We are halfway through the year 2020, and still in the midst of the Covid19 Pandemic. The world has now started getting used to the new norm of getting back to our regular lives, while still practicing the necessary social distancing that is crucial for preventing the virus from spreading. In this new way of doing things, you may be wondering just what a pandemic wedding will look like. For many couples who had plans to tie the knot this year, it’s more likely than not that they have had to stop all the momentum of their planning, to postpone their wedding on a date that is yet to be determined. But who’s to say you can’t have your wedding during the pandemic. The new norm of weddings will look a little something like this.
The Pandemic Wedding
There are a few key changes to consider when you’re planning to go ahead with a pandemic wedding. You need to adhere to the health and safety regulations of social distancing, screening of guests, and the implementation of strict rules. Or in other words, the new norm for weddings.
Big Venue, Small Guestlist
The very first change that most soon-to-wed couples have to make is adjusting their guest list according to the venue. It is possible to have a wedding during the pandemic and still practice social distancing. The rule is, get a big venue, and cut down on your guest list. The bigger your guest list, the bigger the venue. You want to be able to give people the opportunity to practice social distancing for their comfort. A table that would usually accommodate 10 people, should only have 5 seated on them.
The rules for the number of guests allowed for events will differ for each country. This is because of the difference in the pandemic’s presence in every country. The rules for events will be different for a location that has a small number of COVID19 cases, compared to the city’s that are recording thousands of cases. The rules for your wedding will depend entirely on what your local government is advising. But if possible, stick to a small number. A guestlist of 30 to 50 people should be the most number of guests that you are looking to have. The smaller the number, the safer the event will be.
A Background Check and Registration is in Order
One requirement that you should definitely prioritize is spending some time for a little background check on each guest you are hoping to invite. These may be your closest family and friends, but if you have a guest who has been traveling a lot, or is experiencing flu-like symptoms, then you need to be strict with restricting them from attending your wedding. It’s harsh but necessary.
It is also your responsibility to have your guest register their name, contact details, and addresses at the event. This will be important if there happens to be a breakout of the virus at the venue and there needs to be contact tracing to contain the virus.
“You Don’t Need to Come if You Have to Travel”
Another way to keep your guest safe at a pandemic wedding is to only invite guests who live nearby. You would want to avoid inviting friends and relatives who live at different states or countries. The chances are, if you’re allowed to have a wedding event where you live, then the number of cases of COVID19 may be under control. Inviting someone who might possibly be coming from a high-risk location should be avoided. Not everyone can attend your wedding, but it’ll also be a good excuse for cutting down your guest list.
#SUPPORTLOCAL is a Theme
It’s important to avoid hiring vendors and services who will need to travel from a different location, to get to your event. As much as possible, you’d want to hire people who are local to your area. There’s an important reason for this. If there happens to be an outbreak of the virus at your wedding, it’ll be difficult to track people down and trace their activities leading up to your event.
Keep the theme of your wedding local by hiring services that are close to your venue. It’ll not only protect everyone who’s attending or working at your wedding, but you will also be giving opportunities for local businesses who need the work the most at this trying time. Learning more about local businesses is one of the advantages of the new norm of weddings.
Customized Masks are the Go-To Accessory
Take advantage of the creative opportunity to design custom made face masks for you and your guests. Most of your guests, will not necessarily enjoy wearing a mask. But if you can create a way to make this fun for everyone, it’s definitely worth the try. Women can choose from designer brands, and men can get creative with their suits and mask combinations (we’re talking about cool protective gear for that James Bond feel). You could even make a competition out of it to really get everyone’s creative juices flowing.
No Kids Allowed
A pandemic wedding may be a celebration of love against all odds, but the odds are still there to be considered. Without a vaccine for the COVID19 virus, a gathering of people is still a big risk. It’s generally advised that children and the elderly avoid gatherings as they are the most vulnerable to the virus. You can’t necessarily ask your parents or grandparents to not attend your wedding. But you can definitely implement a strict “don’t bring your kids” rule for the wedding.
Rules Need to be Clear
A pandemic wedding requires one significant priority that will make the biggest difference for everyone’s health and safety. It is important that you establish clear rules for your event, that everyone must follow if they are to attend.
Rules to follow for a Pandemic Wedding:
- Check your temperature before attending
- Register your name, address, age, and temperature upon arriving at the wedding
- Wear masks at all times
- No Hugging or Kissing (Except for the bride and groom)
- Keep your distance as much as possible
- Wash your hands as often as possible
- Don’t share utensils or glasses
Adjust the rules as you please. It’s a good idea to plan this with your event planner and to find a way to inform your guests and all the staff working at your event. Have rules listed around the venue to guarantee that people are reminded. Plan a process for your wedding ceremony that will help everyone stick to these rules. This is all part of the new norm of weddings, and it’s important that everyone at your wedding knows exactly how to keep themselves and others safe.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to let this year pass you by along with all your plans for getting married. A pandemic wedding doesn’t have to be such a terrible thing. It may not be what you initially planned for. But it can be just as magical as you’ve always dreamed it would be. Just like what every great romantic film has taught us, spontaneity in the face of disappointment and uncertainty, when faced with love, can make for one hell of a happy ending. Make your wedding your happy ending.