Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie hosted a wedding industry round table this week to listen to concerns about how the sector is coping with lockdown.

Around 38 people from all parts of the wedding industry and supply chains, including a bride and groom, attended the Zoom call.

Attendees said there was a lack of clarity in some parts of the government’s road map for the industry.

Ms Baillie said she will ask ministers questions in relation to the numbers allowed at wedding receptions and if the size of venue and outside options could lead to more people being able to attend from an earlier date.

“This was an informative and important discussion about how the wedding industry can adapt and move forward within the road map,” said Ms Baillie.

“There is clearly frustration around the low numbers of people who can attend weddings up until June, especially in relation to the numbers that could be allowed into sport venues. I agree with the concerns and I will pass those views onto ministers.

“Many people spoke passionately about the industry and how hard they worked to keep things local to benefit the local economy.

“It is good to have dates to work towards but there are loads of points that need addressing before things can improve ahead of hopefully opening up properly in June.

“I will continue to do all I can to support them. This is a vibrant self-sufficient industry that has now suffered over a year of losses.

“It is also a key industry locally. Stroud and the Cotswolds are destination areas for weddings and as a result we have 1000s of experts in small, medium and large companies dedicated to making the wedding experience wonderful for couples.”

Jessie Westwood form the group #whataboutweddibgscampaign, who attended the round table added: “I would like to sincerely thank our local MPs Siobhan Baillie and Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown for continuing to take time to listen and learn about the struggles of the weddings industry and their constituents whose plans have been so severely impacted during the pandemic.

“We urge the government to strongly consider additional sector specific financial support in the budget announcement next week.”