NB: We are currently seeking clarification on a number of things from our local MLAs and will be updating this post as we get new information, so please keep checking back. If there is anything you’d like us to ask them, just write it in the comments below.
Ok, deep breaths, everyone... but yeah, after a worrying spike in covid-19 cases, we're seeing stricter rules on weddings from Monday 19th October. Some of you are seeing your plans change for the first time, while for a few of you, it's the second or third time.
Planning a wedding is already stressful without the added pressure of a global pandemic but it's important to stay positive. Below, we'll look at the new rules and some ways you can creatively work within them.
***Top Tip***
Many of us still aren’t entirely comfortable going into shops so the amazing Archive 12 bridal shop have started a really cool try at home service. You can try on up to three wedding gowns from the comfort of your own home. How awesome is that?!
Guest limit of 25 people.*
*It hasn’t been clarified whether this includes staff and suppliers, and we are seeking clarification from the executive. In the measures earlier in the year, children, suppliers and celebrants were included in the total people count.
We've said it before, but many of the most beautiful weddings we've experienced have been small and intimate (check this gorgeous elopement out, for example). So, while it's disheartening to make such a drastic change so close to your wedding, it doesn't mean you'll not have a great day.
Your guests will understand if they get cut from your guestlist, so don't be scared about having that conversation. Hosting your wedding on zoom means you can let your guests still be a part of the day. And make sure to share your photo gallery with them all afterwards.
***Top Tip***
Runaway Irish Weddings perfectly timed the launch of their new venue in 2020. The Rocks is a gorgeous venue just outside Downpatrick that caters specifically to small, intimate weddings up to 12-18 people, so perfectly within current guidelines. We LOVE photographing weddings there.
No live music
While you can still have hymns at your church wedding, if you're having a civil or humanist ceremony, you can't have any live musicians. You are allowed recorded music as long as it’s kept below talking level.
***Top Tip***
Our amazing friend Rachel Toman has a creative solution to this. She has been pre-recording personalised music that is then played at your ceremony. This is particularly great in cases where the original recorded version of a song isn't appropriate. You also get to your own personal recording to keep forever.
Hair and Makeup
*We are seeking clarification on this from the Executive and will update this when we know more.
The most recent guidance specific to weddings was that hair stylists and makeup artists could visit your house in a professional capacity but everyone else present must be from the same household. However, the latest set of restrictions put a ban on mobile hair and makeup services.
At the very least, we’d expect if there is an exception for weddings, then it will be under the pre-October 19th guidance. In a practical sense, this would mean that anyone who is not from your household (such as bridesmaids, photographers, videographers, florists) cannot be there when your makeup artist or hairstylist is present.
No Wedding Receptions (in any venue or location)
Wow! We did NOT see that one coming and probably neither did you. And with restaurants closed and strict rules on home gatherings, there isn't any leeway here.
If you're going ahead with your ceremony, chat to your venue to see if you can have a party there at a later date when things are better. They'll be happy to accommodate you and you'll be supporting another local business that's experiencing hardship. Please remember to be kind and understanding - your venue and wedding suppliers are all going through tough times and some businesses might not survive this.
No wedding reception doesn’t mean no cake - remember to treat yo’self.
For the here and now, remember this: your wedding is about the two of you, first and foremost. Our couples who couldn't have receptions in summer just enjoyed the simple pleasure of each other's company.
You could use the time to go off and have some portraits in your favourite locations. If you're unlimited by time and travel, you could pretty much do anything!
Dogs don’t count in the guest limit, so you can bring along your furry friends for some photos.
Maybe you want a picture at a place that couldn't work logistically in your original plans; maybe you just want to go to your garden and get some photos with your cat or dog. Your photographer will love have no time constraints and a laid back portrait session is such a pleasure.
And to finish of the day? We can think of nothing better in the circumstances than preparing a cosy night in - have a friend drop around food from your favourite restaurant (after all, they need our help more than ever), turn your phones off and just enjoy the most wonderful date night you'll ever experience.
No reception means no time constraints so we can get as adventurous as you like with your portraits.