Engaged couples across Worcestershire face difficult discussions with their wedding venues following the relaxation of coronavirus rules.
Commercial litigation attorney Jessica McSorley of the law firm mfg Solicitors has warned that many people will welcome the change in restrictions – to allow weddings of up to 30 guests – but many couples will still think this is a long way from their dream day, we believe to plan.
Ms. McSorley said, however, that couples could find it difficult to insist that their venue grant them a refund because their wedding is legal, albeit on a restricted basis.
She said, “The problem for couples who had a larger wedding planned when the original booking was made is that the venue is still technically capable of delivering what they agreed to.
“There is a possibility that a court will accept that if, for example, 200 guests were planned but there can be only 30 now, that is a fundamental change to the agreement. However, there is still no precedent for this.
“The best that couples who are not happy with a booked date can do is to speak calmly to their wedding location and their suppliers and try to arrange an alternative date.
“They need to work together and understand the current climate they are in.
“Some may be willing to postpone things for a few weeks as restrictions are set to end at the end of June as things stand.
“There are some good examples of flexible venues.”
Currently, weddings and civil partnerships are limited to 30 people (excluding staff). Dancing is not allowed other than the couple’s first dance, while people from separate households or bubbles must maintain social distancing.
Guests are required to wear masks indoors except when eating and drinking.