BRIDES and grooms-to-be are furious that 1,000-person indoor events are allowed to take place from May 17 – but only 30 people are allowed at a wedding.
The Government published its roadmap out of lockdown yesterday – which said that unrestricted weddings could begin again from June 21.
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According to Boris Johnson's roadmap, from May 17 other indoor events for up to 1,000 people will be permitted, while weddings can only have 30.
Couples and wedding venue owners have been confused at the decision, saying that the small numbers would mean some venues would never open.
David Povey said: "So Boris Johnson, if I sell tickets to my wedding on June 20 can I class it as an ‘event’ and have more than 30 guests?
"Asking for all the couples, venues, suppliers and the whole wedding industry you’ve trampled over again and again."
Another frustrated Brit tweeted: "Shall we sell tickets to our wedding to qualify as an ‘indoor event’?
"This is appalling nonsense – I am so so angry"
A third person wrote: "Complete strangers allowed to mix for the purpose of sports, but no consideration for loved ones wishing to celebrate the biggest day of their lives in front of family and friends."
Chris Naylor, owner of three wedding venues and chair of the UK wedding taskforce told MailOnline: "I think the fact we have got a roadmap and date is good news, the June 21 date to have is good – that will give to something to get there.
'SHOULD I SELL WEDDING TICKETS?'
"The problem you have got is that a lot venues and businesses are not going to get there. It’s four months away. It’s completely unfair. You can have a conference of 1,000 people, but not a bigger wedding."
He added that it feels like the Government don't have "faith and trust" in the wedding industry, considering the events are "highly planned."
Mr Naylor continued: "They seem to have in their heads weddings are super spread events.
"I think if you are in an environment with close families and friends you are going to be more careful, I am very much of the opinion that we should be allowed to do bigger weddings in May.
"There is a big disparity in what the government would think a wedding would be like and the reality in this Covid world.
"I think the restrictions in May are too severe for the wedding industry."
According to wedding planning and booking app Bridebook, the UK has a backlog of at least 253,000 weddings which will last a DECADE.
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2022 is set to be the busiest year for weddings on record as couples scramble to make bookings and make up for lost time during the pandemic.
This year, under the PM's roadmap, up to 15 attendees – including brides and grooms – will be allowed from April 12.
This number will rise to 30 from May 17.
It is hoped an unlimited number of guests will be allowed as all restrictions are scrapped from June 21, but the PM stressed this will be reviewed nearer the time.
Boris said: "We will aim to remove all legal limits on social contact and on weddings and other life events.
"We will reopen everything up to and including nightclubs and enable large events such as theatre performances above the limits of step three – potentially using testing to reduce the risk of infection."
Under current rules, wedding ceremonies are only permitted to take place in exceptional circumstances – such as a bride or groom being terminally ill.
Receptions are banned altogether under the national lockdown.
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