Summer of love as weddings get seal of approval to restart

SUMMER weddings are back on the cards after Boris Johnson yesterday announced that up to 30 people will be able to attend ceremonies across England.

However, in a cruel twist, indoor wedding breakfasts and receptions will be limited to just two households under new social distancing limits.

The restrictions mean that the bride and groom will be forced to decide whether to abandon their celebrations or choose whether to spend it in the company of one set of parents, relatives or close friends.

Should they choose to hold a small reception al fresco, they would be able to invite four other people from up to four different households.

The revival of wedding ceremonies coincides with the reopening of churches and other places of worship, which will be permitted to host congregations of up to 30 people, providing they are socially distanced.

Christenings and bar mitzvahs will also be permitted under the guidance.

However, hymns have been banned as there are concerns singing could help the virus spread.

Speaking to the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Johnson said: “I know that many have mourned the closure of places of worship and this year Easter, Passover and Eid all occurred during the lockdown.

“So I am delighted that places of worship will be able to reopen for prayer and services, including weddings, with a maximum of 30 people, all subject to social distancing.”

The Church of England welcomed the announcement and said updated advice for couples getting married will be published on its website this week.