Wedding receptions are back - latest Government guidelines
The news today is wedding music to our ears! The latest Government guidelines has stated that restrictions are being eased from Saturday 15th August and that wedding receptions in the form of a sit-down meal in a COVID-secure location for up to 30 guests will now be permitted. Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we're excited for what this means for our readers who have had to cancel or postpone their weddings. Intimate wedding have actually been an increasing trend for a few years now and you will still have all the joys of wedding planning: finding a dream venue, wedding cake and menu tastings, choosing themes and colour schemes, searching for a photographer and a florist the list goes on! Here's all you need to know...
Social distancing
During all activities linked to the reception or celebration, all parties, especially people from separate households/bubbles, should adhere to social distancing guidelines; 2 metres or 1 metre with risk mitigation (where 2 metres is not viable). Venues and guest numbers should be chosen to ensure 2 metre spacing is possible for the main sections of the celebrations.
Wherever possible attendees should remain seated to support social distancing safety measures.
Attendees and staff are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering where social distancing may be difficult.
Attendees, including children, should frequently throughout the day wash their hands.
Venue managers should record the names and contact details of all persons visiting the venues and keep a written record for at least 21 days to support NHS Test and Trace.
Serving and consuming food and drink
Wherever possible staff should serve all food and drinks to minimise customer self-service, and attendees should remain seated.
Seating arrangements should follow social distancing guidance, meaning that at most two households (including any support bubbles) are seated together and social distancing is maintained between these groups. Outdoor tables are also preferable.
Entertainment
Dancing should not be permitted due to the increased risk of transmission and dancefloors may be repurposed for additional customer seating or other relevant purposes, ensuring this is in line with the social distancing guidelines.
Venues intending to incorporate any live music should strictly adhere to the Performing Arts guidance.
Outdoor performances are always preferable.
Where any indoor performances, a solo or small number of performers is preferable and all should be socially distanced.
Those planning the wedding should consider how the performers will impact the total size of the wedding party and therefore the safety of their event.
Refraining from playing music at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult, and avoiding activities such as communal singing or chanting.
Other activities
Any activities, including those that are watched by attendees (such as cake cutting) should take place with social distancing being maintained.
Activities that involve objects being thrown (such as confetti or bouquet toss) or passed from person to person should be avoided.Speeches should be undertaken outside or in well ventilated areas wherever possible.
Photo booths and guest book signing can take place with hand sanitisation encouraged before and after contact.
For more information on all of the above, and additional Government guidleines to ensure you have a COVID-secure wedding day visit gov.uk
We have 19 County Wedding Magazine titles covering most of the UK full of local resources for planning your wedding. Read, as many titles as you like for free now www.county.wedding
Our websites are packed to the brim of inspiration, advice, news and suppliers
County Wedding Events will be hosting Autumn wedding shows so you can meet suppliers face-to-face in a COVID-secure environment
Follow us on social media to keep up to date with everything and anything in our wonderful world of weddings: instagram | facebook | twitter.com
Why Wedding Dog Chaperones Are the Must-Have for Modern I Dos
As couples across the UK continue to personalise their weddings, one heart-melting trend is taking centre stage: including their dogs in the big day. From aisle appearances to wedding portraits, four-legged companions are becoming VIP guests — and making celebrations even more meaningful. But as this trend grows, so does the need for expert support behind the scenes. Enter professional wedding dog chaperones — with trusted providers like Hannah's Wedding Dog Chaperone leading the way. While the idea of having your dog at your wedding sounds idyllic, the reality can be complex. Venues, timings, transport, and your pet's wellbeing all need careful coordination — especially on what is already a busy, emotional day.
READ ARTICLE
Expert says prenups aren't just for the rich and famous
Legal experts at Richard Nelson LLP are urging Brits to rethink who prenups are really for. While often seen as something reserved for high-profile couples, data suggests they remain largely overlooked in everyday relationships. Just 7 percent of divorced Brits had a prenuptial agreement in place before separating, highlighting a significant gap between perception and reality. Regionally, attitudes vary. Manchester has emerged as the UK's 'prenup capital', with 13 percent of divorced couples having one in place, compared to 8 percent in London and 11 percent in Birmingham. Meanwhile, cities including Liverpool and Southampton reported no uptake among those surveyed.
READ ARTICLE
County Wedding Events comes to Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey, for inspiration on Sunday 17th May, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
READ ARTICLE
Pre-wedding nerves, relationship advice and the secrets to a long, happy marriage
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons in a couple's life. It is also one of the most emotionally revealing. As someone who has coached over 1,300 women into healthy, committed relationships and marriages through my Love Success Framework, I can tell you this: the way you handle wedding planning is often a preview of how you will handle marriage. Not because of the flowers. Not because of the guest list. But because of how you navigate stress, expectations, decision-making, and emotional needs together. A wedding is an event. A marriage is an energetic ecosystem.
