Farmers who have diversified into the wedding sector receive a boost after limits scrapped

In last week’s press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the 30-person cap on wedding ceremonies and receptions will be removed as planned.

But receptions will be table service only and guests must wear face coverings indoors. In addition, weddings will still need to comply with social distancing requirements, whether it be 2 metres or 1 metre.

Dancefloors are forbidden inside, while for private ceremonies outdoors, dancing will not be illegal, but will be strongly advised against.

With 48 per cent of UK farmers planning to set up or expand on diversification projects, this will be welcome news to those who have dived into the wedding sector.

President of the Country Land & Business Association (CLA), which represents 28,000 farmers, land managers and rural businesses across England and Wales, Mark Bridgeman, said: “Wedding businesses and soon-to-be-wedded couples will breathe a sigh of relief. This is testimony to the excellent work of the UK Weddings Taskforce, which the CLA has been helping on behalf of its members operating wedding venues.

“2020 was a catastrophic year for an industry that endured a financial loss of £7bn, with 320,000 weddings postponed/cancelled since March last year.

“Weddings for 30 people aren’t financially viable so the removal of a cap on guests is much-needed as the industry tries to recover from Covid-19.

“While there are still some restrictions in place which will deter weddings from returning to normal, hopefully, these will be lifted in due course.”

Farmers Guide spoke to Kelly Chandler, weddings and diversification expert about farming and wedding diversification, in a recent interview.

Read the government’s guidance in full here.