Dancing is now permitted however eating and drinks can only go ahead whilst seated.

The news is a welcomed relief to many, as wedding restrictions tightened in the months leading up to August, which saw the region enter a month long lockdown and reduce the number of wedding attendees to just five people.

President of the Riverina Marriage Celebrants Association Marion Way said that whilst the rules had changed, the impact these changes would have on engaged couples would be minimal.

"The impact of this rule change whilst a step forward has not made a big impact on couples who were set to get married in the coming weeks and months," Mrs Way said.

"Most either postponed or cancelled the bookings for venues and vendors and now it's too late to reschedule to their original dates".

According to Mrs Way, the last minute changes were a 'real shame'.

"Unfortunately you just can't predict the future, couples didn't know that these changes would come into effect when they did and at the time made decisions in regards to moving their weddings to avoid further COVID-19 restrictions," Mrs Way said.

READ MORE

Aaron McDonnell of Ceremonies by Aaron said that the impact of COVID-19 border and lockdown restrictions had 'decimated' the wedding industry, with more than half of his weddings being cancelled in the month of September alone.

"The weddings that did still go ahead with just the five guests were just as special, just as intimate and just as personal however it is welcome news to many couples who have chosen not to postpone in the hopes restrictions would lift like they have," Mr McDonnell said.

According to Mr McDonnell, the opening of dancefloors was of particular cause for excitement.

"The fact that attendees of weddings can dance is the linchpin of this change in restrictions, couples want their loved ones to come dance and have a good time so they opening of dancefloors is of real excitement to many."

The news isn't all bad however and couples can only hope that in the coming weeks and months weddings restrictions move in the direction of being lifted entirely.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: