Planning a wedding in Italy this year? 'Be patient', says PM

Waiting for news on whether weddings can go ahead has caused much frustration to people hoping to walk down the aisle in Italy this year.

Many couples have already postponed from 2020 and some are unsure whether they'll have to push back their big day another year, as the Italian government hasn’t yet approved any new Covid-related guidelines for wedding ceremonies or receptions.

READ ALSO: ‘We’re exhausted’: What it’s like planning a wedding in Italy during the pandemic

Although there are still no firm decisions, Draghi has indicated that an announcement will be made next week.

"Celebration is something we all want, but it is essential to have a little more patience to prevent a joyous occasion from turning into a risk for those taking part," he told parliament during prime minister's question time on Wednesday evening.

Weddings will be discussed at the next steering committee on Monday 17th May, he promised, when the government will look at how to "give greater certainty" to the sector.

The government has earmarked €200 million from the current Support Decree (Decreto Sostegni) to help an industry significantly affected by the pandemic, according to Draghi.

"The government is careful to balance the economy with health, and weddings, as occasions for gatherings, can foster infections. We need to take a gradual approach based on epidemiological trends," he cautioned.

Distanced and in masks: Italian weddings in times of Covid look like this. Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP

At the moment, wedding receptions – indoor or outdoor – are not allowed.

Both civil and religious wedding ceremonies are permitted, although with restrictions in place including a limit on the number of guests at venues, distancing, and mandatory mask-wearing.

And the maximum number of attendees allowed at wedding ceremonies currently depends on the venue and on local rules where you get married.

This is likely to continue to be the case, no matter what the government decides the wedding protocol will be for 2021.

READ ALSO: 

• Quarantine, curfew and weddings: What rules will Italy relax next?
• How the Italian government has left tourists angry and confused about summer plans
• Which Covid vaccines will Italy accept for tourists this summer?

Waiting to hear whether weddings can go ahead are also tied up with possible changes to Italy's travel rules this summer. For international couples with wedding guests trying to organise flights and hotels, this is proving an added headache.

The Italian government said in early May that it would allow tourism to restart from mid-May using a new ‘green pass’ for vaccinated or tested travellers, including those from outside the EU.

But no firm date has been given, and ministers have since indicated that visitors from the EU, UK or Israel would be allowed back without quarantine first while other countries would have to wait until June.

For more information on the current restrictions see the Italian Health Ministry’s website (in English).