PEOPLE ATTENDING weddings in Ireland must wear face masks at all time according to the new guidelines.
In a blow to happy couples, smiling in wedding photos will be a thing of the past for the time being, after it was announced that face coverings must be worn by all guests throughout the entire wedding event.
The only time people will be allowed to take their masks off is when they're sat at the dinner table.
Wedding experts say that couples have been left 'devastated and deflated' by the news, while it's also understood that 16,000 fewer wedding ceremonies will take place this year compared to last year - thanks in no small part to Covid-19 and the subsequent public health guidelines that have come with it.
Only 50 people will be allowed in a function room or bar at one time, and people will need to leave these areas by 11.30pm, according to the rules.
Guests will also not be allowed share salt and pepper shakers as well as butter dishes and other shareable condiments.
Instead, individual packages will be provided for each guest, while bread will also be served individually.
Ciara Crossan, the chief executive of Wedding Dates, says only a small number of weddings will go ahead under these rules: "It will put people off, there's a lot of anger out there as well, a lot of people are blaming 'golf gate' for these new restrictions.
