On Friday 17th July Boris Johnson announced that from August 1st “we will … allow wedding receptions for up to 30 people” in amongst a list of other measures designed to further loosen restrictions and restart the UK economy. Naturally this has led to a flurry of excitement amongst couples. The Wedding Arrangers phones and emails were abuzz - was this the big step towards celebrating ‘normally’ that we’ve all be waiting for?

Unfortunately, as ever, the devil is in the detail.

We’ve analysed the Government’s official guidelines on weddings and are sad to report that in reality very little has changed. Whilst ceremonies for 30 guests may take place with restrictions, we feel that the allowed “reception” doesn’t feel like the celebration most clients are looking for.

The key line from the guidance states:-

“Large wedding receptions or parties should not currently be taking place after the marriage ceremony or civil partnership formation. However, from 1 August small wedding receptions will be able to take place- this means sit- down meals for no more than 30 people, subject to COVID-19 Secure guidance.”

And further to this:-

“This maximum number includes all those at the ceremony, including the couple, witnesses, officiants and guests. It also includes any staff who are not employed by the venue, which may include photographers, security or caterers. It does not include staff employed by the venue.

Strict adherence to social distancing is strongly advised... A distance of 2 metres should be kept wherever possible.”

Put simply, this means a sit down meal with no movement in the venue (no drinks reception, no mingling and definitely no dancing). For couples choosing a dry hire wedding this also means your staff must be included in the 30 attendees. Realistically, if the venue requires security staff, you’d be looking at around 22 - 24 guests.

However we need to take positives where we can. There is a vague road map in place for gatherings in live music venues and stadia around autumn and “a more significant return to normality from November”

If you find yourself unsure about what to do about your London dry hire wedding plans, don’t hesitate to get in touch with The Wedding Arrangers. Lots of our favourite venues are conducting site visits (masks on and 2m distancing please!) and we are working closely with suppliers to minimise disruption and costs for couples postponing.

Food, music, booze

We’re seeing the re-emergence of London’s hospitality sector and we couldn’t be happier. Chris, our head planner was to be found this week loving the wood fired fish on offer at the Brat -x- Climpson’s Arch summer pop up whilst our bar partners, Behind This Wall have launched a fantastic range of hard seltzers that make perfect summer park tipples. They deliver nationwide too!

Today the new Taylor Swift album Folklore dropped and it’s a revelation. Featuring collaborations from Bon Iver and The National, there’s definitely a return to Swift’s country roots whilst keeping that fresh pop sound. Amazing stuff. Hope you enjoy it.