Covid Variants & Weddings: Restrictions You Need to Know

Planning A Wedding During A Pandemic: Every wedding planning journey has its twists and turns. To make sure your path is as smooth as possible and to help you keep an eye out for tiny potholes and giant roadblocks, always follow the advice of your local health guidelines and the recommendations set forth by the CDC. The state of the pandemic can change quickly, but by staying informed, you can make it to your destination—wedded bliss—without a hitch.

With the rise of new COVID-19 variants, it’s easy to let your mind race to the worst-case scenario, but don’t fret. While any variant may put a wrench in some of your original plans, that doesn’t mean it has to ruin your big day.

When it comes to event planning during the COVID-19 pandemic, education and preparation are key. While most COVID-19 guidelines vary by state, the CDC suggests that all event organizers coordinate with both local and state health departments. Depending on your venue, the size of the event, and your level of comfort, this might mean requesting proof of vaccination or asking your guests to wear masks.

When it comes to organizing events during the pandemic, you might have to rethink your wedding planning a bit. If you’re in the midst of planning your big celebration and are worrying about the rise of new variants, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Consider What Could Change

Most of us are fairly accustomed to the unpredictable nature of the virus and how it influences our day-to-day lives. For this reason, it’s important to consider headcount restrictions and mask mandates as you plan your event. This is particularly prudent if you’re planning a destination wedding or are in an area you’re not particularly familiar with, as COVID-19 regulations vary greatly by country and even state.

Communicate With Your Guests

While sending a simple save-the-date followed by a formal invitation may be the traditional route, it’s quickly becoming the way of the past. With COVID-19 changing the event landscape, it’s important to have a quick way to contact your guests—most likely by email—so that you can keep them updated on any big wedding changes. A simple way to streamline the process is to collect email addresses, phone numbers, or the best point-of-contact when you start tracking down physical addresses for your initial guest list.

Designate a Point Person to Keep You Informed

With wedding planning, there’s enough that already falls on the shoulders of the couple. Whether it be a planner, close friend, or family member, designating a point person to help you keep the pandemic-related details in check is a great way to relieve some unnecessary stress. They can help keep you up-to-date on state mandates, event-specific regulations, and the rise of any other unforeseen obstacles, letting you focus on the planning itself.

Know Your Non-Negotiables

If the current state of the virus shifts and you need to make changes to your big day, it’s crucial that you know what your priorities are. Were you most looking forward to the big party, or is the idea of a small group just as appealing to you? Is losing a deposit or having to swap a vendor completely out of the question? Do you want to require guests to go through COVID-19 testing (or should they submit a negative test result)? While these might be tough conversations to have, it will greatly reduce your stress in the weeks before your wedding if you and your partner have a firm grasp on your non-negotiables.

Make Backup Plans in Case Someone Gets Sick

Even if you and everyone in your close circle is vaccinated, it’s a good idea to make backup plans in case a groomsman, officiant, photographer, or other key person gets sick. Vendors, in particular, are in contact with a lot of people during wedding season, so the more precautions you take, the better.

In today’s ever-changing landscape, continuous communication is key, whether it be with your guests or your actual vendors. Make sure that you have a strategy that allows you to delegate tasks and take some of the unnecessary COVID-19-related stress off of your plate. Most importantly, remember to lean on your partner and trust that your wedding will come together eventually, even if that means shifting your vision