HAPPY couples who are set to tie the knot are living ‘in limbo’ over coronavirus restrictions on their big day.

Bride-to-be Natalie Barnett and fiancé Simon Williams-Tully are just one of many couples across the UK who are unable to have the wedding of their dreams due to the pandemic.

The pair, who live in Mold, got engaged back in August of 2019 and had set their hearts on tying the knot in October 2020.

However, due to the uncertainty and growing rise in coronavirus cases, they took the decision to postpone their wedding until May 14.

But unfortunately, due to the strict restrictions surrounding large events like weddings, the pair made the difficult decision to postpone their ceremony until July next year.

43-year-old Natalie told the Leader: “If we’d have gone ahead with May 14 we’d have been let down in a way. We would only have been allowed 15 people indoors and we did consider which 15 we could have but it’s not what we wanted.

“It has been really disappointing. Especially cancelling for a second time we’ve not been able to tie down suppliers or make decisions.

“It kind of takes the shine off it and you lose motivation. We are trying to be as positive as we can but even rearranging to July 2022, there’s still that uncertainty there.

“We have a big family, ideally we would have 140 guests so we would need to have the go ahead without restrictions, it’s just crazy times but we are trying to stay positive.”

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford previously announced a number of changes coming into effect in Wales from Monday, May 17.

One of which includes up to 30 people being allowed to take part in organised indoor activities and up to 50 people in organised outdoor activities. This includes wedding receptions and wakes.

However, Natalie said if she had known about this date, it would not have made a difference.

She said: “We are seeing brides who have micro-weddings with ten guests or less but that’s not us.

“It’s my dream to have everyone I love around me, how can you pick and choose who to have there and who not to.

“That’s one of the things I found really stressful, you don’t want to have that conversation.

“Even now when we have postponed until July 2022, we are still in limbo. Getting married is supposed to be an exciting time.

“You dream about your big day and then all of a sudden Covid hit, no-one knew what to expect but now there’s concern over this new Indian variant and will we have another lockdown.

“The problem is now we have just over a year to get suppliers locked down but everyone is in the same boat who have moved their weddings forward.”

The Welsh Government said the rules are in place to protect public health and the rationale is set out in the guidance which includes rules on social distancing, frequent cleaning and other protective measures.

One safety measure which has caused concern amongst couples hoping to tie the knot is minimising loud noises.

Welsh Government guidance states that background music should be played at a low-level volume during the ceremony itself, however singing, chanting or dancing is not permitted.

The website states “Loud noises, which will require people to raise their voices or shout and therefore increase aerosol spread, must be avoided.

“To that end businesses should ensure that TV broadcasts and recorded music should be kept at background level.

“Dancing, singing and live performances are not permitted at this time. Businesses need to be mindful of any noise nuisance from the premises at all times.”

Natalie added: “Dancing at a wedding is a huge thing for us, it’s not just a wedding, essentially it is a big party – a celebration of everyone coming together so not being able to dance was a factor that played a part in our decision to cancel.

“We are slightly overwhelmed because we have cancelled twice where do we start but fingers crossed we get the day we want.

“We’ve decided we aren’t cancelling a third time, we will set up camp in the garden if need be, we are determined either way.

“We also have a 15-year-old son Brandon and we will be incorporating his 16th celebrations into our big day as well.”

Simon said: “The party with friends and family is the seal of the day. We aren’t the type to just go the registry office, we like to make something of it.

“It’s an exciting day with lots going on, you want dancing and activities and be surrounded by loved ones. If there’s only five people you’re going to feel self-conscious dancing but if there’s say 20, you’ll likely get up and blend into the background.

“We are very positive we will make it happen next year. We don’t want to dread it we will look at it with fresh eyes and put on the best relaxed party we can.”

The couple, who have been together for 12 years, will tie the knot on July 1, 2022.