Weddings During Covid: Should You Attend Or Avoid?

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many people's wedding plans, with lockdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions limiting the number of guests and causing uncertainty. However, some couples have chosen to go ahead with their weddings, adapting their plans to ensure the safety of their guests. This may include wearing masks, social distancing, providing hand sanitizing stations, and opting for individually packaged meals instead of buffets. Some couples have also chosen to live stream their weddings so that guests who can't attend in person can join virtually. While the situation is ever-changing, those planning weddings are advised to stay up to date with the latest restrictions and guidelines and communicate with their venue and suppliers to understand the options available.

Guest list adjustments

When it comes to weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most important considerations is the guest list. Adjustments to the guest list are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions for navigating guest list adjustments for a wedding during COVID-19:

• Keep the guest list small: Review the local gathering restrictions and guidelines provided by health authorities in your area. Many regions have implemented limits on the number of people allowed at social gatherings. It is crucial to adhere to these restrictions to minimize the risk of virus transmission. As a general rule, aim for a more intimate gathering with a limited number of guests.
• Prioritize close friends and family: Given the constraints on guest numbers, it is advisable to prioritize inviting your nearest and dearest—those who are closest to you and your partner. This approach ensures that the event remains special and meaningful while adhering to safety protocols.
• Consider shift arrangements: To accommodate a larger number of guests while maintaining safety, you can explore the idea of "shift weddings." This involves dividing your guest list into smaller groups, with each group attending the wedding during a specific time slot. This approach allows for greater attendance while reducing the risk of overcrowding.
• Livestream the wedding: Technology can be a helpful tool in involving guests who are unable to attend in person due to safety concerns or travel restrictions. Consider livestreaming your wedding ceremony and reception so that those who cannot be physically present can still share in the joy of your special day.
• Communicate safety guidelines in advance: It is essential to establish and communicate safety protocols for your wedding. Inform your guests about these measures, such as mask requirements, social distancing expectations, food service arrangements, and any other relevant precautions. This information will enable your guests to make informed decisions about their attendance and help them feel more confident about their safety during the event.
• Encourage guests to take precautions: In addition to communicating safety guidelines, encourage your guests to take personal responsibility for their well-being. Recommend that they wear masks, practice social distancing, and stay home if they are feeling unwell or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms.
• Be mindful of guest travel arrangements: Consider the locations from which your guests will be travelling. If your guest list includes individuals travelling from areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates or areas with strict travel restrictions, be prepared to make adjustments. Keep an open line of communication with your guests about any travel-related issues that may impact their ability to attend.
• Provide guests with safety equipment: Ensure that your guests have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) during the wedding. Provide masks, hand sanitizer, and other sanitary items to make them feel safer and reduce the risk of virus transmission.
• Be flexible and adaptable: Remember that the situation with COVID-19 can be fluid and unpredictable. Be prepared to make last-minute adjustments to your guest list if necessary. Stay informed about the latest guidelines and restrictions, and be willing to adapt your plans accordingly.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can create a safer environment for your wedding guests while still celebrating your special day.

Venue and vendor precautions

• Check with your vendors, including the caterer, photographer, and florist, to see if any changes need to be made to their services during the pandemic. Ask about backup plans and cancellation policies. For example, florists may not be able to source the same flowers or quantities as before the pandemic.
• Discuss with your venue how they plan to implement social distancing. Ask about creative floor plans, table layouts, and socially distanced floor markings.
• Ask the venue about mask requirements for guests and employees.
• Inquire about ongoing safety measures for staff, such as daily temperature checks and regular mask usage.
• Ask the venue about their sanitization protocols. For example, will there be hand sanitising stations throughout the facility, and how often will restrooms be cleaned?
• Discuss food and drink service with the venue. Buffet-style catering may be paused, with alternatives such as individually packaged meals or plated meals served by staff.
• If your wedding venue is in a different county or area, be aware that localised restrictions may apply, affecting travel for you, your guests, and suppliers.
• If you are providing masks for your guests, consider customising them with a unique design or colour, such as white or gold.
• If you are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the availability of registrars or churches, consider applying for a Special Licence from the Archbishop for a church wedding.
• If you decide to postpone your wedding, be aware that your venue and suppliers will want to help and understand your contractual agreements.

