THE Bicester wedding location owner says it is “a great relief” to finally lift the 30 guest limit for weddings on June 21st.
Wedding venues are struggling due to cancellations, but they can now host more people again following the announcement by Boris Johnson on Monday.
ALSO READ: Wedding location The Tythe Barn transforms barns into a new workplace
According to The Tythe Barn at Launton at Bicester, this is a step in the right direction, but couples are still unsure whether they want to continue their wedding with other restrictions.
Director Emma Deeley said, “To be able to reopen the barn for weddings of 30+ guests is a huge relief. The barn dates back to the 14th century and offers a large open and well ventilated space, making it very suitable for larger rooms for weddings.
“The distance rules that still apply, especially the table of six and the restriction not to dance in the evening, have left many of our couples undecided whether they should continue or postpone it to a later date.”
Singing is also not allowed and face covering must be worn indoors by everyone 11 years of age and older when they are not eating or drinking unless exempted.
ALSO READ: 10 Top Rated Oxfordshire Wedding Venues
The Tythe Barn had to change how it operated during the lockdown to keep business going.
The website has been converted into workspaces called Tythe Works and aimed to attract those looking for a Covid-safe job outside of their home.
Ms. Deeley added, “As a venue, we have been hit very hard by the pandemic and the past 15 months have been an incredibly emotional time for both us and all of our couples.
“Many of the vendors we’ve had in the barn for the past 20 years have closed due to the difficulties caused by the pandemic, and many venues have lost huge sums of money because they have not been able to operate under the very strict restrictions within the wedding sector.
“Our barn is a family business and we’ve adjusted the way we work, often weekly or monthly, to keep the venue going, but it wasn’t easy.”
Ms. Deely and her team spent most of Tuesday brainstorming how to organize weddings in the barn from age 21.
ALSO READ: Oxfordshire Cake Maker Says The Wedding Sector Was “Forgotten” During The Pandemic
She added, “We’re thinking outside the box, adapting and optimizing our formats so that we can safely host weddings for couples who had a day without restrictions on a beautiful, garland-lit dance floor for the outdoor first dance.
“Whatever happens, we are confident that The Tythe Barn will provide our couples and their guests with a wonderful day and that we will enjoy every minute.”
Stay up to date with all the news on our website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Sign up for our newsletter to receive news straight to your inbox Here.
Do you have a story for us? Contact our news desk at news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.