Wedding considerations while we live alongside COVID

With almost all COVID restrictions in the UK now lifted, it’s not surprising that people are starting to feel more confident about planning their big day.

But even though life does seem to be returning to some kind of normality, COVID is likely to be around for a long time yet.

And that’s why it’s important to consider how COVID could impact your wedding and how you can minimise the risk of it interfering with your plans.

Opt for a UK wedding

Unfortunately, the pandemic has had a huge impact on the travel industry, and this extends to weddings abroad.

Although many countries are on the UK safe list, the UK might not be on theirs. Plus, the rules on testing are different for different countries, and their rules and regulations could change at any time.

The last thing you want is for your guests to have to pay thousands of pounds extra to self-isolate or to be refused entry due to positive COVID tests. Not to mention that some of your guests may be nervous about flying while COVID is still a risk.

If you’re set on getting wed on a Caribbean beach, you might have to keep your plans on hold for a while longer. But if you are flexible, there are plenty of beautiful UK venues for you to choose from.

Consider getting married outdoors

Outdoor weddings have many benefits, but even more so while living with COVID, as you’re less likely to catch the virus out in the fresh air.

It’s also much easier to socially distance outside, and your guests might feel more comfortable attending if they aren’t in an enclosed space.

At Lineham Farm, we have a licensed pagoda that’s ideal for your ceremony. And there’s a choice of backdrops for your reception, including our beautiful courtyard, our woodland area, or our giant event field, which is perfectly sized for marquees, tipis or yurts.

Plus, there are loads of ways you can make your outdoor wedding memorable – a picnic-style wedding feast, lawn games for your guests, evening singalongs around our fire pit, or a full festival theme.

 Keep it small

Smaller weddings are a great idea while we live alongside COVID, as fewer guests means lower risk. There’s also more scope for fine dining when guest numbers are smaller as it’s easier to prepare 50 plates of food than 500.

You could also consider live-streaming your ceremony so your extended guest list can be part of your day from the comfort of their own home.

Go for a ‘sequel wedding’

 A sequel wedding is a wedding that involves multiple ceremonies. For example, you might have a very intimate ceremony with a handful of people, followed by a larger event once COVID isn’t as much of a concern.

Sequel weddings aren’t new – it’s quite common for people who get married abroad to have a second event when they return to the UK. But sequel weddings have become more popular since 2020, with the pandemic forcing people to get creative.

Be comfortable with change

There is still a lot of uncertainty about the continuing impact of COVID, so if you plan on getting married in the coming months, you need to be prepared to be flexible.

You may have guests who suddenly can’t attend due to testing positive, restrictions could be re-introduced, and suppliers might have to adopt different working methods to meet new guidelines.

But as long as you are comfortable with last-minute changes and are relaxed about some things not going to plan, you can still have an amazing day.

 Weddings at Lineham Farm

Lineham Farm provides the perfect backdrop for any wedding. We have licenses for both indoor and outdoor weddings of all sizes. Plus, you and your guests will have complete exclusivity of the venue during your wedding weekend.

And by choosing Lineham Farm as your private wedding venue, you’re supporting our fantastic charity.  So not only will your dream day be perfect, you’ll also be helping disadvantaged children make unforgettable memories too.

If you’d like to find out more about weddings at Lineham Farm, check out our venue page or book a tour so we can show you what’s on offer.