What do the new regulations mean for weddings: Wales? - A Hand Tailored Suit

What do the new regulations mean for weddings: Wales?

The wedding industry is worth £14.7 billion and over 71% of couples have had to postpone their wedding due to Covid restrictions. Each week, 12,500 weddings are estimated to have been cancelled and the restrictions have impacted over 60,000 wedding businesses and over 400,000 wedding workers. Many couples of industry professionals have been unhappy that the government has not addressed the sector but during the more recent government announcement on Monday, 14 June 2021 announcement has provided a little more clarity. Here's what the new regulations mean for weddings in Wales after 21 June 2021.

Wedding numbers

  • From 7 June, Wales moved from Level 2 to Level 1, meaning weddings and civil partnerships were permitted with a limit on numbers set by their venue after a Covid risk assessment
  • Wedding receptions up to 30 people were permitted with up to 50 people outdoors with numbers including the couple, the celebrant, witnesses, registration officials, and guests
  • From Monday, 21 June, weddings in Wales can take place indoors such as in hotels and other venues
  • Numbers are subject to social distancing per venue's regulations and the venue's Covid risk assessment
  • Wales has now been brought in line with other parts of the UK

 

Where weddings can take place

  • Weddings can take place indoors and outdoors in Covid-secure venues

 

Foodservice

  • Food and drink is permitted at indoor and outdoor venues
  • Table service is recommended but buffets and bar-ordering are permitted if guests consume their food and beverages at the guests' allocated table
  • Venues must provide designated areas for consumption of food and drink
  • Guests should not move around the venue with food and drink
  • Contactless payments should be used when possible
  • Customers should not have excess contact with menus, trays, napkins and those should be cleaned and replaced after each use
  • Distance markers and barrier systems should be employed to encourage social distancing

 

Music and dancing

  • DJs, live, and recorded music are permitted for indoor and outdoor wedding receptions 
  • The music must be played at background level
  • Singing is not permitted
  • Performances such as by choirs are permitted but the performance must be risk-assessed
  • Dancing is not permitted
  • The couple may have their first dance

 

Masks and social distancing

  • Speeches are permitted but microphones should not be shared
  • Gifts should not be passed during speeches
  • Volume should be kept at a reasonable level
  • Photographers must comply with social distancing
  • Wedding photographs should be taken outdoors where possible
  • Face coverings should be worn when not eating and drinking when seated indoors
  • Face coverings do not need to be worn outdoors
  • Mingling amongst guests of different households is not permitted and social distancing should be adhered to
  • Signage should be posted to encourage hygiene and regular hand washing
  • Fresh air inside the venue should be maximised by natural ventilation where possible

 

We will keep you updated on any new developments and our thoughts are with couples who have had to postpone and reschedule multiple times. If you need to order a suit for your special day, get in touch with our talented tailoring team.