Deborah Chan
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted wedding plans worldwide, with many couples forced to postpone their big day or settle for a more intimate celebration. As countries began to ease restrictions, weddings were allowed to take place with limited attendees and safety precautions in place. For example, in Singapore, Phase 2 allowed weddings of up to 50 attendees, while in Jefferson County, WA, weddings were limited to 30 people or 25% capacity, whichever was less. In Alberta, Stage 2 of the relaunch plan increased indoor gathering limits to 50 and 100 outdoors. In the UK, the roadmap to freedom included a phased approach, with the first phase allowing a maximum of six guests and later phases gradually increasing the number of attendees and allowing domestic overnight stays. Massachusetts' Phase 3 allowed weddings but without bars and dance floors. These changing phases and restrictions have caused uncertainty and challenges for couples and event planners, with some feeling the changes came too late or were insufficient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Alberta, Singapore, Massachusetts, UK, Jefferson County, WA |
| Phase Number | 2 or 3 |
| Number of attendees | 50, 15, 30, 100, 25% capacity or 30 people, 25, 8 people per 1000 sq ft, 20 |
| Other restrictions | Physical distancing, no self-service buffets, no alcohol after 10:30 pm, no dancing, no bar service, no choir, no karaoke, no live entertainment |
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What You'll Learn
Stage 2 of Alberta's relaunch plan
On June 9, 2020, the Government of Alberta announced that the entire province would move to Stage 2 of its three-stage relaunch strategy on June 12, 2020, a week earlier than the initially anticipated date of June 19, 2020.
Stage 2 of Alberta's relaunch strategy would allow more businesses and services to reopen, albeit with physical distancing requirements and other public health measures in place. Some businesses that were originally expected to resume operations under Stage 3 were permitted to reopen earlier under Stage 2. These included indoor recreation facilities like gyms, pools, arenas, casinos, and bingo halls.
Businesses eligible to reopen under Stage 2 included:
- K-12 schools for exams and summer school
- Libraries
- Wellness and personal services such as massage, reflexology, and nail treatments
- Movie theatres
- Some organized sports, with recommendations for "mini-leagues and bubbles" to remain together and play within the same geographical region
- Restaurants and bars could operate at full capacity, although businesses were limited to six people per table
Indoor social gatherings such as weddings and funerals could take place with a maximum of 50 people, up from the previous limit of 15. Places of worship had no capacity limit as long as physical distancing was maintained.
Premier Jason Kenney highlighted that the decision to move forward with Stage 2 was anchored in science and solid data, commending Albertans for their adaptability, responsibility, and resilience in managing risk throughout the pandemic.
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Phase 2 in Singapore
In Singapore, Phase 2 of the country's reopening has seen the easing of restrictions on weddings and wakes/funerals as part of a careful, calibrated resumption of activities. The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has taken a cautious approach to activities where large groups of people are likely to come into close contact, but it recognises the importance of these key life events.
From 4 August 2020, marriage solemnisations and weddings were allowed to take place with up to 50 people, including the couple but excluding the solemniser and vendors. This was an increase from the previous maximum of 20. The venues for these events include places of worship, HDB common areas, and other external venues. For solemnisations at home, the Registry of Civil and Muslim Marriages (ROM/M) Building, and designated areas at the National Museum of Singapore operated by ROM, the maximum capacity is 10 people as these venues are smaller.
Wedding receptions are also allowed, with up to 50 attendees, including the couple, in venues permitted to serve food and drink, such as restaurants and hotels. Self-service buffets are not permitted, and there is to be no consumption or sale of alcohol after 10:30 pm. Guests should be split into fixed groups of up to 5 people, with no intermingling between groups, except for the core 'wedding party' of up to 20 people. All groups must maintain a 1-metre distance from each other, and all attendees must wear masks, except for the bride and groom, who can wear face shields.
To facilitate contact tracing, all guests are advised to check into the event using SafeEntry and are encouraged to download TraceTogether before attending.
