From 15th July people have been allowed to have weddings with up to 30 guests, but what are the new rules and how straight forward are they? As a photographer I’m happy to inform you that I have attended three weddings post lockdown so far, all home weddings and within the Government guidelines. Here’s a quick run down of what you can and cannot do.
1. You can have up to 30 guests to attend a sit down wedding in England only. The rules are different in others parts of the UK and where there are additional lockdown measures in place.
2. Ceremonies must be as short as possible which means sticking to the legal parts only.
3. Venues must be ‘covid-safe’ which means ensuring people stay 2 meters apart or 1 meter where masks and extra safety measures are taken.
4. The floor should be marked with tape or paint to ensure social distancing takes place.
5. As few as people as possible should handle the rings and hands should be washed before and after handling them.
6. Raised voices should be avoided so singing should be recorded if possible or music played at a level where people do not have to shout and the officiants should not shout.
7. The venue should keep a record of visitors for 21 days.
8. Your makeup artist, hair stylist or beauty therapist may attend your home to help you get ready but they must wear a mask or face visor.
9. People in the same household may sit together but people outside of the household must socially distance.
10. Your wedding photographer may attend as part of your 30 guests – of course, you will want your wedding photographer to capture the day!
Of the weddings I have attended so far, they have been small, intimate affairs and actually quite lovely; there is something about stripping back the expense, chaos and unnecessary stress to create a more relaxed and enjoyable ceremony that is focused on the bride and groom and their immediate family and friends.
Check back soon for images of my home weddings which I will be posting in my portfolio gallery in due course.