familial pods.
They may also be asked to arrive in shifts so they can keep apart.
What is not allowed at a wedding?
No more than 15 people will be able to attend a ceremony or the reception and must be socially distanced.
Newlyweds able to go ahead with their reception may only be able to host family and friends in a location that follows Covid-19 guidelines – meaning it cannot be hosted in a home or garden.
Fathers who do not share a bubble with the bride may not be able to walk them down the aisle for now.
Wedding buffets are out as formal, plated meals become the norm in a bid to reduce the risk of contamination and infection.
A maximum of two households per table should be observed during the meal.
Religious communities are being asked to adapt traditional aspects, especially where celebrations would otherwise have taken place over a number of hours, or even days, to ensure the safety of those present and minimal spread of infection.
Singing, such as hymns, and loud music is not allowed – especially if the musician is using a wind instrument. Organs are allowed though.
Dancing is also frowned upon due to social distancing.
Cake cutting should limit the number of guests involved and the throwing of the bouquet or confetti should be avoided.
Speeches should be given outside or in well ventilated areas, but voices should not be raised.
Venues should also not permit indoor performances, including drama, comedy and music, to take place in front of a live audience.
The government is asking that children and infants be prevented from running around.
Can I have my wedding if it is in a lockdown area?
East Lancashire, parts of West Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester are among areas hit by local lockdowns after a spike in cases.
Couples hoping to tie the knot in these areas will have to wait as wedding receptions and parties are still not allowed.
The rules there state only up to six people from different households are allowed to gather in an outdoor public place.
Those living outside of these areas can travel in to attend a wedding, civil partnership or funeral, but they should not meet with another household in a private home or garden.
The Government has said that no celebrations involving more than one household or support bubble should take place in a house, garden or indoor public places like hotels, pubs and restaurants.
How can I cancel my wedding?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson banned marriage ceremonies on March 23 in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19, along with christenings.
Couples were forced to cancel on suppliers and venues, with Hitched estimating a whopping 87 per cent of couples who were planning to tie the knot in 2020 have postponed their big day.
If you have your wedding planned in the coming months and wish for it to be postponed, contact the venue and ask for any available alternative dates.
Once a new date is confirmed contact the guests with the new date.
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