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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Ryan Paton

UK Weddings 2021: What does July 19 mean for weddings?

The Prime Minister has announced that the UK intends to go ahead with the plan to lift all limits on social contact on July 19.

After a four week delay due to a rise in positive cases, Boris Johnson confirmed at a government press conference yesterday evening that the country remains on course to enter stage four of the recovery roadmap.

The government will now conduct a series of four tests before making an official announcement on July 12 as to whether July 19 will be officially confirmed as the new "Freedom Day."

READ MORE: Boris Johnson confirms plan to lift all COVID restrictions on July 19

However, once the restrictions have been lifted and we see a return to normality, how will this change weddings planned for beyond July 19?

As with all social gatherings, weddings have been particularly hit by the distancing guidelines enforced to halt the spread of Coronavirus.

Now that the government expects to lift these social distancing regulations, we take a look at how weddings could look if the the remaining social distancing regulations are lifted as planned on July 19.

No limit on how many guests can attend

At the moment, any number of guests are able to attend a venue as long as it is held in an outdoor environment or a public venue that is considered to be Covid-secure.

However, the capacity of the wedding has still been affected due to the one metre plus social distancing rules that has still had to be enforced.

Weddings that have been held in a private home have also had to abide by the rule of six or two households that has restricted private gatherings.

However, following July 19 and the complete easing of social contact regulations, couples will be able to once again invite all their friends and family and max out where their ceremony is being held to its full capacity.

No table service

As with pubs and restaurants, weddings must also currently enforce a table service only policy.

After July 19, this rule looks set to be scrapped and we can once again look forward to those long queues looking for a space to squeeze in at the bar for a drink.

Facemasks will not be required

Current guidelines dictate that any guests over the age of 11 must wear a facemask while they are not seated - unless they are exempt.

However, if the current restrictions are lifted it will mean a return to normality and facemasks will not be seen as a mandatory requirement when walking around the wedding venue.

Singing and dancing will be allowed

One of the main rules affecting weddings at the moment is that guests are restricted from singing and dancing.

The first dance between the happy couple was allowed, but the traditional wedding disco was still out of bounds.

If the restrictions are eased as expected, it will see a return to normality and guests can raise a toast to the happy couple's special day in style by singing and dancing the night away.

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