Dancing At Ontario Weddings: What You Need To Know

Dancing at weddings is a topic that has been widely discussed in Ontario, with some couples expressing disappointment over restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the rules have evolved over time, there were periods when dancing was prohibited or limited to people within the same social circle. These regulations posed challenges for couples planning their weddings and impacted the wedding industry, with some couples even considering postponing their weddings or changing venues. However, as Ontario progressed through its reopening stages, restrictions eased, and by Step 3, dancing was allowed at wedding receptions with certain conditions, including masking and distancing rules.

Dancing restrictions due to COVID-19

In September 2020, an Ontario wedding venue owner shared the difficulties their business faced due to the local public health unit's ban on dancing, which was implemented to reduce COVID-19 transmission. This ban particularly affected weddings, with couples and venue owners navigating constant changes and confusion over provincial guidelines.

During this time, there was a discrepancy between the rules communicated by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and the email sent from Premier Doug Ford's office. While the health unit maintained a firm stance on prohibiting dancing to ensure consistency with provincial regulations, the Premier's email stated that "Dancing at weddings would be limited to only people within the same social circle."

The conflicting information caused frustration and disappointment for couples who had to make last-minute changes to their wedding plans. Some considered moving their weddings outdoors, where designated social distancing dancing spaces could be set up, while others chose to postpone their weddings or limit their guest lists to ensure compliance with the restrictions.

By July 2021, Ontario entered its third stage of reopening, allowing for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries confirmed that dancing at wedding receptions in Step 3 was permitted with conditions. These conditions included compliance with masking and distancing rules, which remained in place for indoor weddings.

While the restrictions gradually eased, couples still had to adapt their wedding plans to ensure the safety of their guests. Some chose to have a "mingle" instead of a traditional reception, with music playing in the background, while others opted for outdoor weddings with designated dancing spaces to maintain social distancing.

Indoor wedding rules

As of June 30, 2021, Ontario was in step two of the Roadmap to Reopen, meaning indoor wedding services were allowed at 25% capacity. However, indoor receptions or gatherings following the service were limited to a maximum of five people.

For indoor weddings, masks are mandatory, with a few exceptions. The couple can remove their masks during the ceremony, and performers don't need to wear masks if they are performing behind a physical barrier or engaging in physical activity, such as dancing.

In Step 3 of the reopening plan, larger indoor weddings are permitted with some capacity limits. Indoor venues can host up to 1,000 people or half capacity (whichever is less) while maintaining physical distancing. Dancing at wedding receptions is allowed with conditions, including masking and distancing rules.

It's important to note that local health units may have additional restrictions. For example, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit had banned dancing at all weddings, claiming this was in line with provincial regulations, despite an email from Premier Doug Ford's office stating that dancing within social circles was permitted.

When planning an indoor wedding in Ontario, it's essential to stay updated with the latest guidelines and restrictions from the local health authorities and the provincial government.

Outdoor wedding rules

If you're planning an outdoor wedding in Ontario, there are a few rules and restrictions you should be aware of to ensure your big day goes smoothly. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the process:

Guest Limits:

• As of June 30, 2021, Ontario was in Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen. At this step, outdoor wedding services were allowed, but the capacity was limited to ensure guests could maintain a physical distance of 2 metres apart.
• Outdoor receptions or gatherings associated with the wedding ceremony were restricted to 25 people.
• In Step 3 of the reopening plan, which began on July 16, 2021, larger outdoor gatherings were permitted. Up to 5,000 people were allowed outdoors, or 75% of the venue's capacity, whichever was less. Private properties could host up to 100 people outdoors.

Dancing Restrictions:

• Dancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic varied across regions in Ontario. While some venues allowed dancing within guests' social circles, others banned dancing altogether to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
• In Simcoe Muskoka, for example, the local health unit banned dancing at weddings, citing it as a high-risk activity for COVID-19 transmission.
• However, an email from Premier Doug Ford's office contradicted this, stating that "Dancing at weddings would be limited to only people within the same social circle."
• It is essential to check the regulations in your specific region and communicate with your venue to understand their policies on dancing.

Masking and Distancing:

• In general, masks are not required for outdoor weddings if proper physical distancing can be maintained.
• However, masking and distancing rules must be followed during Step 3 of the reopening plan, especially when dining and using dance facilities.

