COUPLES have been left devastated after strict coronavirus lockdown measures forced their I Dos to be cancelled.

Natalie Green, from Thorpe Bay, is just one of the heartbroken brides who has had to postpone her big day, which was scheduled to take place last Saturday, until next year.

The 34-year-old said: “It’s devastating for me and my partner Daniel. We had a lot of vulnerable guests like my nan and Daniel’s grandparents who it just wouldn’t have been the same without, so we made the decision on Wednesday to postpone it until March next year.

“We didn’t know what else to do, I’d never forgive myself for putting anyone at risk.

“It was set to happen at The Roslin Hotel in Southend and yesterday we were meant to be on our honeymoon in the Maldives - my clothes are still in the case ready to go.

“Luckily, the venue and all our suppliers have moved everything free of charge. We can’t thank them enough.”

Ashley Higgins and his partner Samantha have been together for 15 years and had planned this year to finally tie the knot.

Ashley, 37, from Pitsea, said: “We are meant to be getting married on July 3 at Braintree Town Hall, but we don’t know whether it will happen now.

“I work for the NHS so I understand these measures are inevitable but it’s frustrating, as we may not get our deposits back.

“We’re just hoping everyone listens to the government’s instructions so it can still go ahead. If nothing has changed by the end of April, we’ll have no choice but to postpone it.”

Courtney Bird, from Rochford, had been counting down the days leading up to her wedding, which was set to take place on July 12.

The 23-year-old said: “We are absolutely gutted. It’s been like hell trying to get through to everyone, especially the council who I spent four hours on the phone with.

“This has taken a year and a half to plan and it’s not been easy, but it’s nobody’s fault.

“My dress is just sitting waiting under the bed and I’ve literally just had the invites through the door ready to send out. We’ve had to postpone it until August next year.”