There’s no denying that weddings are cheerful, but they also come with a list of unwritten rules that guests should follow, but often violate.
During the pandemic, weddings and other significant life events, from civil partnerships to funerals, christenings, Barmitzwa and Batmitzwa, were of course regulated by different, stricter but necessary guidelines: reduced number of guests, hand disinfection after exchanging rings, fathers walk with their daughters Distance of 1 meter along the corridor.
The good news is that last Monday (June 21st) many of these rules were relaxed in England. The advice that only 30 people could attend an event was repealed; The final number of employees now depends on how many people the venue can safely accommodate. Meanwhile, weddings, wakes, and other gatherings can be held in gardens, barns, and private properties. Bachelor parties can also take place.
However, with the Delta variant of the virus still spreading in the UK, there are some additional rules to keep everyone safe. These range from increased ventilation for tents to carrying out a risk assessment – don’t worry guests, it’s not your responsibility. All the usual advice on social distancing and hygiene, such as hand washing, remains the same.
Many of us have longed to be with loved ones for the past 16 months. Whether you are celebrating as a happy couple or saying goodbye to a dear old friend, this is the safest way to do it …
Can brides and grooms still celebrate the big wedding they always had planned?
Yes, but only if your venue can safely accommodate the guests. The 30-person limit for weddings and registered civil partnerships was introduced on the 21st. This also applies to funerals and wake.
If the event takes place in a Covid-safe location such as a hotel, restaurant, church, mosque, temple, or synagogue, that location should already take measures to prevent the virus from spreading. The event organizers should contact the event manager in advance to see how many guests are safe to attend.
Do I have to wear my face mask when attending a wedding?
The same rules apply as when traveling by train or when shopping in the supermarket. Your face covering should be worn during both the ceremony and reception, except when eating and drinking. The only exceptions are the newlyweds, the person on duty and people with illnesses. If you are attending an outdoor wedding, the law does not require you to wear a mask, but you can do so for your own safety.
What happens if I attend a wedding or wake up in a place that is not Covid-safe, for example in a private house?
If a wedding or marriage ceremony is being held in a private home or other enclosed space, the guest list is limited to either six people or two households. However, if it is a “death bed” wedding ceremony with one partner terminally ill, this can be increased to 30 people.
Do weddings or outdoor wakes have to follow these rules as well?
When a wedding or ceremony is taking place in the garden of a private home, in a field, on the beach or in any other outdoor space, there is no limit to the number of guests. However, if there are more than 30 people, a risk assessment (see below) must be carried out. The distance regulations for the outside area still apply.
The popularity of marquees at weddings poses a mystery: are they indoor or outdoor locations? It depends on the “walls” of the tent: If two sides of the tarpaulin are removed or rolled up, the increased ventilation that results in a marquee-based reception is “outside”.
The words “risk assessment” were mentioned. What is connected with it and how complex is it?
If the event takes place at a place used commercially or for catering purposes, such as a hotel or restaurant, the event location itself should have carried out a risk assessment beforehand. However, if the ceremony and reception take place in a non-Covid-safe location such as a private garden or barn, the organizer should conduct the risk assessment themselves.
It is a simple assessment that starts with the organizer recording all risks on a document. For example, do you have guests in need of protection? The next step is to identify and implement the best measures to minimize the risk of transmission between guests, such as: B. to set up more ways to the toilet, to increase the ventilation in the venue or to set up more areas for hand disinfection.
If external providers such as caterers are involved in the wedding, they must also fill out a risk assessment and share it with the organizer.
Failure to conduct a risk assessment could result in a £ 10,000 fine.
Dance floors remain closed, but newlyweds can have their first dance. Photo: Roberto Westbrook / Getty Images / Tetra images RF
There are few things I love more at a wedding than a good ol ‘boogie. Can I still present my moves?
Unfortunately, dancing is not recommended due to the increased risk of transmission. Dance floors will remain closed, and many venues will likely repurpose them for additional seating. There is one exception, of course: newlyweds can have their first dance together, i.e. shimmy, samba, jitterbug or foxtrot to their hearts’ content.
My friends booked a band for their wedding. Will it still perform well?
Yes, but all bands or choirs must be limited to six members indoors. However, as singing increases the risk of airborne Covid-19 transmission through aerosol particles and small droplets, guests are advised not to sing along with bands or choirs.
How are other wedding traditions affected by the new directive?
Wedding speeches should be delivered either outside or with a public address system so that the speaker does not have to shout or project their voice.
Cutting the cake and playing games can still take place, but guests must take the same precautions as they would in any public place, e.g. B. wearing face coverings.
Guest books, photo boxes, joint service orders and games are allowed. However, as a number of people are likely to touch these items, their use should be minimized and hand disinfection encouraged.
Only table service applies to wedding meals, buffets are not permitted.
The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners has proposed some Covid-safe ideas for weddings, such as traditional games, quiz nights, stand-up comics, and outdoor sports.
What about hen or bachelorette party?
These can still take place. However, when they take place indoors, these marriages are limited to six people or two households. No more than 30 minstrels can participate outdoors.
Do the wedding rules also apply to other events?
The number of visitors to funerals and other memorial events such as stone setting and ash scattering is no longer limited to 30 people. This extends to guards as well. Donating money to charity is not recommended, however: online platforms like JustGiving are a better idea.
What if I don’t follow the rules above?
If you arrange a gathering but ignore these latest rules, you could face a £ 10,000 fine. If a couple fails to conduct an adequate risk assessment at their ceremony, they could also face this £ 10,000 fine.
This advertiser content was paid for by the UK government. All together (“Let’s take the next steps safely”) is a government-backed initiative designed to educate the UK about the Covid-19 pandemic. Visit gov.uk/coronavirus for more information