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What To Expect At A Wedding In 2020

What To Expect At A Wedding In 2020


Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
8th of March 2023

This blog was last updated in December 2020. For the latest information on weddings during coronavirus, click here.

We’re calling on everyone - guests, venues, businesses and couples - to follow the guidance carefully and show that we can all act responsibly, within the guidelines. We need to demonstrate that weddings don’t contribute to an increase in the spread of COVID-19. 

England has implemented a 4 tier system following its national lockdown. The current rules in each tier will be strengthened to prevent a surge of infections in the following months. 

The government has published its COVID-19 Winter Plan, which outlines the new restrictions. 15 people will be able to attend a wedding in all tiers, but weddings in tier 3 will not be allowed to have a reception following the ceremony. Read our summary of the 3 tier system updates here. In tier 4, weddings are not permitted to take place unless in exceptional circumstances.

Every image on social media showing more than 15 at a wedding, showing guests on dance floors or weddings in marquees in gardens, is more evidence to the government that social events like weddings are going to be much harder to allow during a time we need to be COVID-safe. Every event that steps over the line further delays larger weddings from taking place. It is no wonder that couples and wedding businesses are reporting offenders in their areas and calling them out online and in forums.

Whether you are getting married or attending an event, please share this with other guests so they know what to expect and can stay within the guidelines.

Champagne in Champagne, France

What can we expect the reception to involve?

Weddings and receptions (sit down meals) for up to 15 people are allowed in Tiers 1 and 2. Receptions are not permitted in Tier 3, but the ceremony may still go ahead with this number in attendance.

Guests have to be seated with others from their household, where possible to avoid mixing of households. Most venues are able to permit cake cutting and speeches in a COVID-safe way, by ensuring guests remain seated and using microphones to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus in the air.

Remember, rules and regulations will differ from nation to nation. So, make sure you are up to date with the latest coronavirus wedding news to know what to expect from the wedding you are attending or hosting. Also, check whether you could be limited by local lockdown restrictions

Will there be a bar?

Table service will likely be required.

Will we be able to dance?

No, however, the couple are permitted to have their first dance in England and Northern Ireland. Dance floors and loud music aren’t allowed and guests should remain seated at their tables.

The venue is allowing more than 15 guests as their restaurant is COVID-safe. Is that allowed?

No. Due to the increased risk of social interaction at weddings and the prolonged time that guests are together, a strict limit of 15 people (England) was placed on weddings and receptions. Again, make sure you are up to date with current regulations in your nation as the limit differs.

We’re going back to the couple’s house after the ceremony, is that allowed?

Prior to lockdown, receptions following weddings and civil partnerships in England for up to 15 people could take place. However, they were only allowed in a COVID-19 secure venue. They should not take place in people’s private homes or adjoining outdoor spaces like gardens, as these will not have the same COVID-19 Secure measures in place. A small gathering at the couple's home after the wedding is permitted, as long as it adhered to the relevant gathering guidelines.

Can any sort of gathering take place at home or in the garden?

Yes. The government has limited the number of people who can gather in private homes in England to 6 people for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. This limit will however depend on which tier you are in.

This is enforceable by the police and if you are caught flouting the rules you may receive a fine. Wedding receptions can only take place in a COVID-19 Secure venue.

The gathering guidelines will be different for each nation and may differ in tiers and where local restrictions are imposed; so double-check the guidelines relevant to you before planning your small gathering. 

Covid Wedding

Do we have to wear masks for the ceremony?

Yes. As receptions in England and Wales are indoors, everyone except the couple and the officiants will have to wear a mask by law unless they have a good reason (such as a medical condition) preventing them from doing so. 

Top tip: One real bride found clear masks so she could see her guests' faces during the ceremony. Read about how she made her day amazing here.

Will we have to wear masks for the reception?

No. Masks don't need to be worn while you are outdoors, for example for photos or while you are seated at the table for the reception. You should be seated in households where possible which helps mitigate the risk.

If you leave your table for any reason, you will be required to wear a mask.

Will we be asked for Track and Trace details?

Yes. A record of every guest will need to be kept for 21 days to assist contact tracers. You may be sent a link before the day or a QR code to scan on arrival.

Are we allowed to stay in the hotel after the wedding?

Yes. Normal hotel rules will apply as soon as the reception is over. This means you can be in the bar or restaurant (for example for breakfast) with one other household if you are seated indoors or in a group of up to 6 people from different households outdoors. 

Is it OK to be at a reception where they’re not following the rules?  

No. The guidance states that you should not attend celebrations where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 secure guidelines.

What happens if an illegal event is reported?

It’s not just guidance, it’s against the law for gatherings of more than the limited number of people to take place in private homes including gardens, or in a public outdoors space, unless planned by an organisation in compliance with COVID-19 secure guidance. The government has introduced £10,000 fines for those who facilitate or organise illegal gatherings of over the limited number of people. 

Also, the reduction in the number of people who can gather in private homes in England to 6 people can be enforced by police through a fining system. The fines will start at £100 and double for each further offense to a maximum of £3200. 

Perhaps more importantly, every guest there is putting the reputation of everyone involved at risk, and risks delaying the opening of the wedding industry.

It's really hard for couples with weddings over the next months, especially those who aren't planning a second reception once the restrictions are lifted. But by doing all we can to follow the rules and guidance in the short term, we'll be able to open up the industry so much faster in the longer term. 

Again, the rules will differ between nations, you can find the official documents for each nation's COVID-19 wedding guidance here.

Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

Alison has been advising brides, grooms and bridesmaids for more than 25 years. She has an unrivalled knowledge of the British wedding industry and frequently appears on podcasts and expert panels. She regularly attends international wedding conferences to keep the UK at the forefront of wedding planning trends.

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