By Bridie Pearson-Jones for MailOnline 

Liz Wyse, etiquette expert at Debrett’s shared the new rules for keeping Covid-safe during ceremonies and receptions.

Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, Liz revealed that couples should provide guests with hand sanitisers and avoid serving finger food, while she added that it’s ‘perfectly fine’ for hosts to ask guests to take lateral flow tests before the wedding.

For guests, respecting couples rules is key – while you should even discuss Covid-19.

Here, she tells FEMAIL the dos and don’ts for wedding season… 

FOR THE HOSTS …

Keep guest informed on Covid policies 

‘If you are hosting a wedding soon after the lifting of Covid restrictions, it’s only natural that some guests may be feeling anxious about attending an event,’ Liz explained. 

‘Equally, guests will most likely be confused about what is and isn’t allowed. Ensure you communicate clearly about what’s expected, and what you will be doing to keep the wedding safe.

‘If your wedding venue has a Covid-safe policy, make the information available to guests and perhaps include a link to any relevant web pages when contacting your guests,’ she added.

As thousands of couples get ready to tie the knot this summer, Liz Wyse, etiquette expert at Debrett's shared the new rules for keeping Covid-safe during ceremonies and reception s, while still passing the muster for the social set, including providing hand sanitiser (stock image)

As thousands of couples get ready to tie the knot this summer, Liz Wyse, etiquette expert at Debrett’s shared the new rules for keeping Covid-safe during ceremonies and reception s, while still passing the muster for the social set, including providing hand sanitiser (stock image)

Provide hand sanitiser and allow guests to wear masks

‘If you are hosting yourselves, let people know what measures will be in place: ensure fresh air is circulating, hand gel is provided, that there are hand-washing facilities with plenty of soap and masks are available if they will be required at any point.

‘While masks are no longer mandatory, make it clear that anyone who prefers to wear one is welcome to.

‘Keep an eye on official guidance and if anything changes, let guests know as soon as you can,’ Liz added.

Confetti and bubbles is okay

‘During the pandemic, some venues and authorities have advised against throwing confetti and blowing bubbles. 

‘While this is often at the discretion of the venue or couple, it’s best to let your guests know your decision in advance’.

It's okay to ask guests to take a Covid test before the big day - but don't ask small children to do so, Liz added (stock image)

It's okay to ask guests to take a Covid test before the big day - but don't ask small children to do so, Liz added (stock image)

It’s okay to ask guests to take a Covid test before the big day – but don’t ask small children to do so, Liz added (stock image)

It’s okay to ask guest to get tested before the wedding 

‘It is perfectly acceptable to ask guests to take a lateral flow test prior to the wedding, indeed it will probably help everyone relax. 

‘Several large events this summer, including Wimbledon, the Euros and Goodwood Festival of Speed, required guests to test before entry and it may even be a requirement of your wedding venue. 

‘However, you will need to let people know in plenty of time so they can obtain testing kits. 

‘Do not insist that small children take a lateral flow test.’

Don’t serve finger food 

While cheese, bruschetta and olives are usually a delightful treat - avoid serving finger foods for now (stock image)

While cheese, bruschetta and olives are usually a delightful treat - avoid serving finger foods for now (stock image)

While cheese, bruschetta and olives are usually a delightful treat – avoid serving finger foods for now (stock image) 

‘While Covid is still an issue, avoid finger foods, shared plates and canapes. 

‘Even if you feel the risk is low, your guests may be uncomfortable about eating them,’

Accept apologies with grace 

‘Don’t be offended if any invitees feel unable to accept your invitation; accept their decision with good grace. 

‘Perhaps they are still anxious or they may have a health condition they’d rather not discuss. Listen graciously to any concerns, and adapt if you can.’

… AND FOR THE GUESTS

Respect the rules 

‘If you have been invited to a wedding, respect the stipulations of the couple as you would with any other wedding requirement such as no children or no stiletto heels. 

‘If you’d like to attend but have concerns you feel haven’t been addressed, have a quiet word with the hosts to see if you can be accommodated.

Know when to politely decline 

‘If you feel strongly that requests are beyond the pale, it is better to politely decline the invitation than argue the toss with a couple who’ve planned a wedding in a pandemic, most likely with cancellations, disruption, disappointment and extra expense.

Check if people are okay to hug     

As we emerge from social distancing, remember that not everyone will be on the same page and give a cheery wave in place of a hug (stock image)

As we emerge from social distancing, remember that not everyone will be on the same page and give a cheery wave in place of a hug (stock image)

As we emerge from social distancing, remember that not everyone will be on the same page and give a cheery wave in place of a hug (stock image) 

‘We Brits can be awkward enough when it comes to social greetings; should it be a single kiss, a double, a hug or a handshake? As we emerge from social distancing, remember that not everyone will be on the same page. 

‘If you’re still feeling wary, a cheery wave can fend off a potential hugger. Failing that, a polite, ‘Sorry, I’m not quite ready for hugging!’ should do the trick. 

‘Once the alcohol has begun to flow, you may find yourself swept up in an embrace, in which case, hold your breath and attempt to extricate yourself as swiftly as you can. 

‘Should you find yourself on the receiving end of unwanted physical contact, try not to drench yourself in hand sanitiser while still talking to the offending person.

‘If you’re at the other end of the spectrum, delighted to find yourself surrounded by friends and family and keen to throw your arms around everyone, do ask, ‘Are we hugging?’ first

Don’t talk about Covid 

‘While the pandemic has of course dominated all of our lives, make sure the subject does not dominate the conversation at what is meant to be a happy occasion. 

‘It is at best tedious and at worst upsetting. Steer the subject well away from vaccine chat and gloomy statistics. 

‘Covid will, of course, creep in, but tales of how you met the happy couple, discussions about the venue and food and even small talk about the weather are preferable’.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk