Weddings will no longer place limits on the number of guests from next week – but the planners of the Suffolk ceremony said the continued Covid restrictions are causing a “big headache”.
Although the 30-person limit for weddings will no longer be enforced starting Monday, rules on social distancing, ordering masks and drinks continue to apply – and guests are still not allowed to dance or sing.
The decision has been welcomed by some members of the wedding industry, but others feel that easing measures does not go far enough.
Donna Stockley, wedding and events manager at Glemham Hall near Little Glemham, said she was relieved to see ceremonies exempt from most of the ongoing restrictions.
Donna Stockley, wedding and event manager at Glemham Hall
– Photo credit: Ayshea Goldberg Photography
She said, “I think it’s a small win. There are still people who think we should have bigger weddings.
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“But it’s amazing and we’re really grateful that weddings have been recognized. I feel like they have been ignored for the past year. That’s a welcome relief.
“Couples were quite resilient – many had already made peace with the limited capacity.
“This is the best we could have hoped for.”
Ian Evans, owner of Copdock Hall, asked why there were still rules for weddings when he said he was “confident” that they could be kept safe without restrictions.
Ian Evans, owner of Copdock Hall, said weddings could be safely held with larger capacities
– Photo credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
He added, “The reality is that people still have to keep social distance, wear masks and can’t go to the bar. Would you like to go to such a wedding?
“This gives us a big headache – it’s a very busy time for us and our suppliers.
Copdock Hall is a popular wedding venue outside of Ipswich
– Credit: Ian Evans
“The bottom line is that it depends on the couples. If they don’t want their guests to wear masks and social distance, they won’t have it.”
Jenny Loyd, who organizes weddings through her Grundisburgh-based company Inspired Event Management, said a set limit on the number of guests would be preferable if rules like social distancing could be abolished.
Jenny Loyd, who heads Inspired Event Management from Grundisburgh
– Photo credit: Ross Dean
She said, “There is a limit based on what the venues can accommodate. It would have been better to keep the numbers low and not have to worry about social distancing.
“Overall, I’d say it’s not progress. We were hoping there weren’t any restrictions, so it’s incredibly frustrating.”
