Music At Weddings: Navigating Covid Restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many couples to postpone their weddings, but some have decided to go ahead with their nuptials, albeit with some adjustments. One of the most common questions from couples is whether they can have live music at their wedding. The answer depends on the location of the wedding and the local restrictions in place. In some places, live music is allowed as long as social distancing and safe interaction guidelines are followed. Couples have had to get creative with their entertainment choices, opting for smaller music groups or background music during the reception. Others have chosen to have a live band or DJ with dancing, but with masks and social distancing in place. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the couple's preference and the local restrictions at the time of their wedding.

Live music at weddings

• Adjustments for Live Bands and DJs: Many couples opted to have live bands or DJs at their weddings, creating a festive atmosphere while following safety protocols. Guests were advised to wear masks and maintain social distancing on the dance floor. The events were required to end early, usually by 11 pm, allowing guests to enjoy the music and dancing while adhering to curfew restrictions.
• Smaller Music Groups and Background Music: Some couples chose to have more ambient live music, such as a jazz trio or similar smaller groups, playing during the after-dinner reception. This option provided a balance between entertainment and conversation, allowing guests to mingle while still enjoying the atmosphere created by the music.
• Outdoor Weddings and Virtual Celebrations: Couples who opted for outdoor weddings were often able to accommodate live music more easily, as fresh air and open spaces reduced the risk of virus transmission. Additionally, virtual weddings gained popularity, with companies like Wedfuly offering online planning services, virtual backgrounds, and coordination for remote guests.
• Professional Musicians and Social Distancing: In some regions, professional musicians were allowed to perform at weddings with no limits on their numbers. However, social distancing guidelines had to be followed, and certain instruments, such as brass and woodwind, were considered higher risk and required stricter adherence to distancing rules.
• Limits on Congregational Singing and Dancing: To reduce the risk of transmission, congregational singing and dancing were often restricted at weddings. While a "first dance" for the couple was usually permitted, communal singing and dancing were strongly advised against to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through droplets and close contact.

Dancing at weddings

Banned Dancing at Weddings

Ohio banned dancing at weddings in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, with Governor Mike DeWine stating that community spread is happening through private social events like weddings and funerals. This decision drew comparisons to the movie *Footloose* on social media. While weddings and funeral repasts were still allowed to take place, guests were required to remain seated at all times, and no dancing or socializing in open congregate areas was permitted. Similar restrictions were implemented in other states and countries, with Toronto Public Health in Canada also recommending no dancing to make weddings "COVID-safe."

Restricted Dancing at Weddings

In England, while a "first dance" for the couple was permitted, dance floors and other spaces for dancing had to remain closed due to the increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. However, these spaces could be repurposed for additional seating or stage space, following social distancing guidelines. Professional musicians were allowed to play indoors or outdoors at ceremonies or receptions, but amateur music-making was restricted to groups of up to six people indoors and 30 people outdoors.

Creative Alternatives

With restrictions on dancing, couples have had to get creative to ensure their weddings are still enjoyable for their guests. Some have chosen to have more ambient live music, such as a jazz trio or similar small musical groups, to allow guests to chat while still creating a pleasant atmosphere. For those who wanted something more interactive, there were options like silent discos, where guests could dance to music only they could hear through headphones, or games and activities such as I Spy, Mad Libs, and Couple Trivia.

Micro-Weddings and Postponements

Many couples, like Paige Host, chose to have a "micro-wedding" with a smaller guest list, often limited to immediate family and the wedding party. They also opted for outdoor weddings, which made guests feel safer. Some couples even decided to elope and have a small ceremony, followed by a larger celebration at a later date when restrictions hopefully would have eased.

While dancing at weddings has been a contentious issue during the pandemic, couples and guests have shown adaptability and creativity in finding ways to make their special day memorable and fun, even without the traditional dance floor.

Singing at weddings

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the wedding industry, with many couples forced to postpone their big day. Now, as restrictions ease, couples are keen to celebrate, but what does this mean for singing at weddings?

The Risks of Singing

Singing has been identified as a high-risk activity for the transmission of COVID-19. The government advises that singing increases the risk of transmission through small droplets and aerosols. The same advice goes for shouting and communal singing, so karaoke is also not recommended.

Rules for Singing at Weddings

The rules for singing at weddings vary depending on location and the date. For example, in England, before 19 July 2021, congregational singing was strongly advised against. This included singing hymns, with the government recommending that couples opt for recorded music instead.

In outdoor areas, if the audience is likely to participate in singing, audience members over the age of 12 should wear face masks. In indoor settings, no more than 30 singers should perform, and they must maintain a distance of 1.5m from each other and 5m from the audience.

