From midnight on Wednesday 21st October, all counties of Ireland move into level 5 restrictions. These restrictions will be in place for six weeks, until 2nd December, and will be reviewed after four weeks.
The previous guidelines didn’t account for weddings, so the new level 5 restrictions include a special exemption for weddings. The rules are still unclear, so we are urgently seeking clarification from government ministers and the Irish Hotels Federation (who are awaiting the same clarification). We will keep you updated on this, so please bookmark this page for all the latest info on government guidelines and how they affect weddings in Ireland.
A summary of level 5 restrictions and how they affect weddings
How many guests can I have at my wedding? You can have 25 guests at your wedding.
Who is included in the 25? The 25 includes guests but does not include the couple and relevant suppliers (for a list of which suppliers are permitted, read on).
What about traveling to the wedding? According to this update, guests and suppliers can travel outside their counties to attend or work at a wedding.
Can people stay over? Wedding venues are allowed to provide accommodation for wedding guests.
Is there a strict end time? Weddings must finish by 11pm and the function room must be cleared by 11:30pm.
Which suppliers are permitted?
Hair and make up services: Not permitted
Wedding dress shops: Closed to the public
Baker/cake: Permitted
Photographer: Permitted
Live music and dancing: Not permitted (reception fully seated)
Novelty supplies/acts: Not permitted
Source: Fáilte Ireland
Wedding planning resources
We know that this is a very strange time to be planning a wedding, so you’ll need all the extra support you can get. We have created a series of blog posts with lots of helpful tips and information on how to plan your wedding under these new guidelines:
How to Downsize Your Wedding Guestlist for Covid
Super Cute Socially Distanced Wedding Ideas
How to Celebrate Your Original Wedding Date
Here’s Why You Should Consider Having a Weekday Wedding
Is a Lockdown Microwedding For You?
How to Throw a Virtual Hen Party
Join the conversation! We have the busiest wedding planning community in Ireland and you don’t want to miss out. Click here to join our Facebook group, HIGM (weddingsonline.ie – Help! I’m getting married).
Main image photo credit: Andrea Cittadini
