SINGAPORE — Free mediation sessions for wedding couples and their vendors affected by Covid-19 restrictions in Singapore have been extended till the end of September.

This will facilitate the settlement of disputes between parties over wedding events arising from tightened restrictions under the current heightened alert phase, which lasts till Aug 18, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) said on Thursday (July 29).

The rules introduced to curb the spread of Covid-19 have reduced the permissible capacity for wedding solemnisations and receptions, MinLaw said.

Marriage solemnisations now have a limit of 100 participants with pre-event testing, and 50 individuals without testing — down from the 250 people previously allowed with pre-event testing.

The meditation programme, which was first introduced by MinLaw on July 12 to cover events held between May 8 and July 31 this year, will now be extended to cover weddings scheduled between July 31 and Sept 30. 

To apply for the programme, eligible parties may submit their request for mediation and a copy of the contract to MinLaw by Oct 31. The previous deadline was Sept 10.

MinLaw will aim to hold the mediation within two weeks of both parties consenting.

A “neutral, trained mediator” will facilitate the mediation — generally conducted virtually — in a “non-adversarial and confidential setting”.

The mediator will help parties work towards a mutually acceptable solution.

The ministry said it recognises that Covid-19 regulations have had a significant impact on the wedding industry including wedding couples and vendors.

“MinLaw strongly encourages eligible parties to consider mediation, participate in the programme with an open mind, and be receptive to working out a mutually acceptable solution,” it added.

More details may be found at go.gov.sg/mediationprogramme.