It is every couple’s goal to celebrate their love by having a marriage ceremony in front of their friends and family. Due to the recent pandemic caused by COVID-19 virus, multiple countries have undergone 3 months of lockdown and gatherings (such as weddings) are not allowed. Is it still possible to plan a wedding and if yes, what are the changes you should be ready with?
Is it Okay to Get Married?
United Kingdom, like the rest of the world, is also affected by the pandemic causing a public health emergency. According to the Public Health England, the mode of transmission of coronavirus or COVID-19 is through droplets that is released when a person sneeze, cough or touch a surface that is contaminated. With this reason, social gatherings were temporarily prohibited until further notice.
Recently, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government released a “guidance for marriage and civil partnership” which was aims to assist people who were planning to get married or have a civil partnership, but was unable to do so due to the pandemic, to continue their wedding with some precautions. Here is the summary of the said guideline:
- The marriage should only be done in COVID-19 secure places. Outdoor weddings can still be done as it is covered by the Marriage act, but restrictions should be followed.
- The ceremony of marriage should be done in the shortest time possible and should only include important parts of marriage or civil partnership that is required by the law.
- Religious communities who practice celebrations that last for more than a day or two should adapt only the traditional religious aspects. This is to minimize exposure and possible spread of infection.
- Social distancing guidelines must be strictly observed. There should be at least 2-metres distance between people. If any guests or member of the household experiences any symptoms, the ceremony should not be pursued any further.
- No food or drink should be consumed during the event unless required for the purposes of solemnization.
- If rings are required or desired by the couple, the hands should be washed before and after the exchanges of the rings. Minimize handling of rings by different people.
- If an infant is included in the ceremony, a guardian should be present and is responsible for holding the infant.
- Large wedding receptions are not allowed. Gathering of more than 30 people will be permitted during the wedding ceremony this includes the photographer, videographer and guests.
- Singing, shouting or playing of music is discouraged as this increases risk of transmission of the virus’ droplets from the air. If music is still desired, pre-recorded music can be played for the ceremony.
Getting your Wedding Dress
We cannot deny the fact that majority of the wedding dresses in the UK are manufactured in China. The recent government restrictions and bans may have caused you to panic or worry about getting your dress in time for your wedding. But worry not because many suppliers in China were able to produce the orders prior to the pandemic. To ease your mind, you may contact your boutique and ask them regarding the status of your order.
If you are still in the process of planning your wedding according to the recent announcement by the government, you may consider buying a ready-made gown or if you want to be a little bit more classic or thrifty, you may borrow your mom’s or sister’s old wedding dress and add a little personal touch to customize it according to your taste.
Honeymoon during COVID
If you are planning to have your honeymoon in the USA or in other parts of Europe or UK, you may need to have a change of plans. Due to the recent events, travels to and from Europe were banned by the USA.
Recently, Department of Transportation released a guideline regarding travel corridors and its exemption where passengers coming from these countries are no longer required to self-isolate upon arrival in England. This also includes 14 British territories.
If possible, you may just delay your honeymoon next year but if you already made the necessary preparations and the country or place you are going to is under the travel corridors exemption then you may continue your honeymoon. Just don’t forget to have safety precautions: always wash your hands, wear a mask and limit exposure to crowded places.
Does Wedding Insurance Cover Cancellation or Postponement?
Many people and business were affected by the lockdown and one of which is the events industry. Multiple events were halted due to the pandemic and there are many questions regarding this. A little background regarding them, Insurance providers vary in their policy guidelines. Most of them are able to cover cancellations or postponement of the weddings due to an outbreak of a contagious or infectious disease which is what happened in the past few months. But there is an exception, it does not cover travel bans, flight cancellation and any government acts such as prohibition of social gatherings. To get a clearer idea, it is advised to inquire with your wedding insurance provider.
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