Dancing At Weddings: Safe During Coronavirus?

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted wedding plans for millions of couples worldwide, with many choosing to postpone their ceremonies until social distancing measures ease. While some countries have lifted restrictions on wedding guest numbers, others still impose limits. Dancing is often prohibited to limit the spread of the virus, but this varies by location. For instance, in Queensland, Australia, only the bride and groom and their parents are permitted to dance, while in England, the government has allowed dancing but advised against it. Couples planning weddings during the pandemic must consider the safety measures they will implement and whether to postpone their celebrations.

Dancing is permitted for the newlyweds' first dance

If you are planning a wedding, you may want to consider an outdoor wedding, which is considered safer than an indoor wedding. You could also provide guests with wristbands of different colours to indicate their social distancing preferences. For example, a red wristband could indicate that a guest would prefer others to keep their distance, while a green wristband could mean that they are open to hugs and handshakes.

If you are attending a wedding, it is a good idea to ask the couple about the safety measures that will be in place. You could also offer to help with planning and implementing safety measures. It is important to remember that the more people who attend a wedding, the more dangerous it is. If you are uncomfortable with the level of risk, you can always choose to decline the invitation or leave early.

If you are a wedding supplier, you may be wondering how to keep your clients and their guests safe. In addition to wearing masks and social distancing, you can recommend the following measures: providing extra handwashing or hand sanitising facilities, ensuring communal areas are cleaned regularly, and arranging the area to allow for social distancing. You could also suggest that only the newlyweds and their parents are permitted to dance.

Dancing is not permitted for anyone else

One option is to focus on what is important and surround yourself with the people who have truly loved and supported you over the years. An intimate wedding allows you to spend quality time with your partner and your closest family and friends, creating an intensely heartfelt and personal atmosphere. You can still have your first dance under festoon lights in a courtyard or under a tree, and even have a socially distanced sparkler exit to end the night with a bang.

If you are unable to have the large-scale wedding of your dreams, consider turning your wedding into a three-stage event:

• A personal elopement ceremony with just the two of you and a celebrant, or with a small number of family or friends as witnesses.
• A family meal a month or two later, where your dad can make that embarrassing speech!
• A big celebratory party with your wider group of friends and family, maybe six months to a year later.

This way, you get the best of all worlds: an intimate and stress-free wedding day, a family occasion, and a kick-ass party.

If you are unable to have a dance floor, consider swapping it out for after-dinner entertainment or encouraging guests outside with a firework display. Live streaming is another option, so those who can't be there can join in via video link.

Remember, your wedding day will still be awesome, romantic, and full of love, whenever and however it takes place.

Dancing is not permitted at indoor venues

If you are set on an indoor wedding, there are other ways to make your day special. You could swap the dance floor for after-dinner entertainment or encourage guests outside with a firework display. You could also live-stream your wedding so that those who can't be there can join in via video link.

If you are a guest at a wedding, it is important to be respectful of the couple's wishes. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of attending a wedding during the pandemic, it is perfectly acceptable to decline the invitation. You could also consider joining virtually, if the couple is offering a live stream.

It is important to prioritise your health and safety, as well as that of those around you. By following guidelines and being mindful of the risks, you can help ensure that your wedding or attendance at a wedding is a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Dancing is not permitted at outdoor venues

One of these restrictions is no dancing. This is because dancing encourages close contact between guests, which increases the risk of transmission. It is recommended that couples who wish to include a first dance should do so without anyone else joining them on the dance floor.

In Queensland, Australia, only the bride and groom and their parents are permitted to dance at their wedding. This is to reduce the risk of transmission and keep guests safe. While this may be disappointing for couples who have imagined their dream wedding with a packed dance floor, it is important to prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved.

Couples can still make their wedding day special and memorable by focusing on what is important to them. An intimate outdoor wedding allows them to surround themselves with their closest family and friends, creating an intensely personal and heartfelt atmosphere. They can also spend quality time with their partner, enjoying each other's company in a relaxed and stress-free environment.

There are also other forms of entertainment that can be included in the wedding celebrations instead of dancing, such as a fireworks display or live music. By being creative and flexible, couples can still have a unique and joyful wedding day while adhering to the necessary safety measures.

Guests can indicate their comfort levels with wristbands

If you're planning a wedding during the pandemic, you may be concerned about your guests' comfort levels with social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions. One creative solution to this problem is to provide guests with colour-coded wristbands that indicate their comfort levels. Here are some tips on how to implement this system:

Offer Different Colours with Clear Meanings

It is recommended to offer three colours with clear meanings. For example:

• Green: the guest is comfortable talking to others, hugging, and high-fiving.
• Yellow: the guest is happy to talk but prefers others to keep their distance and refrain from touching.
• Red: the guest would like others to stay away and maintain a distance of six feet.

Provide Clear Communication

It is important to communicate the wristband system clearly to your guests. You can do this by including a sign at the entry table that explains the meaning of each colour. It is also a good idea to offer masks and hand sanitiser at the entry table.

Consider Alternatives to Wristbands

If you think wristbands may not be suitable for your wedding, there are other options available. You could offer party beads or pins in the same colours as the wristbands, allowing guests to indicate their comfort levels in a different way.

Make it Easy for Guests to Participate

To encourage guests to wear the wristbands, make sure you provide a polished setup at the entry table. You can use small wire baskets or glass vases to hold the wristbands, and don't forget to include the signage! This will help guests understand the system and feel more comfortable participating.

Consider Other COVID-19 Safety Measures

In addition to the wristband system, there are other safety measures you should consider for your wedding. These include:

• Holding the ceremony outdoors, which is considered safer than indoors due to better ventilation.
• Providing sanitising stations and ensuring communal areas are regularly cleaned.
• Arranging the venue to allow for social distancing.
• Requiring guests to wear masks when not seated to eat.
• Limiting dancing to the married couple only, even outdoors.

By implementing a colour-coded wristband system and following other COVID-19 safety guidelines, you can help ensure that your guests feel comfortable and safe during your wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions