Big weddings on... BUT bring a mask and leave the dancing shoes at home!

Limit on guests to go but some will still have to cull numbers

BIG weddings can finally resume next week – but strict Covid rules remain in place, meaning that guests cannot dance and masks must be worn.

It was a boost for couples planning to tie the knot in the coming weeks, but many faced having to make last-minute changes to arrangements.

Unlimited numbers of guests will be able to attend marriage ceremonies and receptions in England from Monday, after Boris Johnson said the cap of 30 would be removed.

But couples will only be allowed to invite lots of family and friends if the venue is large enough to allow social distancing after the hoped-for lifting of all lockdown rules was

‘There is at least some progess’

delayed until July. risk assessments must be carried out by all indoor venues and by anyone organising a wedding on private land if more than 30 people are invited.

Guests will have to wear face coverings during ceremonies and remain seated and in groups of six or fewer during meals. They will also be urged not to dance at receptions.

Venues must keep dance floors closed by law on private land, although couples are allowed to have the traditional first dance.

All other guidelines remain in place, such as advising against writing in guest books or singing in groups.

Last night there was relief that the limits on wedding numbers were being lifted after more than a year of restrictions that forced thousands of people to put off their nuptials – but sadness that couples and businesses still face many hurdles.

Tory MP Pauline Latham said: ‘So many couples have had to put their lives and even creating families on hold, and couples have had month after month of uncertainty and misery.

‘So I’m glad the Government has listened to some of the things we’ve been saying.’

Former Cabinet minister Esther McVey said: ‘For the thousands of people who rely on the weddings industry and the many couples who have suffered such heartache as they’ve been trying to get on with their lives over the last year and a half, there is at least some progress today.

‘But with all the restrictions still in place, and the Government regulating where and how we can dance, sing and embrace, it will feel to many as though nothing whatsoever has changed.’

The Prime Minister was challenged about the restrictions on weddings last night by a woman introduced at the Downing Street press conference as Tessa from Bedfordshire. She asked: ‘ Why can’t testing and vaccination status be used to open up weddings in the same way as it’s being used to open up football matches?

‘As a twice-postponed bride-tobe it feels like weddings are bottom of the priority list despite being significant life events without which some people cannot progress with their lives.’

Mr Johnson, who married Carrie Symonds in a small ceremony at Westminster Cathedral last month, replied: ‘I’m very very sorry to hear about your wedding plans being postponed twice. We’re lifting that restriction on 30 people from June 21, providing social distancing is observed. I hope that works for you, obviously I think everybody would want to wish you every possible good fortune with your wedding.’ The PM admitted that the continued restrictions would affect the UK’s £15billion wedding industry, saying: ‘All I can say is I’m sorry for the disappointment that this will certainly bring to weddings, to many many businesses, but it’s a few weeks that I think is worth it to get those jabs in.’

Weddings were banned when the first lockdown began in March last year until July, when ceremonies with up to 30 guests were allowed.

When the third national lockdown started in January, weddings were only permitted if urgent and with a maximum of six guests.

The limit was increased to 15 in April and then to 30 in May.

The removal of the cap on numbers had been planned for next week as part of the lifting of all restrictions. But yesterday the Government confirmed that rising cases of the Indian variant meant that social distancing rules must remain until July 19, although they could be scrapped two weeks earlier if infections fall dramatically.

Jessie Westwood, co-founder of What About Weddings, said: ‘The Prime Minister’s statement has not supported weddings. An increase in numbers, coupled with such severe restrictions, is clearly only a token gesture.’

‘Clearly only a token gesture’