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Phase 3 in Massachusetts
As Massachusetts moved into Phase 3 of its COVID-19 reopening plan, larger weddings and receptions were allowed to resume. However, there were several restrictions in place that impacted the format of these events.
For indoor wedding venues, the capacity limit was set at 25 people, with a maximum of eight people per 1000 square feet. Outdoor services, such as those held under a tent, could accommodate up to 100 guests. These capacity limits presented challenges for wedding venue owners, who expressed concerns about the financial viability of operating under such restrictions.
During Phase 3, bar service and dance floors were prohibited at weddings in Massachusetts. This restriction aimed to prevent people from congregating in close quarters. While alcohol could still be served, it was limited to table service only. These measures significantly altered the traditional wedding reception experience, leading some couples to postpone their weddings or opt for alternative arrangements.
In addition to the restrictions on capacity and amenities, other safety protocols were also in place during Phase 3 weddings in Massachusetts. For example, plexiglass barriers were required as part of the décor to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Despite the challenges and limitations, some couples chose to move forward with their nuptials, adapting to the new guidelines to safely celebrate their special day.
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Phase 2 in Jefferson County, WA
As of May 23, 2020, Jefferson County, Washington, was in Phase 2 of its "Safe Start" Reopening Plan. This meant that wedding ceremonies and receptions were allowed, but only up to 25% capacity or 30 people, whichever was lower. Physical distancing of at least six feet was required between households, and this applied to both indoor and outdoor events.
In Phase 2, essential businesses and Phase 1 activities were also permitted. Social gatherings were allowed outdoors only, with five or fewer people outside the household per week, and physical distancing of at least six feet. Religious services could take place indoors at a place of worship, but were limited to 25% capacity or 50 people.
Travel was restricted to essential travel and travel for activities allowed under Modified Phase 1 and Phase 2. Non-essential travel to counties in other phases was not allowed, including for sports tournaments, large group events, or dining.
Businesses that were allowed to operate in Phase 2 included manufacturing, construction, real estate, photography, pet grooming, in-home/domestic services (such as nannies and house cleaning), retail with restrictions, professional services/office-based businesses (with telework strongly encouraged), and personal services (such as hair and nail salons, barbers, and tattoo parlours). Restaurants and bars could offer indoor dining only for members of the same household, with table sizes no larger than five, and alcohol service ending at 10:00 pm.
Indoor family entertainment and recreational centres, such as mini-golf, bowling alleys, and arcades, were also allowed to operate, as well as indoor card rooms, concert venues, and large sporting events, with unrestricted staffing.
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Phase 2 in the UK
The UK government announced the second phase of reopening the country on 11 May 2020. This phase included the reopening of bridal stores and other non-essential retailers like florists and menswear stores on 15 June.
From 4 July, weddings with some restrictions were allowed to take place in England. Up to 30 people were permitted to gather for weddings, civil ceremonies, and sit-down receptions. However, social distancing measures were required, and guests had to provide their contact details. Singing, playing instruments, and activities involving objects being thrown, such as confetti, were not allowed. Food and drink were also prohibited unless essential for the ceremony.
In Scotland, weddings, civil ceremonies, and funerals could take place with up to 20 people indoors or outdoors, but receptions had to follow social gathering rules. Up to 15 people from five households could gather outdoors, and up to eight people from three households could meet indoors.
In Northern Ireland, weddings were allowed to take place indoors with up to ten guests.
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Frequently asked questions
Weddings were allowed in Alberta during Stage 2 of its relaunch plan.
During Stage 2, the number of people who could gather indoors was increased to 50, and 100 outdoors, as long as physical distancing of two metres was maintained.
Weddings were allowed in Singapore from 4 August 2020, with up to 50 attendees.
Wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions and funerals are allowed up to 25% capacity or up to 30 people, whichever is less, as long as six feet of physical distancing can be achieved between households.
Weddings were allowed in Massachusetts from Phase 3, but with no bars or dance floors.
