What To Expect From a Covid Wedding

11 Mar 2021

I know there will be a good few of you planning on going ahead with your wedding under Covid restrictions from now until July, so I wanted to write a quick little blog to hopefully help and reassure you! The two most important things are your happiness and your safety. I think both have been proven to be possible!

Here’s some ramblings of my experiences Covid weddings at Bristol Registry Office so far:

1.Waiting

One of the main changes at the moment is not being able to wait in communal areas at the Registry Offices. This means guests waiting outside until being lead in and no photos inside after the ceremony. It’s a shame to miss those photos on the grand staircase, but the steps outside on Corn Street are a great back up!

2. Masks

Obviously everyone except you will be wearing masks throughout the ceremony. In all honesty, I kind of love this! I think if you’re getting married in a pandemic, this is one of the lasting reminders of this time and I think it looks quite poignant in the photos. I think it’s best to embrace it. I know it’s a shame that you can’t see your guests faces, but I always try to make sure to get as many photos of everyone outside the registry office while emotions are still high.

3. Standing Still

The one main challenge I face is standing still throughout the ceremony. In the venue, the photographer is given a spot to stand on and is not allowed to move. Sometimes it’s not in the best location so I’ll always try to do my best to have a chat to a registrar and I normally prefer to stand at the back of the room which is away from the guests and allows me to capture everything straight on. However, the photographer is limited by the officials so unfortunately there’s only so much control we have in this situation. I’ve never missed a moment though, and can guarantee there will still be loads of photos you love from the ceremony.

4. Signing

Unfortunately there are a few traditions during the ceremony that are being stopped for the time being, such as speeches and the signing of the register. It’s a bit of a shame not to have that paparazzi moment, but there will be lots of other lovely moments to capture!

4. Group Photos

This is a bit of a weird one! I will insist on doing these outside for safety, and very much recommend there’s umbrellas for everyone in case of the worst weather! I know a few covered spots around Bristol Registry Office so can always recommend a few dry places outside if needs be. I will ask you what bubbles everyone is in, so will try to pose your guests in groups as is allowed. This can look a bit odd with gaps between you and your guests, but again, I think it’s best to embrace the circumstances in the photos!

5. Couples Photos

This is always great as there aren’t really any restrictions here! This is a part of the day which, for me, still feels a bit normal. We can head off away from your guests use many beautiful locations outside in Bristol city centre. Obviously I will make sure to keep my distance – I’ve definitely used a zoom lens a lot more this past year!

6. Drinks Receptions

Most venues won’t allow a standing drinks reception so suggest you sit in your bubbles for the drinks as you would for the meal. With a small number of guests, this isn’t so bad and the tables can be placed in a way that means you can easily talk to everyone (I’ve seen a few great examples of set ups). Hopefully this is one of the rules that might be eased soon, and fingers crossed outside drinks receptions will be allowed again!

7. First Dance

A notable difference is the absence of a disco or party at the end of the night. This is a bit of a strange one, as normally the day amps up towards the evening whereas during the pandemic it can feel like a bit of a fizzle. The first dance can happen (if the venue allows) with just the bride and groom on the floor, but no one else is allowed to join. I’d definitely suggest some alternative evening entertainment to keep guests busy. Some of my couples have chosen is to have an early wedding, a nice lunch as a reception before heading out for afternoon walks with different guests. Another option I’ve seen was where the bride and groom provided a picnic bag of snacks and alcohol to each guests after a late ceremony and then had everyone join them for a zoom call in the evening!

Hopefully that gives you a better idea of how everything will look under restrictions for the time being! If you have any questions, please get in touch and I’d be happy to help.