Food and drink safety

For Caterers and Food Handlers

• Ensure all staff are trained in basic food safety and hold a current food handler's card or equivalent certification.
• Implement social distancing for staff, following government guidelines. Consider staggered shifts to avoid cross-contamination between workers.
• Ensure staff are equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Wash hands and surfaces often. Use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content.
• Avoid cross-contamination of food. Use different boards for cutting fish, vegetables, and bread, and do not leave edible food next to raw meat.
• Cook food to the right temperature and refrigerate promptly.
• Regularly clean and sanitise all ice machines and bins, food contact surfaces, and non-food contact surfaces.
• Develop a disinfection plan and maintain adequate stocks of sanitiser and cleaning materials.
• Limit self-serve options to individually packaged portions.
• Remind staff to wash their hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after eating, and after using the restroom, sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose.

For Guests

• Wash your hands properly before touching or preparing any food.
• Avoid cross-contamination in your own food preparation.
• Ensure your food is cooked properly to avoid food poisoning.
• Keep your kitchen shelves, cupboards, fridge, and sink clean.
• Empty bins daily to avoid bacteria thriving on decomposing food waste.
• Eat colourful fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system.

Travel restrictions

For those planning destination weddings or having guests travel from other locations, it is essential to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and restrictions. This includes understanding the requirements for both the departure and arrival locations, as rules can change rapidly depending on COVID-19 outbreaks. It is recommended to contact your airline or travel agent to discuss options and review travel insurance policies to understand what is covered in case of cancellations or postponements.

In some cases, couples and guests may need to quarantine upon arrival or return, which can impact the overall experience and duration of the trip. Additionally, the availability of flights and accommodation may be limited, and it is crucial to be aware of the cancellation and COVID-19 policies of the venues and vendors involved.

To adhere to travel restrictions and ensure the safety of all attendees, couples may opt for smaller, more intimate weddings or even elopements. This can be followed by a larger celebration, or a "sequel wedding," at a later date when it is safer to gather in larger numbers.

During the pandemic, there has been a shift towards domestic travel for both weddings and honeymoons. Popular domestic destinations include beach locations such as the Florida Keys and Puerto Rico, as well as luxury ranches in states like Montana and Wyoming. For those willing to travel internationally, Mexico, the Caribbean, and certain areas of Europe, such as Iceland, Croatia, and Greece, have been preferred choices. However, it is important to note that entry requirements and border openings can be unpredictable, and couples should be prepared for potential challenges and last-minute changes.

Guest entertainment

While the pandemic has changed the way we socialise and gather, it is still possible to have a wedding and reception. It just takes some extra planning and creativity. Here are some ideas for guest entertainment at a wedding during COVID-19:

Live Music

When choosing live music, it is important to consider government guidelines and try to reduce aerosol transmission. Position performers in well-ventilated areas or outdoors, and ask them to wear face masks if performing indoors. Limit the number of performers, especially singers and brass and wind players, who produce more aerosol particles.

Some options for live music include:

• Acoustic duo: A singer with an acoustic guitarist playing smooth pop covers.
• New Orleans Brass band: Adding a touch of vintage charm with music from the 1920s New Orleans jazz scene.
• Mariachi band: Playing Mexican numbers and contemporary covers in a Latin style.
• Strolling band: Acoustic guitarists, singers, drummers, and trumpeters performing stripped-down covers roaming around the event.
• Solo instrumentalist: A pianist or guitarist, for instance, takes up less space and produces fewer aerosol particles if not singing.

Other Entertainment Ideas

• Tarot card reader: Guests can point at, but not touch, the cards.
• Circus performers: Stilt walkers, hula hoop dancers, or magicians.
• Table games: Icebreaker cards or Cards Against Humanity.
• Photo booth: An open-air or outdoor photo booth without props.
• Food trucks: Hire an old-school ice cream truck or a specialty food truck for a fun and safe dining experience.

Frequently asked questions