2020 saw the beginning of the first global pandemic in 100 years: the Covid19. People were forced to sit in their homes as part of lockdowns of cities and nations as a whole. Since gatherings, festivals and ceremonies were prohibited in most countries, UK also had similar rules regarding the same. 2021 is seeing a little hope even with the new waves hitting. Rules have been relaxed and certain provisions have been made for conducting engagement ceremonies in London as well.
People have been confused and need proper guidance in order to plan engagements and weddings this year. We have compiled a list of the new rules as declared by the Government for your convenience. So if you’ve postponed your engagement ceremony last year or are planning one this year, then read along to stay updated and make sure you’re following proper protocol while planning your function.
Guest list
The Government is following a four step process of relaxing the rules for this.
- Step 1 – Ithas announced that from 29th March to 12th April, only 6 people will be able to attend the ceremony. So that involves family members.
- Step 2 – Post 12th April, only up to 15 people will be allowed for engagement ceremonies and reception (or any ceremony for that matter). Exceeding that number will make the authorities shut down the ceremony completely due to obvious health hazards of spreading Covid19.
- Step 3 – Post 17Th May, the number may be increased to 30.
- Step 4 – After 21st June, they plan on lifting all restrictions if all goes well.
Engagement ceremonies are a reason to show off as well; especially if you have got your partner one of those pretty Lab grown diamond engagement rings. But do not be disheartened by the guest list restrictions. You can always go live on a social media platform to flaunt everything you want to.
Venue
The ceremonies can be conducted only in licensed spaces that are declared Covid19 safe by the Government. Preferably an open venue should be used. If not then the licensed spaced indoors can be booked in advance for the engagement ceremony. Private gardens can be used as well. The venue should be secure basically.
Travelling
nter-state travelling isn’t allowed so the guest list must include people from the same city itself. Registrations should be made with the local municipality too letting them know of the number of guests, the venue and any travelling pass if needed.
Social distancing
Even in the ceremonies where mostly just family will be gathered, it is still mandatory to follow the rules of social distancing. A compulsory distance of 2 metres has to be kept between two people at any given point of time during the function. The seating arrangement also has to be made such where every alternate seat is occupied. The same goes for food serving too.
It is safe to say that the Covid19 situation has reduced London ceremonies to half literally. But that’s no reason to feel disheartened. All this, in the end, is done with a greater goal in mind. If the rules are followed strictly now, then by June or July the restrictions may be completely relaxed. If you’re willing to wait that long to get engaged, then good enough. If not, then you can still go ahead and have your function. It may not be grand as you might have expected, but in the end, it still will be the most important moment of your union with your better half. So go ahead and check out the Engagement rings hatton garden in advance to get your hands on the latest designs.