Northampton wedding planner explains how easing of restrictions will impact couples and the industry

A Northampton-based wedding planner has explained how the slightly lifted restrictions on ceremonies have impacted couples and the wider industry.

Hannah Rose, who owns Complete Rose Events, welcomes the changes for couples who are itching to get married and is confident that the restrictions ‘can only get better’.

But she is also aware that many couples are reluctant to change their plans to fit the guidelines that she deems ‘strict’.

From today (July 4), Government guidelines allow a wedding to take place with 30 guests at the ceremony, but there are to be no receptions after the service.

Hannah said: “It’s great news for people that physically just want to get married, but for others it’s difficult.

“30 people can be at the ceremony and that’s it. What is that going to improve?

“They want people to be able to get married but there will be no food or drink.

“When people get married, they at least expect a meal. The fact that they can’t do that is what has really put people off.

“The reception will be really difficult if it can only be two households socially distanced in a garden.”

Another theme that Hannah has picked up on among clients is the growing frustration surrounding other guidelines easing quicker than the ones surrounding weddings.

She is also concerned about the lasting impact this will have on the industry as a whole.

Hannah added: “A lot of people think if they can sit in a pub with loads of people or on Bournemouth beach, so why can’t they have 30 for a reception as long as they socially distance?

“The Government has not given us as an industry a road map.

“It’s such a big industry that contributes so much to the economy, but it feels like it hasn’t been looked at.

“And we don’t know when the next announcement will be.”

Although Hannah says most of her couples have felt like it is impossible to adapt to these guidelines, she has offered some useful advice to those who want to tie the knot as soon as possible.

She asks couples to consider if they are comfortable with getting married with a limited number of guests at the ceremony and then only two households meeting as a reception.

“If you’re OK with that, go for it,” Hannah continued.

“It’s absolutely amazing the fact that as a couple they just want to be together and just want to be married.

“They have to remember that it is about the two of them and the love they have.

“But what I’d say to those couples is to do something together after even if it’s going camping or having a picnic in their local park, to make the most of the day.

“They can always celebrate later down the line and could even end up with two anniversaries.

“And for people looking further into the future, it can only get better. So by September or October the Government could have new guidelines and weddings could be amazing again.”

To find further advice from Hannah, visit her company’s website.

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