Big summer weddings are set to come 'roaring back', Boris Johnson has declared.
Ceremonies involving up to six guests are only currently allowed in exceptional circumstances.
However, the Prime Minister last week revealed this 'exceptional' caveat would be lifted from March 8.
He added that from April 12 couples will be allowed to invite up to 15 people to watch them tie the knot.
However, wedding venues and receptions will be restricted to places that are allowed to open.
From May 17, ceremonies of up to 30 people will be allowed, before all restrictions are lifted after June 21.
When asked whether he was planning a summer wedding, Mr Johnson told The Sun : "The wedding industry is certainly gonna come roaring back in common with many other sectors of the economy.”
It comes after wedding suppliers warned officials at No10 that the industry is “close to collapse”.
After 95% of weddings were postponed in 2020, three-quarters of firms suffered revenue losses of more than 75%, and some have folded.
Tamryn Settle, of the #WhatAboutWeddings campaign group, told the Mirror: “Businesses who haven’t earned since last year are now losing all the money that they hoped to earn this year.”
Many suppliers say they have missed out on government support.
Venues are struggling with fixed overheads and business owners say self-employment support payments only cover a fraction of lost earnings.
Half of businesses have not been able to access Local Restrictions Grants or Additional Restrictions Grants.
Those who have got just £1,334 on average, a survey found.
And the financial strain is taking its toll, with 90% of suppliers reporting a severe impact on their mental health.c
