A Safe Wedding: Covid-19 Precautions For Your Special Day

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and the COVID-19 pandemic has added a whole new layer of complexity. If you're looking to tie the knot while keeping your guests safe, here are some key things to consider: firstly, limit the number of attendees to ensure there's enough space for social distancing. Opt for an outdoor venue if possible, or choose an indoor space with good ventilation. Consult with your venue to understand their safety measures and contingency planning. Ask your guests to wear masks, and provide hand sanitiser stations. You could also encourage guests to take rapid tests before the event, or require proof of vaccination. For catering, consider plated meals or boxed food instead of a buffet. Finally, be mindful of government guidelines and local restrictions, and be prepared to adapt your plans if needed.

Limit the number of attendees

Limiting the number of attendees is a crucial step in making your wedding COVID-safe. While it may be disappointing to not have all your loved ones present, it is a necessary precaution to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you effectively limit the number of attendees at your wedding:

• Downsize the guest list: Go through your guest list and identify those who are at high risk of complications from COVID-19, such as elderly relatives or individuals with underlying health conditions. Inform them of your decision and encourage them to join via a live stream instead. This reduces their risk of exposure while still allowing them to be a part of your special day.
• Stick to local guests: If possible, limit your guest list to those who live nearby. Inviting guests from out of town increases the risk of exposure, as travel may involve crowded airports, public transportation, or hotels. By keeping the guest list local, you reduce the potential for virus transmission.
• Limit plus ones: Consider restricting plus ones to only those who are in serious relationships with your guests. This will help you cut down on the number of attendees and make it easier to accommodate everyone while maintaining social distancing.
• Uninvite coworkers: It is generally acceptable to exclude coworkers from your wedding guest list, especially if you want to keep the numbers low. Most people will understand that you need to prioritise close friends and family during this time.
• Inform guests in advance: Once you have finalised your limited guest list, be sure to inform your guests well in advance. This will give them a clear idea of who is and isn't invited, reducing the likelihood of unexpected guests showing up on the day.
• Consider a micro-wedding: Instead of a large celebration, opt for a micro-wedding with only your nearest and dearest in attendance. This trend has gained popularity during the pandemic, and many couples are choosing to embrace smaller-scale events to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
• Livestream the ceremony: For those who cannot attend due to limited numbers or health concerns, set up a livestream of the wedding ceremony and reception. This way, they can still be a part of your special day and celebrate with you from a distance.
• Communicate safety measures: Be transparent about the safety measures you are taking, including the limited guest list. Let your guests know that these precautions are for their safety and well-being. You can do this via your wedding website, invitations, or save-the-date cards.

Remember, while it may be challenging to limit the number of attendees, it is a crucial step in creating a safe environment for you and your loved ones to celebrate your wedding. By following these tips, you can effectively reduce the number of guests while still ensuring that your special day is memorable and enjoyable for all.

Ensure guests are vaccinated

To ensure your wedding guests are vaccinated, you could ask them to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. This could be done by providing their vaccination card or digital proof on their phones. You could also request that they show a negative COVID test result, taken no more than 24 hours before the event.

It is important to communicate your expectations to your guests clearly and in advance. You can do this via your wedding website, email, or phone call. You could include a health and safety insert with your invitations, pointing guests towards your website for more information. It is crucial to be respectful and understanding of your guests' choices and privacy. Give them an option to opt-out if they are not vaccinated, acknowledging that their choice not to vaccinate means they will not be in attendance.

• "For the safety and comfort of all our guests and in compliance with the authorities in our area, we respectfully request all guests present proof of full vaccination status to our attendants, who will greet you upon arrival."
• "We love you guys! Because each of you is precious to us, we respectfully require proof of full vaccination upon arrival. To ensure we are in compliance with regulations, an attendant will check each guest in."
• "So this is happening... The health of each of you and your loved ones is what matters most. Bring your dancing shoes and vaccine card so we can party all night safely together. And YES! We have a vax bouncer in case you're wondering."

Additionally, you could consider having rapid tests available at the wedding venue and asking guests to arrive 30 minutes early to self-test before entering. This would provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for all attendees.

Choose a spacious, well-ventilated space

If you're planning to get married in the summer, an outdoor venue with plenty of space is the perfect option for a COVID-safe wedding. Opting for a venue with lots of space will significantly decrease the risk of transmission. If you choose an indoor venue, make sure it is well-ventilated. Poor ventilation puts guests at risk of catching COVID-19 as the virus is transmitted through droplets that are easily inhaled when inside.

When choosing an indoor venue, opt for one with an excellent amount of ventilation. If the venue is not well-ventilated, guests will be at risk of catching COVID-19. The virus can be transmitted through droplets that are easily inhaled in enclosed spaces.

To help you find a suitable venue, you can enlist the help of a wedding planner. They will be able to advocate for you when it comes to vendor communications, contract negotiations, and ensuring your entire venue and vendor team have the proper safety measures in place.

If you're planning to get married in the winter, an indoor venue with good ventilation and a creative layout will allow you to safely space out your guests.

Encourage face coverings

While face coverings are no longer mandated at weddings, it is still a good idea to encourage guests to wear them, especially if COVID-19 infections are on the rise. Masks have been shown to be effective in lowering the spread of the virus.

There are several ways to encourage guests to bring a face covering. One way is to note this on your wedding invitations. You could also put up signage around the venue to remind guests to mask up. If you want to be extra cautious, you could even require a negative test or vaccine confirmation before the big day.

Explain to guests that they can take off their masks when they are seated or eating. If there are young children attending, you may decide not to enforce masks for them. It is your big day, so do what you feel is right and don't worry about being too cautious.

If you're concerned about how your guests will react, it might be a good idea to reach out to them beforehand to explain your decision and address any concerns they may have. This can be done through email, social media, or even a phone call. It's important to remember that the safety of your guests is the top priority.

Additionally, you can lead by example by wearing a mask yourself. This will not only encourage your guests to follow suit but also show that you are taking the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Be liberal with hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is an important tool in the fight against COVID-19. The virus is transmitted through droplets, which can be inhaled when inside, so placing bottles of hand sanitiser at entrance and exit points is a good way to encourage guests to use it when they enter and leave the venue.

You should also have hand sanitiser on each table and in other high-traffic locations, such as the bar, food service areas, and around the dance floor. This allows wedding guests to use it when necessary and helps to prevent the spread of the virus.

To go one step further, consider buying tiny bottles of hand sanitiser that guests can keep on their person throughout the event. That way, there are no excuses for not keeping hands clean and sanitised.

Signs can also be dotted around the venue to encourage guests to regularly wash and sanitise their hands, especially before and after eating.

If you are providing welcome baskets for your guests, you could also include hand sanitiser in these, along with masks and any other safety items.

Frequently asked questions