Today was a day we have all been looking forward to! We finally have new guidance from the government, with a 'roadmap' out of lockdown. For many this will come as a huge relief, and to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
As we move into Springtime and warmer weather, the government has announced a relaxing of the rules, and a gradual return to 'normality'. The roadmap is in four stages, which each stage gradually relaxing the rules. All of the relaxation rules are dependent on virus numbers coming down, and are subject to change.
So, what does this all mean for your wedding? Let's take a look:
Stage 1: 29th March
'Weddings will still be able to proceed with 6 attendees only but will no longer be limited to exceptional circumstances.' Obviously we would not expect many people to be planning or having a wedding this early in the relaxation of the rules...
Stage 2: 12th April
'Weddings, receptions, and commemorative events including wakes will be able to take place with up to 15 attendees (in premises that are permitted to open).' This is a return to the same situation that was in place prior to the January lockdown. Small weddings can go ahead.
Stage 3: 17th May
'At this step, weddings, receptions, funerals, and commemorative events including wakes can proceed with up to 30 attendees.' Now this is a bit more like it! Thirty people is an ideal number for an intimate ceremony. If your wedding is planned for after this date, it might be worth considering reducing your numbers and going ahead with your plans.
Stage 4: 21st June
'Remove all limits on weddings and other life events, subject to the outcome of the scientific Events Research Programme.' At last! All limits removed (pending a satisfactory reduction in virus numbers) It could well be full steam ahead. If you've got your wedding booked for after this date, you really shouldn't have much to worry about.
So there we have it, the government's four stage plan to lift us out of lockdown, as it pertains to weddings in England in 2021. We are crossing our fingers that with the huge increase in the numbers of people being vaccinated, weddings should be going full steam ahead by the end of June. It will undoubtedly be worth checking with your venue as soon as they announce their re-opening schedule.