Big weddings could be back by Easter

Boris Johnson says events like weddings could be back to normal soon

Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 4th Dec 2020
Last updated 4th Dec 2020

With a coronavirus vaccine already delivered to some hospitals, Boris Johnson has said he's hopeful that weddings can go back to normal after Easter.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been tough for everyone and one of the things it has really affected is weddings.

With large groups being unable to meet, many couple's dreams of big weddings with lots of friends and family just hasn't been able to happen, but the Prime Minister has just offered a little bit of optimism, so it might be time to get that table plan back out again.

Has Boris Johnson said when normal weddings can go ahead?

Not yet, but he has insisted the rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations is going to make a real difference for those planning their weddings.

At the moment, how many people you can have at your wedding depends on which tier you're in.

In tiers one and two 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, in tier three 15 people can attend the wedding ceremony but wedding receptions are not allowed.

Bigger weddings could take place from Easter 2021

Pressed during an online ‘People’s Prime Minister’s Question Time’ organised by Downing Street, Mr Johnson was asked about the impact of coronavirus restrictions on weddings by a woman who worked in the sector.

Mr Johnson said: “If you are thinking about the summer, I think you will be alright.

“It’s my strong hope and belief that by the summer, one way or the other, whether by vaccination – which I hope and believe we will have delivered by Easter as I say – or by lateral flow testing, we’ll be in a different world.

“So my hope is that, by summer, it really will be a different world for the weddings and events industry.”

You can watch his answer here (22 minutes in):

The Prime Minister told Lara from Cornwall:

“I think mass testing will help before Easter – hopefully well before Easter – but I think you should be able to plan for a really much more active summer and lots of happy nuptial events all over the UK.”

When will we know if weddings can go ahead?

Good question - like many things it depends on how quickly the vaccines are available and how it affects the infection rate.

What's clear is that Boris Johnson thinks there is a good chance we will be getting back to normality at some point in early 2021.

Let's not forget the Prime Minister is also one of the couples awaiting a wedding, he proposed to his partner Carrie Symonds in February.

Now what?

Well, who knows?

Let's be optimistic - maybe it's time to dust off that list of invites, start deciding who's going to sit next to your Uncle Kevin and most importantly: choose who you want to take on the Hen and Stag parties!

Celebrities who got engaged this year:

Ray Quinn and Emily Fletcher

Former X Factor star and Hollyoaks actor Ray Quinn announced he'd popped the question to his girlfriend Emily on New Year's Day!


Sharing a photo of Emily kissing is forehead on Instagram, Ray wrote, 'Welcome to the family my Queen 💖 #shesaidyes 💍 🥰'. (sic)

Brianne Delcourt and Kevin Kilbane

After being paired together on Dancing On Ice, former footballer Kevin Kilbane and pro skater Brianne Delcourt's partnership turned romantic, with Kevin asking Brianne to marry him just three months after meeting.

Jess Wright and William Lee-Kemp

Former TOWIE star Jess Wright announced her engagement when her boyfriend William proposed during a skiing trip in the French Alps.


Sharing this cute snap on Instagram, Jess wrote, 'A million times YES! 💍❤️ I love you so much x'. (sic)

Jordan Banjo and Naomi Courts

Diversity star Jordan Banjo asked his long-term girlfriend Naomi Courts to marry him in one of the most romantic proposals ever!


Popping the question during a romantic meal on the beach, Jordan wrote on Instagram, 'One of the happiest days of my life...just behind the birth of my kids and the release of McDonald's spicy nuggets🍗 Happy Valentines Day to my love @naomiella21 ❤️'. (sic)

Danielle Armstrong and Tommy Edney

Former TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong revealed she was the 'happiest girl in the world' when he boyfriend Tommy Edney popped the question during a holiday to Dubai.

Joe Duttine and Sally Carman

Coronation Street stars Joe Duttine and Sally Carman announced their engagement during self-isolation in March.

Craig Revel Horwood and Jonathan Myring

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood announced his engagement in April, revealing his partner Jonathan Myring popped the question whilst the pair were on holiday in early March.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz

21-year-old Brooklyn Beckham announced his engagement to American actress Nicola Peltz in July! He wrote on Instagram, 'Two weeks ago I asked my soulmate to marry me and she said yes xx I am the luckiest man in the world. I promise to be the best husband and the best daddy one day ❤️ I love you baby xx'. (sic)

Marcel Somerville and Rebecca Viera

Former Love Island star Marcel Somerville proposed to his pregnant girlfriend Rebecca Viera at the couple's gender reveal party.

Marnie Simpson and Casey Cody

Former X Factor star Casey Cody proposed to Geordie Shore star Marnie Simon in August 2020! The pair, who have a son called Rox, shared their lovely news with fans on Instagram.

Liam Payne and Maya Henry

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne is engaged to 20-year-old model Maya Henry after she was spotted wearing a '£3 million engagement ring'. Liam confirmed the news during an interview on Good Morning America, admitting the pair are 'so happy'.

Kerry Katona and Ryan maloney

Kerry Katona's boyfriend Ryan Maloney popped the question to her during a family holiday in Spain in August! Announcing her lovely news on Instagram, Kerry wrote, 'Well what a bloody amazing 40th I've had.... honestly couldn't of spent it any better with the people I love the most.. and with a massive twist too..... here we go again! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💍🥂', (sic)

Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Andre Gray

Footballer Andre Gray asked Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock to marry him during lockdown! Andre got down on one knee as the pair celebrated their four-year anniversary in their garden! Cute!

Lucy Watson and James Dunmore

Made In Chelsea stars Lucy Watson and James Dunmore announced their engagement in September, after James proposed to his girl during a holiday in Greece.

Binky Felstead

Made In Chelsea favourite Binky Felstead announced she's engaged to Max Darnton in September after he popped the question with a MASSIVE diamond ring.

Matthew Perry

Friends actor Matthew Perry has announced he is engaged to his 29-year-old girlfriend Molly Hurwitz. Speaking to People magazine, he said, "I decided to get engaged.
"Luckily, I happened to be dating the greatest woman on the face of the planet at this time."

Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez

American singer Ariana Grande delighted her fans in December by announcing she's engaged to her real estate boyfriend Dalton Gomez! Ari showed off her amazing diamond ring on Instagram.

Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon

Joe popped the question to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve in 2020, with Stacey showing off her amazing engagement ring to her Instagram followers.

Gemma Collins and Rami Hawash

After months of rumours, thanks to Gemma flashing a large diamond ring on her left hand, the TV personality confirmed that her and Rami are once again engaged!

You can hear all the latest news on the hour, every hour.