WEDDING celebrations can take place again from April 12 as lockdown eases – but loved-up couples will have to stick to strict Covid rules.
And a new Government rule means that brides and grooms CAN’T kiss at the altar if they haven’t been living together beforehand.
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Earlier this month it was stated that celebrations for up to 15 people would be allowed from April 12 — but only in places of worship, public buildings or outdoor spaces.
But alongside other Covid restrictions, newly-wed couples will be banned from kissing before the guests or congregation – unless they have been living together before the wedding.
This is because under Covid rules, you must stick to social distancing if you’re from different households.
Official Government rules state: “During all activities linked to the reception or celebration, all parties, especially people from separate households/bubbles, should adhere to social distancing guidelines; 2 metres or 1 metre with risk mitigation (where 2 metres is not viable) such as wearing face coverings.”
Sir Paul Coleridge, a former High Court judge who set up the Marriage Foundation think tank, called the order “bizarre.”
He told the Daily Mail: “Having restricted wedding parties to just six people, they bizarrely order those from different households, which may include the bride and groom, to keep their distance.
“This advice is based on the wrong assumption that all couples live together before they marry, which is simply not the case.”
Guests are also warned that they must maintain social distancing and only travel to and from the reception with their bubble or household.
DON’T KISS THE BRIDE
Dancing is also banned at weddings from April 12 – because of the increased risk of transmission of the virus.
However Government rules say that the only exception to this rule is the couple’s first dance.
The rules state: “Dancing should not be permitted due to the increased risk of transmission and dancefloors may be repurposed for additional customer seating or other relevant purposes, ensuring this is in line with the social distancing guidelines.
“The only exception to this is the couple’s ‘first dance’.”
It’s been estimated that 7,000 weddings will have to be postponed or cancelled because of confusion over the new rules beginning April 12.
Celebrations are only allowed to happen in places of worship, public buildings or outdoor spaces.
All other venues — about seven in ten — will have to remain closed until restrictions are eased on May 17, the UK Weddings Taskforce says.
The taskforce, which represents the £15billion wedding industry, blamed inconsistencies in government guidelines.
Meanwhile, Monday marks the next milestone in the government’s road to freedom out of England’s third lockdown.
The ‘stay at home’ message will be ditched as new rules come into force in England.
Under the new rules, Brits are encouraged to ‘stay local’ – but this has not been officially defined.
People are encouraged to remain close to where they live, but this will not be legally enforced.
