WEDDING receptions with up to 30 guests are back on from today – but not in the North West. Boris Johnson announced that from Saturday, newlyweds will be able to celebrate their big day with friends and family with a small reception. However, couples in North West cities under local lockdowns hoping to tie the […]
WEDDING receptions with up to 30 guests are back on from today – but not in the North West.
Boris Johnson announced that from Saturday, newlyweds will be able to celebrate their big day with friends and family with a small reception.
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However, couples in North West cities under local lockdowns hoping to tie the knot will have to wait.
East Lancashire, parts of West Yorkshire. and Greater Manchester are under local lockdown after a spike in cases.
Currently, people living in those areas are only allowed up to six people from different households in an outdoor public place.
Newlyweds who are able to go ahead with their reception may only be able to host family and friends in a location that follows Covid-19 guidelines – meaning it cannot be hosted in a home or garden.
Original plans to allow small receptions to go forward on August 1 were postponed by Mr Johnson with just 24 hours notice over the rise of coronavirus cases.
The Prime Minister acknowledged at the time it would be “a real blow” to those who had made plans.
The updated guidance says – where possible – guests a wedding reception should remain seated and dancing shouldn’t be allowed because the risk of transmission.
Outdoor table service is preferred and at most two households should stay seated together.
Cake cutting should limit the number of guests involved and the throwing of the bouquet or confetti should be avoided.
Speeches should be given outside or in well ventilated areas, but voices should not be raised.
Previously, wedding receptions or parties were not allowed to take place, and any celebration following a ceremony only allowed for social distancing rules of six people outside or two households inside.
