Mansfield wedding businesses feel like they've been 'forgotten about' after ‘crazy’ ruling on celebrations

As coronavirus restrictions are lifted and businesses ease back into action, one industry still sees no light at the end of the tunnel – with some calling for government to look again at rulings which see families eat dinner next to strangers in a pub, but not next to family and friends at a wedding celebration.
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When the government announced on July 17 that small wedding receptions of 30 guests could finally go ahead from August 1, brides and grooms elatedly began honing their guest lists and vendors began ensuring they had everything in place for socially-distanced wedding receptions.

However, in a shocking announcement on July 31, Boris Johnson announced that weddings planned for the following day would not be able to go ahead after all, leaving engaged couples 24 hours’ notice to cancel their celebrations, and leaving their shocked suppliers out of pocket.

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Helena Mackie has been a wedding supplier for 20 years as Unique Occasions, based on Wood Street in Mansfield.

Wedding receptions have been unable to go ahead for monthsWedding receptions have been unable to go ahead for months
Wedding receptions have been unable to go ahead for months

The 44-year-old from Pleasley said: “I have had around 50 weddings and parties cancel now, this year is just a write off.

"I had a wedding at the weekend that I was originally decorating for 300 guests, including flowers for 11 bridesmaids.

“It ended up going ahead as an informal gathering where I provided a few buttonholes and a couple of bridesmaid bouquets – I now owe the bride money back from her deposit, as her invoice for the flowers I ended up providing was less than she had already paid!

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"It just feels like we’ve been forgotten about, and I can’t believe you can go to a pub where there’s 100 people eating and drinking, but you can’t do that for a wedding.”

Helena MackieHelena Mackie
Helena Mackie

Jemma Hudson and Josh Copestake were due to get married on August 1 after getting together as teenagers and saving for their big dream wedding for many years.

“We had toyed with the idea of downsizing the wedding to ensure it could go ahead, but we had always dreamed of a big celebration and had saved up over the years, so we made the tough decision in June to postpone until next year.

"I’m so glad we did, when I heard the news on July 31 I couldn’t believe it.

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“I feel so sorry for the suppliers. We’ve been so lucky that we have been able to rearrange our vendors without any issues, but we feel awful for them all being out of pocket.”

Jemma and Josh were due to get married on August 1Jemma and Josh were due to get married on August 1
Jemma and Josh were due to get married on August 1

Another wedding business who has been affected by the restrictions is Carrie Austin Photography, based in Sutton, who recently organised a virtual wedding fair for engaged couples.

Carrie said: “At the start of lockdown, small businesses were helped tremendously by the council with grants and it felt like more than enough to see us through a closure.

"As time has gone on, there seems to be very little thought going into what happens next for the wedding industry.

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"It seems crazy that 30 family members could book a table in a restaurant and eat near each other, but those same people couldn’t book a venue for a wedding reception doing the same thing.

Carrie Austin Photography - Carrie has been unable to work since MarchCarrie Austin Photography - Carrie has been unable to work since March
Carrie Austin Photography - Carrie has been unable to work since March

“Each wedding will have multiple suppliers such as photographers, venue decorators, florists and cake makers – we are all missing out on revenue which could pay our bills.”

Carrie has approached her MP, Lee Anderson in the hope that he will take their cause to parliament.

Mr Anderson said: “I appreciate that this has been a difficult time for businesses in the events and wedding sectors.

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"Likewise, I understand the disappointment of couples eager to tie the knot who have had to postpone or cancel their weddings due to the outbreak.

"This has been particularly hard for those who have had to postpone their weddings last minute in August.

“Ministers have assured me that they are engaging with representatives from the industry to explore how wedding celebrations, including wedding receptions which affect hospitality businesses, may be resumed in a Covid-19 secure way, when it is safe to do so.

Lee Anderson MPLee Anderson MP
Lee Anderson MP

"Guidance has been given on how weddings and civil ceremonies can start taking place in a way that is safe for attendants, couples and officiants.

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"It is important that no more than 30 people are in attendance. We know that airborne transmission is a real risk especially indoors, which is why there should be no singing or playing of instruments except under very narrow conditions.

"Large wedding receptions should not currently be taking place and any celebration after the ceremony should follow the broader social distancing guidance of involving no more than two households in any location or, if outdoors, up to six people from different households.

"It remains the Government's ambition to allow small wedding receptions – sit down meals for no more than 30 people – shortly, but this change will not take place until at least August 15 at the earliest.

“I hope that, as soon as the science allows, there can be further relaxation in wedding measures to enable other businesses which contribute to the special day to reopen.

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"For more information on what steps should be taken to keep your friends and loved ones safe, I recommend carefully reading through the public health guidance on this issue.”

Further announcements on restrictions being eased are expected this week.

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