As weddings start to resume and small wedding receptions can now start to take place, couples are rejoicing at the thought of being able to plan their big day again.

Couples across the county are rejoicing – and can now get those finishing touches ticked off – as small wedding receptions will be allowed to take place from the start of next month under the latest government guidance.

Ceremonies of up to 30 people are currently permitted in England, with guests now allowed to attend the reception after the main event from August 1 – something currently limited to just six people if outside, or two households if inside.

The Prime Minister’s announcement of receptions being allowed to be held once again was met with delight from many, after venues, florists, salons and others felt the announcement took almost too long to come.

Planning your big day will now involve a number of new guidelines and Cumbria County Council has put together a helpful list of different ways it is trying to help get through the registration service safely.

A spokesman for the council said: “Central government recently announced that the registration service can start to do appointments again, but only when it is safe to do so.

“We are working very hard at the moment getting our offices ready and changing how we will work with our customers and communities.

“Keeping you and our team safe is our top priority.

“We are taking things step by step and as soon as we can, we will gradually start to take appointments and bookings again.

Some of the things we are going to do:

n Screens at all reception desks and office desks to protect you and our team

n Masks and gloves for staff

n Organising thorough cleaning of each office every day

n Sourcing stocks of local cleaning materials so the team can clean between each customer appointment

n Washing our hands more often and always between appointments

n Hand sanitiser units in place in all offices for you and our team

n New ways of working to reduce the time we spend with you to a minimum

n New ways of working to avoid handling cash wherever possible

n Up to date signs with advice on how to stay safe in our buildings

The spokesman added: “We want to do all this but still give you the best customer experience possible.

“The safety of you and our team is our top priority, and whilst we hope to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so, we thank you for your continued patience whilst we get everything in place.”