Worldwide Weddings - Guest Numbers

It's understandable for couples with weddings from April 2021 onwards to be speculating on whether the numbers for weddings will increase from the current limits. We've looked at what's happening around the world to see that much larger events are taking place elsewhere, with many countries limiting guests based on the capacity of the venue rather than a fixed number. Over the next months, the government will be able to assess the success of the different policies in deciding on the best way to allow for a controlled increase in numbers.

Have a look at the numbers below to gain reassurance that once infection rates are fully under control there is no reason for wedding guest numbers not to increase to more acceptable levels.

The below information is accurate as of 9th October. These numbers relate to events, rather than weddings specifically.

Unless stated otherwise, statistics on event size are from Plannie. Infection rates are from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, CDC and NY Times

United Kingdom

Starting with our own figures to help with comparison. The UK has one of the highest infection rates in the world, so it is understandable that the government are taking precautions to limit the spread. Here are the numbers allowed currently on a national level, excluding those affected by a local lockdown:

Max Attendance for Weddings (Indoors or Outdoors):

• England: No more than 15 people
• Scotland: Advising for no more than 20 people
• Wales: By venue capacity with a maximum of 30 people
• Northern Ireland: Determined by the venue

Cases per 100,000: 218

Ireland

Limits are based on their current risk level.

Max Attendance for Wedding: Currently 25 as they are Level 3 risk.

Cases per 100,000: 124 

At Level 4 or 5 the numbers will be restricted to 6. At Level 2 they increase to 50 guests. Level 1 is 100 guests.

Italy

Italy was one of the first countries in Europe to be hit by Coronavirus, and one of the worst-affected. However, their latest number of cases is lower than much of Europe, suggesting that over time, things will ease, allowing events of any size as long as social distancing can be observed.

Max Capacity (Indoors or Outdoors): Limited only by social distancing measures (1m)

Cases per 100,000: 52 

Spain

Like Italy, Spain has been affected by high infection rates. Much like the UK, where individual nations have set their own measures, Spain's rules vary by region.

If we look at some individual regions, we can see these differences. Source: Bodas

Andalusia

Andalusia is one of the Spanish regions with a relatively low number of cases.

Max Attendance for Wedding (Ceremony): Limited only by social distancing measures (1.5m) 

Max Attendance for Wedding (Reception): 100 (indoors), 150 (outdoors) 

Cases per 100,000: 835 

Madrid

Madrid and the surrounding region currently has tighter regulations to bring infection rates back under control.

Max Attendance for Wedding (Ceremony): 33% of venue capacity 

Max Attendance for Wedding (Reception): 50% of venue capacity 

Cases per 100,000: 3,823

India

Despite having more than 6 million confirmed cases, India saw its maximum number of guests allowed at a wedding increase from 50 to 100 at the end of September, in time for the traditional wedding season.

Max Attendance for Wedding: 100

Confirmed Cases: 6,835,655 

USA

In the USA, individual states set their own rules on restrictions.

Many states, including Washington and Ohio, have specified a limit on numbers who can attend a wedding, with most setting that limits between 25 and 250 people. 

Texas and Nevada are amongst the states which are limiting attendance by venue capacity, whilst in New York they have combined percentage and number limits, allowing 33% of capacity, up to a maximum of 50 people.

USA Cases per 100,000: 2,275 

Stay up to date on the latest on coronavirus and weddings by bookmarking our Current News on Weddings in the UK.