Swindon brides-to-be still cautious ahead of 'Freedom Day'

Last month, the government lifted restrictions of the number of people allowed at weddings, but social distancing restrictions remain in place, meaning singing and dancing is banned.

 Jane Watts, who owns Bridal Boutique in Faringdon Road, says it’s an unusual situation.
“It’s been strange," she said. "We had quite an influx when we first came out of lockdown, but since June 21, there’s just an awful lot of caution out there because people are worrying on July 19 whether restrictions will be lifted fully. 
"There’s still a lot of reservations out there. There’s a few people going for it because they’re fed up. 
“Some have had to postpone five times. There’s others thinking that they will put it off until next year. 

"People can’t go on their honeymoon, their stag weekends properly, the things they want to, so it’s heavily impacted our business. 
“I think the new health secretary Sajid Javid is a lot more positive than Matt Hancock, but I do still think there will be some restrictions going in place.  
"Masks will still have to be worn and I don’t know if they will lift the dancing and social distancing. 
"There’s also the current travel ban. I don’t think the ban is going to be lifted so people can’t go on their honeymoon.”
While larger weddings are currently unsure of their next steps, smaller intimate venues are a viable alternative. 

Catherine Barker is the venue manager at Purton House and says having a smaller wedding can be a memorable occasion. 
She said: “The pandemic has given people a taste for smaller weddings.
"It’s shown people how they can work and practically speaking. It’s so much cheaper because you don’t have to pay as much for couples. 
"People can just enjoy spending time with their families which I think happens more with these smaller weddings. 

"I think they’re here to stay. People are really recognising the value of those smaller, intimate days and the pandemic has shown you can still have a wedding you can enjoy.”