Live Music at Weddings

While there have been restrictions on singing at weddings during the pandemic, live music has often been allowed. Professional musicians can perform at weddings, either indoors or outdoors, with no limit on the number of performers. However, social distancing measures must be followed, and the number of performers should reflect how many the venue can safely accommodate.

For amateur choirs, bands, and musicians, the rules are different. They should only perform in a group of up to six people indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.

Adapting to Restrictions

Many couples have had to adapt their wedding plans due to COVID-19 restrictions. Some have chosen to postpone their weddings until restrictions ease, while others have opted for smaller, more intimate ceremonies. Some couples have chosen to have a "micro-wedding," with a small group of immediate family and friends, followed by a larger celebration at a later date.

Despite the challenges, couples have found creative ways to include music and singing in their wedding celebrations during the pandemic.

Playing instruments at weddings

Playing music at weddings has been a topic of discussion during the pandemic, with many couples opting to go ahead with some form of live music, albeit with adjustments. Here are some insights and guidelines regarding playing instruments at weddings during COVID-19:

Live Music Adjustments

While many couples chose to have live music at their weddings during the pandemic, adjustments were often necessary to comply with safety protocols. Some couples opted for a more intimate setting with a solo guitarist or a small jazz trio for background music. Others decided to move forward with their original plans of having a live band or DJ but ensured guests wore masks and danced at a distance.

Guidelines for Playing Instruments

Guidelines for playing instruments at weddings during COVID-19 vary depending on the location and type of instrument. Here are some key considerations:

• Professional Musicians: In some places, professional musicians were allowed to perform at weddings, both indoors and outdoors, with no limit on the number of performers. However, social distancing measures should be maintained between performers and guests.
• Social Distancing: Social distancing guidelines should be followed whenever possible, and performers should avoid playing face-to-face.
• Types of Instruments: Playing instruments that require blowing, such as brass and woodwind instruments, was advised against due to the increased risk of transmission. Non-blown instruments like organs, pianos, and guitars were generally permitted but should be cleaned before and after use.
• Amateur Musicians: For non-professional musicians, the guidelines suggested a maximum group size of six individuals for indoor performances and 30 for outdoor performances.
• Recording Suggestions: In lieu of live performances, couples were encouraged to use recordings for their wedding music, especially for communal singing, to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Venue Considerations: Wedding venues should ensure that steps are taken to avoid people raising their voices, including speaking or singing loudly. This includes lowering the volume of background music and avoiding music that may encourage shouting.
• Dancing Restrictions: In some places, dancing was advised against due to the increased risk of transmission, with the exception of the couple's "first dance."

These guidelines aimed to balance the desire for live music at weddings with the need to ensure the safety and well-being of guests and performers during the pandemic. Couples were encouraged to be creative and adapt their plans to comply with local regulations and create a memorable celebration.

Virtual weddings

Invitations and Guests

Create virtual-wedding-friendly invitations that include a QR code for easy scanning, allowing guests to connect directly to your wedding livestream. If travel is difficult for some guests, consider hiring a "Zoomographer" to coordinate the technical aspects and ensure everyone can attend remotely.

Music and Entertainment

Music is an essential part of a wedding, even a virtual one. You can hire a band or a DJ, or choose a playlist of meaningful and upbeat songs that will get your virtual guests moving and dancing. If you want live music, a guitarist or a small musical ensemble can provide a wonderful atmosphere for your ceremony.

Decorations and Ambiance

Even if your virtual wedding is at home, you can still decorate to create a special ambiance. Floral arrangements, potted plants, colourful backdrops, and wedding arches can all add to the occasion and look great on screen.

Food and Drinks

Send wedding care packages to your guests, including non-perishable hors d'oeuvres, desserts, mini bottles of champagne, and simple wedding favours. Include the recipe for a signature cocktail with the invitation so that guests can prepare it in advance and toast your union during the livestream.

Formalities

There are many traditional wedding formalities you can include in a virtual wedding. For example, you can still have a first dance as newlyweds, cut the cake, and even have a guest book. For the guest book, you can send out advice cards, recipe cards, or newlywed advice cards to your guests and ask them to mail them back. You can then bind them together into a book or create a custom digital signature guest book.

Making it Legal

It's important to note that while many states honour virtual marriages, some require an in-person officiant and witness to make the marriage legally binding. Be sure to check the requirements of your specific location before deciding on a virtual wedding.

Micro-Weddings

If you're looking for a smaller, more intimate celebration, a micro-wedding might be the perfect option. Micro-weddings typically involve a small group of loved ones and select vendors, followed by a larger celebration at a later date, known as a "sequel wedding." This option allows you to have an intimate ceremony during the pandemic while still planning for a bigger party when restrictions lift.

Frequently asked questions