The coronavirus has affected many individuals in many different ways. It has had a devastating impact on livelihoods, businesses and industries across the globe. 

Although seemingly trivial to some, the prospect of getting married is something that many couples have planned for and worked for, for a number of years. The prospect that their big day will now be drastically changed and depleted is something that will not only affect the wedding industry but also brides and grooms physical and mental health. 

Currently the UK government has allowed 30 people (including registrars, photographers, caterers, videographers) to be present at a wedding ceremony and reception. This means that many couples are having to drastically reduce the number of loved ones they are going to share their big day with. Meanwhile crowds are gathering outside football stadiums, shops are allowing infinite visitors (who cannot be easily tracked and traced) and pubs are allowing 100s of strangers to frequent their facilities. So why is it that brides and grooms cannot have their loved ones (who can all very easily be tracked and traced) to be with them to share a once in a lifetime and truly special day. 

I propose that the government review the restrictions on only 30 guests for ceremonies and receptions. If this cannot be raised to limits at a venues discretion, then it should atleast be raised to a more reasonable number. 

Logically, you are never going to put your nearest and dearest at risk, so if anyone were invited to a wedding but showed symptoms or had been around someone who showed symptoms they would be less likely to go to a family event and put anyone at risk but it could be argued that they may have a more blasé attitude to 'nipping to the shops'. 

I myself was due to get married on 11.07.20 but that sadly wasn't to be. I have now rearranged to 5.9.20 but I am struggling with the restrictions in place (though I am grateful I can now at least have a ceremony and reception) . The strain and difficulties faced by trying to rearrange a day I spent two years planning for (and many more dreaming of)  as well as maintaining my status as a key worker has unfortunately hospitalised me. 

Please consider raising the guest limit and reviewing legislation, for the sake of the wedding industry and for the thousands of couples who's dreams have been dashed by the coronavirus.