Get those dancing shoes on - weddings are restriction free!
The day has finally come – wedding ceremonies and celebrations are restriction free! Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to sing at the top of your voice: "Celebrate good times... come on!"
It's been a long road that many of us have tentatively navigated over the last 16 months; from us here at County Wedding Magzines HQ to suppliers and couples. There's been small highs and many lows, as each glimmer of hope was put out by another government announcement. Lockdown 1.0 turned into 2.0 and then 3.0, wedding guest numbers went from 0 to 12, 15 to 30 and now we can actually invite all of our loved ones, friends and family dear to our hearts to the big day.
There's really been no better time to say 'I do', not only will it be mask free (personal choice), socially distance-free and rule-free; but it will be a true celebration of marriage, a union of friends and family, love and friendship.
There will no longer be limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and other life events (including receptions and celebrations). There will be no requirement for table service or restrictions on any other element of the day such as singing or dancing.
By no means are we a country free from Covid, and as restrictions are lifted the government is highlighting the importance that we all use personal judgement to manage our own risk; when it comes to the big day perhaps remind guests that they should feel free to wear masks or keep socially distant as a personal and respected choice.
"I've been inspired by so many couples over the past year, who despite uncertainty and a multitude of hurdles to overcome have never lost sight of why their wedding day was so important to them. Their big days might not have been as big in number as originally planned, but they were certainly big in love and joy. We've all learnt a lot from them."
"I've seen some amazing weddings over the past year that prove you can still have a magical day even with a limited guest list. All the real weddings I've featured in the past year have agreed that although it wasn't the celebration they initially planned, they still had the perfect day and wouldn't change it for the world. I've loved seeing how positive both couples and the wedding industry as a whole have been throughout this difficult year, and it's made me proud to be a part of such a wonderful industry. I can't wait to see even more weddings in the next few months, whether they're small or large, and for people to celebrate their love with all their friends and family."
"The events of the last year have shown us one thing remains true: Love prevails. Over the last 16 months there has been more Google searches for engagement rings and proposals than ever before! This is because, when the world fell around us, it all made us realise what matters: family. "I was in awe of our wonderful NHS, I was in awe of how resilient couples where having their big days postponed time and time again – I hope you now have a date and get the day of your dreams. I was in awe of how wedding suppliers overcame and adapted to the situations they faced; and I can not wait to see the outpouring of love and jubilation at all the weddings taking place in the coming months and years!"
"The feeling on this day? Relieved is an understatement. As a bride-to-be who's suffered multiple postponements along with the rest of our readers, the last 16 months has been hard. But the biggest lesson I'll take from this experience is that health always comes first and love lasts forever. Being able to spend more quality time with the hubby-to-be has been absolutely precious. We've truly been through the highs and the lows together and we are so much closer as a couple for it."
"We've all been holding our breath for this moment for so long, it seems hard to believe that today's the day that restrictions are actually being lifted. I know we'll all be proceeding with caution but one thing that stands out the most for me throughout this pandemic is the resilience of couples patiently waiting - many of whom have had to cancel their weddings two or three times - and those who have chosen to tie the knot regardless of the limitations on many of the things we love about a traditional wedding. It's been a real inspiration and testament to the old adage ' Love wins'. I for one will be raising a glass to that today!"
"I'm amazed at how the wedding industry adapted so quickly during the past year with many local suppliers introducing new ideas and concepts to keep their businesses lucrative. Whether these were venues altering their space to accommodate smaller micro weddings or caterers and cake designers adding at-home delivery boxes to their menu so that guests who couldn't attend weddings could still indulge, wedding suppliers up and down the UK have gone over and above to help couples marrying during a difficult year. I'm excited to see what creative ideas come from this moving forward as we navigate the new normal. I'm excited to be able to feature the larger real weddings throughout my three magazines in the coming months but I also love seeing the smaller celebrations and think these are set to continue."
Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials
Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.
READ ARTICLE
Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026
You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.
READ ARTICLE
The Yorkshire Wedding Award winners have been announced
The UK Wedding Event answered growing calls for an industry awards celebration with a spectacular evening at Leeds' prestigious Queens Hotel. Set beside the city's main train station, the venue provided the ideal backdrop to honour the professionals whose dedication helps make every couple's special day truly unforgettable. From florists and photographers to planners and performers, the wedding sector is built on passionate individuals who consistently deliver exceptional experiences. This awards night offered them a rare chance to pause, relax, and celebrate their achievements while also ushering in the festive season with style. Join us as we raise a glass to the talent shaping Yorkshire's wedding industry and reveal the standout winners from the night.
READ ARTICLE
Tie the knot at Blackwell Grange Hotel & Spa
Blending historic charm with modern elegance, Blackwell Grange Hotel is a romantic 17th-century mansion set within acres of tranquil parkland on the edge of Darlington. Surrounded by mature trees, manicured lawns, and picturesque walkways, it offers a peaceful escape and an idyllic setting for weddings of every style. Inside, the hotel features warm, stylish interiors, restored period details, and beautifully refurbished suites designed to elevate your celebration. From the light-filled Bruhenny Suite with its striking feature fireplace to the elegant outdoor ceremony spaces framed by the mansion's stunning façade, every corner of Blackwell Grange feels tailored for unforgettable moments. With exceptional service and thoughtful touches—including a complimentary anniversary stay—this timeless venue is made for lasting memories.