Message from our founder

Following Boris Johnson speech on the 14th June we now have some updates for weddings post 21st June. The roadmap has been paused for 4 weeks but special allowances have been given the wedding industry.  Lets be honest, considering restaurants and pubs are open, football events are hosting thousands of spectators and even ascot with 12k spectators. Limiting weddings to just 30 was not only disrespectful it was incredibly damaging to our industry. Amongst the first sector to close and one of the last to reopen. To say we have been a forgotten sector of the economy is an understatement. I know our members have been working diligently behind the scenes support their clients, and here at the UKAWP we have been supporting our members emotionally and practically. They are ready to move forward helping their clients have the most magical day, and if anyone can help you adapt your wedding it is them for sure. Know that we are all here for you and our wish is for you to have the most magical wedding day.

Bernadette Chapman, UKAWP Founder, Wedding Business Consultant

Summary of the wedding regulations post 21 June

• There will no longer be a maximum number cap for wedding guests set out in law. Your venue will need to tell you the maximum number of people who will be able to attend for social distancing. In some instances this is resulting in numbers decreasing so please do contact your venue before your big day.
• A ceremony inside a COVID secure approved venue is as per whatever your venue tell you the capacity is. A ceremony in a private home is limited to a maximum of 6 people. And a ceremony in the garden is unlimited with numbers.
• A marquee or other structure in a private garden must have at least 50% of its walled area open at any time for it to be classed as ‘outdoors’ and for the limit based on safe capacity to apply.
• Some restrictions on ceremonies and receptions remain in place to enable them to take place safely. This includes Step 3 requirements on table service, face coverings, social distancing, and restrictions on dancing and singing.
• There is no legal requirement to wear a face mask when outdoors at a ceremony or reception. This includes when taking place in a marquee, provided at least 50% of the walled area is open for it to be classed as ‘outdoors’. Masks will need to be worn for indoor ceremonies however and at all times when “not” seated at a table.
• All food and drink needs to be table service only inc. the drink reception, the wedding task force are in talks with government to change this considering Ascot has been photographed with people standing around drinking. And Boris Johnson hosted a drinks party in his garden when again guests were standing drinking. So please do keep checking to see if this requirement is removed. If you have a takeaway option, like food trucks, guests can go up to the trucks but need to take their food back to a table to eat.
• Risk assessments are needed by wedding organisers to make the wedding as safe as possible. The industry is working together to provide easy to use templates for wedding planners and suppliers to use.
• Dancefloors must remain closed and dancing is “advised against” (except the first dance). It is believed you can dance outside although nothing is written down specifically about this.
• Speeches need to be well ventilated and utilise a PA system to minimise air droplets when raising voices
• Cake cutting and playing of games is allowed. Photo booths, polaroid camera stations can be provided but need to be properly sanitised throughout the day/night.

Further Reading

UK Government Updates (please keep checking this for any further updates)