"We haven't slept well for weeks because we're anxious about wedding numbers"
We've spoken to a Northallerton couple who are getting married this week, ahead of an update on Covid restrictions.
There's an anxious wait for couples getting married within the next few weeks, ahead of the Prime Minister's announcement on lockdown restrictions.
Next Monday (21st June) was set to be the day where all Covid-related restrictions would be lifted, provided four key tests were met:
- the vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
- evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
- infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
- assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern
At the moment, weddings in England can take place but with a limit of 30 guests. Hannah Duffield is from Northallerton and is marrying her partner Jack on the 26th June: "For the wedding next week there are 80 guests booked and up to 150 night guests.
"We didn't really want to make a decision until Boris had made his announcement. If the numbers stay capped it would mean a lot of cutting; the 30 people would just include our closest family.
"We wouldn't be able to have any bridesmaids or groomsmen".
Jack agrees there would be hard decisions to make: "We've had it booked for two years - before the pandemic even started, so when we booked it we had no idea that this would happen.
"We both feel very anxious ahead of the announcement, and haven't been sleeping well for the last few weeks due to the anxiety that it's bringing us.
"We're just keeping everything crossed that the limit will be increased and that we can have the day we've wanted and always dreamed of".
Hannah adds: "We've kind of had it in our heads that if it's 30 then that's okay, and anything else would be a bonus.
"We've kind of got it in our heads now that it would be a bit of a waste to come this far and not go ahead. We probably will go ahead, but we'll wait and see what's announced".
Jack says: "We have looked at other dates, and the venue said they've got nothing available until July next year. We've been looking forward to this date for two years now, so it would be a shame not to go ahead. We really do sympathise with anyone who has had to postpone.
"Bringing us all together as a family will be so magical - it'll mean so much after the last 18 months of the pandemic".
The Prime Minister is set to announce an update on restrictions later this evening.