The wedding industry has been one of the hardest hit throughout the pandemic, and it continues to be bad news for those getting hitched.
Many couples have been forced to postpone their ceremonies, and now rescheduling them due to social distancing rules.
And even now, people aren't entirely sure how long they will need to wait before tying the knot.
This week new rules came into effect in England, which limit wedding parties to 15 - and all ceremonies must take place in covid-secure venues.
Those wanting to get it over and done with can't even have a small ceremony as venues such as registry offices are getting booked up.
And the bad news doesn't stop there, as Martin Lewis has warned about potential issues with wedding insurance.
On a recent appearance on This Morning, Martin responded to a question from a viewer about booking a venue, reports the Daily Record.
The caller said venues she had contacted were refusing to accept payment via debit or credit card and asked the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com whether she should make a payment by bank transfer or buy wedding insurance.
Martin explained how getting wedding insurance at the moment is “difficult” due to the uncertainty brought about by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
And whether or not she should pay by bank transfer, Martin issued a stern warning for everyone in the same position.
He said: "I have to be plain and this isn't what you are going to want to hear.
"I would never pay for a substantial transaction in BACS."
He added: "BACS are bank transfers and they have no protection. There's no rights.
"I'm going to upset a lot of wedding venues here so I’m going to make it very personal.
“I would never make a large commercial payment via BACS because I don't get the payments.
"If you can't book your wedding now, I know this isn't what you want to hear, I think it's something you have to be conservative about."
He explained how companies may be anxious about taking credit card payments because they give consumers additional rights if the booking is cancelled.
In the UK, there are two money-back schemes that could help you get a refund through your bank, building society or credit card issuer.
The first of these protections is chargeback , which covers all card payments through banks and building societies. While not a direct consumer right, it is a process that allows you to reverse a transaction if you're unable to resolve a dispute with a business.
The second is Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 . This is a legal protection for credit card users on purchases of more than £100 and less than £30,000. It means your card issuer is jointly responsible if a sale goes wrong.
For something as memorable as a wedding, it may be best to shop around and create a list of favourite venues and make enquiries - without making any payment - at least until there are fewer restrictions as a result of Covid-19.
