Brides to be call for clarity over wedding restrictions
Last updated 19th Mar 2021
Brides-to-be are calling on the Executive to provide some indicative dates so they can plan their wedding.
Under current restrictions only 25 people can attend a wedding ceremony and receptions are not allowed.
For nearly a year now, there has been some forms of restrictions in place for weddings.
We spoke to Natalie McMaster and Leah Campbell from Newtownards about what it's been like trying to plan a wedding during the pandemic.
Natalie has had to postpone her big day twice now, she is hoping it will be third time lucky.
Meanwhile, Leah fears her wedding in December may have to be postponed after fears there could be a third wave in the Autumn.
Current guidelines say "Marriages and civil partnerships ceremonies are limited to 25 people. This number includes children under 12 and the celebrant. A risk assessment for over 15 people is required. Face coverings must be worn by all unless exempt, other than those in the marriage party."
In the roadmap out of lockdown, there are 5 steps that will see restrictions ease on wedding days.
Step two:
Return to services in places of worship with a risk assessment
Increased numbers at indoor and outdoor civil partnerships, marriages and funerals with a risk assessment
Step three:
Receptions can take place with mitigations and limited numbers
Pre and post-funeral gatherings can take place, with mitigations and limited numbers
Step four:
No upper limit on numbers for pre and post-gatherings for civil partnerships, marriages and funerals, determined by venue risk assessment
Limited live music at receptions
Step five:
Further mitigations relaxed for pre and post-gatherings for civil partnerships, marriages and funerals
Live music, entertainment and dancing at receptions.
However, as there is no dates on the roadmap, brides say it is very difficult to plan one of the biggest days of their life.
Natalie and Leah say it would be useful to even get some indicative dates to help their planning.
Leah said: "It would be really useful if we had a vague indication of when things will open or things will change. We know Covid is fluid and there's no rhyme or reason to it and if future lockdowns are needed for public safety then that is what we will have to do, but I think for everybody not just for brides, we need something a bit clearer."