Traveling For A Wedding: Coronavirus Precautions And Considerations

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the wedding industry, with many couples forced to postpone their big day. However, as the pandemic has progressed, and with greater understanding of how the virus spreads, weddings are now taking place again, albeit with mask-wearing and smaller numbers. If you're planning to travel for a wedding during the pandemic, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, check the latest government advice for your location, as rules around weddings are subject to change. It's also a good idea to ask the couple getting married what safety measures will be in place, and don't be afraid to ask for details if you're unsure. It's also worth thinking about the type of wedding you feel comfortable attending. For example, will it be outdoors or indoors? Will there be social distancing and mask-wearing? Will there be a virtual option? Considering these questions beforehand will help you decide whether or not to attend, and will allow you to assess the risk based on your personal circumstances.

Travel restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted wedding plans, with many nuptials being postponed or cancelled. In addition to restrictions on the number of guests, travel restrictions have also impacted weddings. Here are some key considerations regarding travel restrictions:

• International Travel: During the pandemic, many countries imposed strict travel restrictions, including border closures and mandatory quarantines for incoming travellers. These measures significantly impacted destination weddings and honeymoons, with couples forced to cancel or postpone their plans. As the situation evolves, it is essential to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and restrictions for your intended destination.
• Domestic Travel: Even within a country, travel restrictions may vary depending on local infection rates and government policies. Some regions may implement temporary lockdowns or restrict non-essential travel, affecting guests' ability to attend weddings. It is crucial to monitor the regulations in the specific area where the wedding will take place.
• Guest Considerations: With guests potentially travelling from different locations, it is important to communicate any travel restrictions that may impact their attendance. Be transparent about the situation and provide regular updates to ensure guests can make informed decisions. Offer alternative arrangements, such as live-streaming the wedding for those who cannot attend in person.
• Flexible Planning: When planning a wedding during the pandemic, consider building flexibility into your arrangements. Choose venues and vendors that offer accommodating cancellation or postponement policies. Understand the financial implications of changing plans and explore options like wedding insurance to mitigate potential losses.
• Safe Travel Practices: Encourage guests to follow safe travel practices to reduce the risk of infection. This includes adhering to health guidelines, such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and practising proper hygiene. Provide guests with clear information about any safety protocols they need to follow during their travels and at the wedding venue.
• Travel Insurance: For guests travelling to the wedding, especially those booking flights or accommodation, consider the benefits of travel insurance. Review the policies carefully, as some providers may have exclusions for pandemic-related claims. However, travel insurance can provide valuable protection against unforeseen circumstances, such as last-minute cancellations or medical emergencies.

Wedding insurance

• Venue cancellation or financial failure
• Cancellation of your wedding for an unavoidable and unexpected reason, such as extreme weather
• Cancellation in the event of illness, injury or death
• Personal liability
• Wedding supplier failures or no-shows
• Photographer or videographer failure
• Wedding outfits
• Wedding gifts

The cost of a policy depends on the level of cover you need, with most insurance companies starting their prices at the £50 mark. It is recommended to reserve 1% of your wedding budget for wedding insurance.

During the pandemic, wedding insurance policies were affected. If you bought a policy before the pandemic, it is unlikely to cover any corona-related claims due to clauses excluding pandemics and foreseeable events. If you bought a policy after the pandemic, check the small print carefully as some companies are now offering Covid cover, either within their standard policies or as an additional extension.

If you are having a destination wedding, you will need to purchase an additional extension to cover your wedding abroad. Due to travel restrictions, it may be tricky to find an insurance company that will cover your destination wedding at the moment, but a small number of insurers are now offering this.

Postponing the wedding

Postponing a wedding is an incredibly stressful experience, but it's important to remember that you are not alone in this. Countless couples around the world have had to rearrange their wedding plans due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some steps to help you navigate this challenging situation:

Take a Moment for Self-Care

Take a deep breath and remember that it's okay to feel upset about postponing your wedding. It's normal to grieve the loss of your original plans and the vision you had for your big day. Practice self-compassion and allow yourself to feel your feelings without judgment. Remember that your feelings are valid, and give yourself time to process this difficult situation.

Communicate with Your Partner

Sit down with your partner and have a heart-to-heart conversation about your options. Discuss your priorities, best and worst-case scenarios, budgets, and possible new timeframes. It may be helpful to focus on seasons rather than specific dates, as there is still uncertainty about when the pandemic will end. Remember that your marriage is more important than the wedding itself, and being married is the ultimate priority for many couples.

Review Vendor Contracts and Contact Vendors

Familiarize yourself with your vendor contracts to understand your options for cancellations and postponements. Be prepared to discuss options with your vendors, as they may be willing to be flexible during this unprecedented time. Keep in mind that you may be responsible for some costs, including deposits. Make a list of all your vendors and outline the potential financial impact of cancellation or postponement.

Adjust Your Wedding Date and Checklist

While it can be challenging to let go of your original date, adjust your wedding checklist with a tentative new date. This will allow you to continue planning while being flexible with the understanding that plans may change again. Use a digital wedding planning checklist to make it easier to adjust dates and keep track of tasks, such as contacting vendors, guests, and your wedding coordinator.

