First, remember things are changing all the time— but the reality is that the situation is extremely fluid at the moment. As you've probably found, depending on where you live and where your venue is, you could suddenly find either you or the venue back in lockdown, or rules could be very quickly relaxed.
Maybe you’re feeling really disheartened because the wedding you can actually have bears no relation to the wedding you dreamed of having. Or maybe you’re just now totally confused over what you can and can’t have or do at your wedding.
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REACH OUT TO YOUR SUPPLIERS
Maybe you’re feeling really disheartened because the wedding you can actually have bears no relation to the wedding you dreamed of having. Or maybe you’re just now totally confused over what you can and can’t have or do at your wedding.
First, remember things are changing all the time— but the reality is that the situation is extremely fluid at the moment. Depending on where you live and where your venue is, you could suddenly find either you or the venue back in lockdown, or rules could be very quickly relaxed.
Check the latest rules and guidelines in your region
Always double check on the government websites for the country you’re getting married in on what you can and can’t do at your wedding. Also check with your venue and suppliers, as they may have stricter guidelines, especially if it’s a smaller venue or is difficult to move around in and social distance from others.
keeping up with the changes...
What are the latest rules?
England
Scotland
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnership-registrations
Please note that these guidelines have now been archived and no longer apply.
Wales
https://gov.wales/guidance-marriages-and-civil-partnerships-coronavirus-html
Please note that these guidelines no longer apply and have been withdrawn.
Northern Ireland
If you're getting married in the UK, here are the links to each government's guidelines for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you
Please note that these guidelines no longer apply and have been withdrawn.
5 options to consider
A straight postponement
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If you know what you have planned is your dream wedding, and anything less would be a disappointment, and can’t bear to not hug your relatives, or to see evidence of Covid-19 at your wedding, then you’ll need to postpone. But what about if you really do want to get married on your original date? Or perhaps you need to for religious or social reasons, but are so scared that you, your family or guests will get sick or worse, as a result of going to your wedding?
What about
destination
weddings?
Maybe you're thinking about eloping abroad, after all, if you thinking about a wedding that's limited to you two, or just a very small group, somewhere warm and sunny and idyllically beautiful can seem really appealing.
Check out this link to find out the latest guidelines on where you go to get married without having to self-isolate for two weeks on your return.
A very modern elopement
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When I was planning to get married, a part of me just wanted to elope and tie the knot somewhere beautiful, the Scottish Highlands, on a beach, a castle—just somewhere out of this world, but I didn’t feel I could as it would upset my family too much. But Covid-19 makes this option much more attractive and acceptable.
An elopement allows you to keep Covid-19 restrictions to a minimum, as you can just take a photographer and videographer, they can be your witnesses, and you can combine it with a honeymoon. If you’re willing to make plans very quickly, you may be a able to get married abroad or elsewhere in the United Kingdom for a fraction of what it would have cost.
A micro wedding with family and friends
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You might decide that you don’t want a large wedding after all, and have a total rethink. Hiring a small group of cottages just for close family and friends could be an option, so you have a ‘safe’ extended family holiday, with separate accommodation, but they’re at least there with you and the risk is low. Companies like Group Accommodation specialise in group accommodation.
You then have the option of a pub or restaurant lunch or dinner, subject to restrictions, or having a picnic reception out together if you have nice grounds where you’re staying.
Do you have any other questions? Reach Out and ask me...
Small wedding now, big party later...
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COVID-19 DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THE ‘KISS OF DEATH’ FOR YOUR WEDDING…
I’d love to hear if you have other ideas, or thoughts, or hear from you how your wedding plans have been affected or changed as a result of Covid-19.
Please please, don’t skimp on having a videographer for your wedding though, it’s such a historic time, and if you are postponing or changing your wedding, you may find your budget now stretches to having a film.
Films have come a long way from the terrible ‘camcorder’ films from the seventies, and they can be tailored to suit you, and what kind of couple you are – whether you’re a total romantic, or the opposite, or a party animal.
I can offer you special packages if you’re planning a split wedding/blessing along with payment plans, so please do get in touch if you're interested in this.
