Wedding receptions are back - latest Government guidelines
The news today is wedding music to our ears! The latest Government guidelines has stated that restrictions are being eased from Saturday 15th August and that wedding receptions in the form of a sit-down meal in a COVID-secure location for up to 30 guests will now be permitted. Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we're excited for what this means for our readers who have had to cancel or postpone their weddings. Intimate wedding have actually been an increasing trend for a few years now and you will still have all the joys of wedding planning: finding a dream venue, wedding cake and menu tastings, choosing themes and colour schemes, searching for a photographer and a florist the list goes on! Here's all you need to know...
Social distancing
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). Venues and guest numbers should be chosen to ensure 2 metre spacing is possible for the main sections of the celebrations.
Wherever possible attendees should remain seated to support social distancing safety measures.
Attendees and staff are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering where social distancing may be difficult.
Attendees, including children, should frequently throughout the day wash their hands.
Venue managers should record the names and contact details of all persons visiting the venues and keep a written record for at least 21 days to support NHS Test and Trace.
Serving and consuming food and drink
Wherever possible staff should serve all food and drinks to minimise customer self-service, and attendees should remain seated.
Seating arrangements should follow social distancing guidance, meaning that at most two households (including any support bubbles) are seated together and social distancing is maintained between these groups. Outdoor tables are also preferable.
Entertainment
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.
Venues intending to incorporate any live music should strictly adhere to the Performing Arts guidance.
Outdoor performances are always preferable.
Where any indoor performances, a solo or small number of performers is preferable and all should be socially distanced.
Those planning the wedding should consider how the performers will impact the total size of the wedding party and therefore the safety of their event.
Refraining from playing music at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult, and avoiding activities such as communal singing or chanting.
Other activities
Any activities, including those that are watched by attendees (such as cake cutting) should take place with social distancing being maintained.
Activities that involve objects being thrown (such as confetti or bouquet toss) or passed from person to person should be avoided.Speeches should be undertaken outside or in well ventilated areas wherever possible.
Photo booths and guest book signing can take place with hand sanitisation encouraged before and after contact.
For more information on all of the above, and additional Government guidleines to ensure you have a COVID-secure wedding day visit gov.uk
We have 19 County Wedding Magazine titles covering most of the UK full of local resources for planning your wedding. Read, as many titles as you like for free now www.county.wedding
Our websites are packed to the brim of inspiration, advice, news and suppliers
County Wedding Events will be hosting Autumn wedding shows so you can meet suppliers face-to-face in a COVID-secure environment
Follow us on social media to keep up to date with everything and anything in our wonderful world of weddings: instagram | facebook | twitter.com
Bridal Showers Are Becoming the Biggest Pre-Wedding Trend of 2026
Not sure where to start? Don't worry - experts at Abbott Lyon have put together simple steps to help you plan the perfect bridal shower, so everything runs smoothly and the bride (and her besties) can enjoy every moment of the day. You know the bride better than anyone - after all, she's asked you to be a big part of her big day. Think about what her vibe is and what she's into. Is she more about getting pampered at a spa day or would she prefer a wild brunch somewhere? Also, think about who's coming to the bridal shower. Will her older relatives be there or will it be mainly her friends? Are work colleagues coming? You want to make sure anything you plan is appropriate for everyone to enjoy.
READ ARTICLE
Claire Hill Designs Launches Lichen Gemstone Collection
Cardiff-based Claire Hill Designs launches the Lichen Gemstone Collection perfect for brides, bridesmaids, mums and guests. Jewellery is becoming more personal and this year, the focus shifts from purely decorative pieces to designs that carry meaning, symbolism and intention. Brands across the jewellery industry are embracing this movement. Within the luxury market, jewellery houses including Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Pomellato are championing coloured gemstones and symbolic design, signalling a wider shift towards jewellery that blends meaning, storytelling and personal expression. The message is clear: customers are choosing pieces of jewellery that reflects who they are and what they value.
READ ARTICLE
5 Tips to planning a perfect hen weekend in the UK revealed
61% of pre-wedding parties now stay in the UK as safety, cost, and connection reshape how Brits celebrate. Rising airfares, safety worries and global tensions, including travel hesitancy linked to the ongoing conflict, have fuelled a dramatic turn in how Brits celebrate before tying the knot. According to new figures, 61% of hen parties now take place in the UK, marking a clear shift from pre-pandemic years when city breaks in Europe dominated.
READ ARTICLE
Guests Spend £348 On Average to Attend A Wedding, Says Expert
Wedding guests across the UK are spending hundreds of pounds just to attend a single wedding, with new research revealing the growing financial strain placed on friends and family. Research* commissioned by The Insurance Emporium, conducted by Censuswide, has revealed among people who have attended a wedding in the last five years shows that guests spend £348 on average to attend a wedding - with costs rising even higher in major cities. The wedding insurance specialist's findings reveal that 72% of guests now say attending weddings has become a financial burden, while 38.2% admit they have felt pressured to overspend in order to attend.