Update Your Wedding Website and Registry

If you have started receiving gifts from loved ones, consider reaching out to individual guests to explain the situation and ask about their preferences for gift returns. Update your wedding website with pertinent information, including an update on your new plans, an FAQ page to address common questions about postponement, and hide the RSVP page to avoid confusion. If you haven't settled on a new date yet, consider making your registry private to pause gift-giving temporarily.

Consider Virtual Alternatives

Although it may not be your first choice, you can explore virtual options for your wedding or related events. Use Instagram Live or video conferencing tools to include your loved ones in your celebration while maintaining a safe distance. Send out digital invitations to your guests and include them in virtual bachelorette parties, bridal showers, or even the wedding ceremony itself.

Keep Your Guests Informed

Remember to communicate any changes to your guests, especially those who are travelling and may have booked trips in advance. They will likely appreciate knowing your plans as soon as possible to avoid additional costs. Be transparent and provide updates through your website, mass emails, or other methods that work best for you.

Cancelling the wedding

Cancelling a wedding is a difficult decision to make, and it's completely valid to feel a sense of grief and loss during this time. It's important to remember that you're not alone in this situation, as countless couples around the world have had to make similar choices due to the pandemic. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering cancelling your wedding:

Assess the situation and make a decision:

Firstly, it's essential to stay informed about the latest restrictions and guidelines regarding weddings in your area. The regulations vary depending on your location, so make sure to refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date information. If your wedding is fast approaching and the restrictions seem likely to remain in place or get stricter, it may be best to consider cancelling or postponing.

Communicate with your vendors:

Get in touch with your venue and vendors as early as possible to discuss your options. Many vendors are being incredibly accommodating and flexible during this time, offering to honour pricing or reschedule without additional charges. However, it's important to review your contracts and booking terms, as there may be financial implications depending on the timing of your cancellation or postponement.

Manage guest expectations:

Keep your guests informed throughout the process. They will likely understand the situation and the difficult position you're in, especially if they have had to make similar decisions themselves. Be transparent about any changes and provide clear and timely updates to minimise confusion and disappointment.

Consider alternative options:

Before deciding to cancel entirely, explore alternative options that could still allow you to celebrate your special day while adhering to restrictions. Some couples choose to hold an intimate ceremony with a limited number of guests and postpone the reception to a later date when restrictions may have eased. Others opt for virtual weddings, where they legally tie the knot and include guests via video conferencing platforms.

Take care of yourself emotionally:

Cancelling a wedding can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it's completely normal to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and frustration. Allow yourself to feel these emotions and practice self-care during this challenging time. Seek support from your partner, family, and friends, and consider reaching out to a therapist if you feel overwhelmed. Remember that postponing your wedding doesn't mean cancelling your dreams; it just means adjusting your plans to fit the current circumstances.

Explore financial protections:

Review your wedding insurance policy, if you have one, to understand your coverage in the event of cancellation or postponement. Some policies may provide protection if the venue closes or if there is an illness in the immediate family. Additionally, consider reaching out to your vendors to discuss potential financial losses and explore options for recouping some of your expenses.

Remember, you are not alone in this situation, and it's essential to approach this challenge with empathy and flexibility. Take the time to assess your options, communicate openly, and make decisions that prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved.

Wedding venue health measures

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way weddings are held, but the spirit of celebration remains. Here are some health measures that wedding venues should follow to ensure the safety of everyone involved:

• Sanitization and disinfection: The venue should have clear procedures for disinfection before and after the event, as well as easy access to sanitizing stations and sanitized vehicles.
• Thermal scanning: As guests may be arriving from different places, thermal scanning at the entry point can help catch any early signs of infection.
• Medical team: The venue should have a fully equipped in-house medical team to address any health concerns that may arise and necessitate quick action.
• Staff protocols: The venue staff should undergo daily health checks and follow safety protocols, including wearing masks and gloves, maintaining social distance, and frequent hand sanitization.
• Social distancing: The venue should implement social distancing in seating arrangements, catering, and on stage, with proper markings and signs to remind guests.
• Live streaming: With smaller weddings, live streaming can allow loved ones to participate virtually. The venue should have the right technology and experts to facilitate this.
• Outdoor locations: Opting for an outdoor location can reduce the chances of spreading infections.
• Food preparation and serving: The venue should ensure that food preparation and serving processes follow health and safety guidelines.
• Guest capacity: The venue should adhere to local guidelines on guest capacity limits for indoor and outdoor events.
• Hygiene protocols: Encourage guests to adopt a 'hygienic hello', minimizing hugging, kissing, and handshaking. Provide hand sanitizing stations and encourage frequent handwashing.
• Buffet options: Consider swapping buffet-style dining for a sit-down dinner to reduce the risk of spreading the virus through shared foods and close contact at the buffet table.
• Valet parking: If valet parking is offered, ensure that it is handled safely, and consider allowing guests to self-park if they prefer.
• Weather contingencies: If the event is planned outdoors, consider what will happen in case of bad weather. Usually, the wedding would move indoors, but this may impact social distancing arrangements.
• Restroom access: Ensure that restrooms are easily accessible for guests, especially if the event is outdoors. Implement measures to maintain restroom cleanliness.

Frequently asked questions