An unexpected change in Bank Holiday could affect couples getting married in May 2020.
If you’re planning a wedding, you’ll understand the importance of staying organised. With so much to think about from the venue to the wedding cake, planning ahead makes sure the day goes smoothly.
But if you’ve saved the date for the early May Bank Holiday, we’ve got bad news for you.
Next year, the Bank Holiday will be changed from Monday 4th May to Friday 8th May.
For one year only, the holiday has been changed to coincide with the 75th Anniversary of VE Day; where the Allied Forces stopped fighting Nazis in Europe at the end of World War II.
The British government said they made the decision ‘as soon as practicable’, but for couples planning to marry during the public holiday, this short notice could affect wedding plans that might have been in the diary for months.
The change was announced by Business Secretary Greg Clark, saying ‘It will ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to remember and honour our heroes of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of a generation.’
According to Bridebook.co.uk, the early May Bank Holiday is a popular choice for couples due to the long weekend and the fact guests don’t need to book time off in order to attend.
It’s common for wedding invites to be sent out over a year before a wedding too, giving guests plenty of notice in case they need to travel or request time off. Any sudden change in a wedding date can often cause problems.
Simon Aherne and Anna Cousins from Cardiff planned on getting married on Sunday 3rd May, but have said the lack of notice means most of their guests are now unable to attend.
"Most of our family are teachers or in the entertainment business - so the bank holiday worked out perfectly for us.’ Mr Aherne told the BBC.
The couple have criticised the government, saying they ‘could have given people a lot more notice’ and that a cancellation could result in them losing a deposit of thousands of pounds.
We hope they’re able to sort out plans and that their day can still go smoothly!
