Small and Intimate Weddings

While some people dream of lavish, large-scale weddings, others prefer a more cosy, intimate occasion. While there’s no right or wrong way to tie the knot and celebrate your love, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning a wedding in the near future, particularly with the Covid-19 pandemic still causing disruption.

Weddings and Covid-19

While there’s no need to dwell on the negative, it’s important to understand the wedding rules put in place by the government regarding Covid-19 and gatherings. After all, if you were planning a big wedding with many guests, you’ll have to reconsider. But if you wanted things a little smaller and more peaceful, you might not have to do much rearranging at all. So what are the rules?

From 28 September up to 15 people, but no more, can attend a marriage or civil partnership, where this can be safely accommodated with social distancing in a COVID-19 venue (up until 28 September the limit will be 30).  This maximum number includes all those at the ceremony, including the couple, witnesses, and guests. Anyone working is not included as part of the limit on attendees. (Source)

Weddings and civil partnerships must only take place in a Covid-19 secure venue instead of private homes. This is because Covid-19 secure venues have very strict measures in place to keep people safe such as socially distanced seating and rigorous cleaning regimes.

Rules also vary in different parts of the UK. For example, small outdoor wedding receptions are allowed in Northern Ireland, with the number of people allowed to attend based on a social distancing assessment carried out by the venue. It’s the same in Wales. In Scotland, indoor weddings of up to 20 people are allowed, with receptions subject to rules about public gatherings.

The Benefits of a Small Wedding

There’s a lot to take in, but the good news is, weddings are not banned altogether like during the lockdown period. While being tied to guest restrictions might seem strange, especially if you wanted to go large, there are many benefits of a small wedding. For example, you can:

• Celebrate with your close friends and relatives without worrying about leaving anyone out. Weddings often come with family politics and controversy over the guest list and seating arrangements, but an intimate wedding avoids such drama.
• Speak to everyone on your big day. If there are too many people at your wedding it can be hard to socialise with all your guests. A smaller wedding allows for more personal, memorable moments with the people you love the best.
• Stick to your budget. With less people on the attendee list, it’ll be easier to stick to your budget with regards to food, accommodation, wedding favours, the bar bill and more. You can even order a smaller cake which will reduce the cost significantly.
• Help people with accommodation. If you’ve hundreds of people attending your wedding, sorting accommodation for everyone can be difficult. With a small wedding, however, you can check your close relatives into rooms at your reception venue or find them places to stay nearby without it being a mammoth task.

If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Kent that’s ideal for a Covid-19 safe wedding, don’t miss the Hythe Imperial. Nestled on the Kentish coast and offering a wide range of competitively priced wedding packages, this is a top choice for all couples.