Other Considerations:

• It is important to monitor the latest guidelines and restrictions, as these may change over time.
• Be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary and consider having a backup option, such as postponing the reception or limiting activities to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
• Some couples chose to have a "wedding playlist party" on their wedding anniversary once it was safer to gather without restrictions.
• Remember that the safety and well-being of your guests are a priority. While dancing and celebrations are important, ensuring a safe environment for everyone to enjoy the day is crucial.

Wedding venue restrictions

As of June 30, 2021, Ontario was in step two of the Roadmap to Reopen, which allowed indoor wedding services at 25% capacity. However, indoor receptions following the service were restricted to a maximum of five people. The City of Toronto provided guidelines for calculating the capacity limit, which was determined by taking the total square meters of floor area accessible to the public, dividing that number by 16, and rounding down to the nearest whole number. Outdoor wedding services were permitted with capacity based on maintaining a 2-meter distance between guests, while outdoor receptions were limited to 25 people.

Certain wedding venues had additional restrictions, such as indoor restaurants, which could only be rented for weddings in step three of the reopening plan. Step three, with no confirmed date at the time, was expected to allow larger indoor weddings with some capacity limits, although the specific capacity had not been announced. Outdoor weddings would still have a capacity limit, requiring guests to maintain a 2-meter distance.

In terms of face coverings, masks were mandatory for indoor weddings, with exceptions for the couple during their ceremony and performers who were dancing or performing behind a physical barrier. For outdoor weddings, masks were not required if physical distancing was possible.

By July 2021, Ontario entered the third stage of reopening, allowing larger indoor and outdoor gatherings. Venues could accommodate up to 1,000 people indoors (or half capacity, whichever was less) with physical distancing, or up to 5,000 people outdoors (or 75% of capacity) with distancing. Private properties were limited to 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Dancing at wedding receptions in Step 3 was permitted with conditions, including compliance with masking and distancing rules.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, couples found creative ways to celebrate their weddings, such as opting for outdoor weddings, rescheduling their weddings, or choosing venues that allowed dancing within social circles.

Wedding planning during a pandemic

Planning a wedding during a pandemic can be stressful, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Be Flexible and Have a Backup Plan

It's important to be flexible and prepared for any changes that may arise due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. Have a backup plan in case you need to postpone the wedding or make adjustments to the guest list, venue, or other arrangements.

Prioritize Health and Safety

Follow the guidelines and recommendations from health authorities, such as limiting guest numbers, ensuring proper physical distancing, providing hand sanitizing stations, and considering safety protocols such as mandatory pre-screening surveys for guests.

Communicate with Your Vendors and Guests

Stay in close communication with your vendors, including the venue, caterer, event planner, and other suppliers. Be transparent about any changes to your plans and work together to find solutions. Keep your guests informed as well, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or adjust their schedules.

Consider a Micro-Wedding or Virtual Celebration

Consider hosting a micro-wedding, which is a smaller-scale event with an intimate guest list. You can still incorporate personal touches and luxurious details while adhering to safety guidelines. If you choose to postpone the larger celebration, you can treat it as your one-year anniversary party! Additionally, you can include virtual elements, such as live-streaming the ceremony for guests who cannot attend in person.

Seek Professional Help

Hiring a wedding planner or working with a travel agent can be invaluable during this time. They can guide you through the process, provide valuable connections, and help you navigate any challenges that may arise.

Expect Extra Fees and Rigid Policies

Be prepared for additional costs and stricter policies from vendors and suppliers. Many businesses are requiring extra deposits, service fees, and more rigid contracts to protect themselves during these uncertain times.

Focus on What Matters Most

Remember that your wedding is about celebrating your love and commitment. Embrace the season and make decisions that feel right for you and your partner, whether it's opting for an outdoor wedding, choosing a non-traditional venue, or incorporating creative solutions like virtual cocktail hours or sanitation stations.

Stay Positive

Planning a wedding during a pandemic can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Stay positive and remember that your special day will be a perfect reflection of your relationship, even if it looks a little different than you initially imagined.

As for dancing at weddings in Ontario, there have been conflicting reports. As of September 2020, indoor dancing was banned in Ontario to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. However, there were reports of some venues allowing dancing within guests' social circles, following an email clarification from Premier Doug Ford's office. It is important to check the latest guidelines and restrictions in your area to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Frequently asked questions