THE bridal shop boss says brides-to-be should be cautious before Freedom Day.
Last month the government lifted restrictions on the number of people allowed at weddings, but social distancing restrictions remain in place, which means singing and dancing are banned.
Jane Watts, owner of Bridal Boutique on Faringdon Road, says it’s an unusual situation.
“It was strange,” she said. “We had quite an influx when we first got out of lockdown, but since the 21st.
“There are still a lot of reservations. There are a few people who are fed up with it.
“Some had to move five times. Others think they’ll postpone it until next year.
“People just can’t get their honeymoons, their bachelorette parties, the things they want, so it has had a big impact on our business.
“I think the new Health Secretary Sajid Javid is a lot more positive than Matt Hancock, but I still think there will be some restrictions.
“Masks still need to be worn, and I don’t know if they’ll stop dancing and social distancing.
“There’s also the current travel ban. I don’t think the ban will be lifted so people can’t go on their honeymoon.”
While larger weddings are currently unsure of what their next steps are, smaller intimate venues are a viable alternative.
Catherine Barker is the event manager at Purton House and says a smaller wedding can be an occasion to remember.
She said: “The pandemic has given people a taste of smaller weddings.
“It showed people how to work, and it did it in a practical way. It’s so much cheaper because you don’t have to pay that much for couples.
“People can just enjoy spending time with their families, which I think happens more at these smaller weddings.
“I think they are here to stay. People are really realizing the value of these smaller, more intimate days, and the pandemic has shown that you can still have a wedding that you can enjoy.”