"Things I’m Considering Implementing for Infection Control While I Still Want a Wedding Like Before in the Era of Living with COVID"

2021.02.18 published

For those who are going to have a wedding.

As of August 2020, the impact of the coronavirus has not subsided, and treatment measures are still in development.

There are opinions stating that "having a wedding is a high risk," but currently, we are not in a state of emergency, and it has been mentioned that a vaccine could be available as early as this year... or perhaps a year from now...

We cannot stop all human activities during this time, so important life events like weddings will still take place.

Everyone is concerned about infections as a premise. (However, it's really challenging to provide hospitality when you don’t know who is genuinely concerned and who is not... It’s truly difficult.)

There is an overflow of various information in the world, but from my perspective, I considered what might be good to implement as countermeasures and what I’d rather not do, even if it’s for risk mitigation. Here’s a bullet-point list.

@justmarried0906

Covid-19 measures I think are acceptable for weddings

✅ Separate the reception tables for the bride and groom

...To avoid crowding. Receptions tend to get congested at weddings, so this might actually be more convenient.

✅ Stagger reception times in 5-minute intervals by groups

...It might be appreciated for its smooth progression. However, everyone will likely arrive early, so whether this will actually have a meaningful effect is questionable?

✅ Eliminate the reception altogether

...There are services that allow the reception to be completed online!

➡ Service to have the reception online

✅ Replace the guest book with guest cards

...This seems like a practical consideration. It reduces the time spent at the reception and lessens the need to worry about disinfecting pens.

✅ Receive monetary gifts online

...Online monetary gift options have been debated a lot in the past. With Covid-19, this might become more commonplace, similar to online meetings. It’s also easier for the sender. Amounts can be flexible.

➡ Service to give monetary gifts online

✅ Imposing a limit on guests at the ceremony venue

...Since it is smaller than the banquet hall.

✅ Splitting the ceremony into two parts or having it streamed live

...Having a traditional ceremony with family and a friend ceremony as a human-on ceremony.

✅ Do not sing hymns

...Or, possibly, only have them sung by the choir from a distance away from the guests.

✅ Do not have a thank-you bite.

...To ensure guests do not worry.

✅ Designate family members to escort during the change of attire

...To ensure guests do not worry.

✅ Take group photos while keeping distance

...Ideally in a spacious area, like a garden or outside. We all want to take group photos together...!

✅ If possible, complete the ceremony in the garden

...If both the ceremony and reception can take place outdoors, it would minimize crowding and feel pleasant. It resembles a foreign wedding.

✅ Do not have a buffet

...As it is not recommended by guidelines.

✅ Do not have after-parties

...As extended time will increase risk.

✅ Do not send guests off

...As sending off involves close interactions like handshakes and conversations. There’s also a chance of guests being intoxicated.

✅ Maintain space between guest seats during the ceremony

...Alternating between rows will make it easier to see and to take photos!

✅ Welcome drinks in bottles

...To prevent contamination from other people's saliva.

✅ Do not request live performances

...As gathering people for preparation can lead to perceptions of insufficient consideration.

✅ Do not have a flower shower

...To avoid loud exclamations of "Congratulations!" Instead, a simultaneous confetti shower might be a good alternative!

@eggfilm_miyazaki

Things that are often mentioned but should be considered carefully

✅ Have guests and staff wear face shields

✅ Have both guests and the bride and groom wear masks

✅ Divide guest tables with clear partitions

✅ Do not take group photos. If taking, wear masks during the photograph.

✅ Completely avoid table rounds (to reduce conversation during meals)

...and more

I want to have a perfect day, even within constraints!

Guidelines for weddings during the pandemic are set by each venue, but it’s not always mandatory to adhere strictly to 100% of those guidelines. Consulting and progressing with discussions is important.

It's crucial to determine how much risk you are willing to take or hedge against.

➡️ Here it is＊＊＊

I hope you can make the final decision while valuing various opinions and your own feelings, so you can welcome the best day!

@jewel_flower_antique