COVID-19 Prevention Measures: What Was Done? How Were They Communicated to Guests? What Would Guests Appreciate?

2020.08.31 published

Consultations from Brides-to-Be＊

********

I am planning to have my wedding in October.

I included information about COVID-19 measures when sending the invitations, but I intend to send a re-confirmation about the wedding and the measures two weeks prior.

I would like to hear from brides who have had their ceremonies about the efforts or considerations they implemented in their last-minute notifications!

Also, from the perspective of a guest, what kind of notifications would provide reassurance? If there are any details that would make you feel better, please let me know.

********

【Response 1】

The venue conducted temperature checks and health screenings, and they distributed sanitizing wipes at each table.

We distributed two alcohol sanitizers and one face shield per person at each table!

We also reduced the number of guests per table and informed them in advance.

【Response 2】

I also plan to have my wedding in October!

Besides the venue's infection measures, I am considering providing wet wipes or hand sanitizers for each person or at each table.

(Or possibly provide hand sanitizer.)

【Response 3】

I recently finished my wedding.

I prepared a message in advance and sent it directly via LINE to the guests who were scheduled to attend two weeks prior:

- COVID-19 measures at the venue

- Additional COVID-19 measures we are planning

- A reconfirmation of attendance based on this information

I considered sending a letter, but since letters take time for replies, I decided to send it directly via LINE. 😂

【Response 4】

I have not yet had my ceremony, but I am scheduled to have it next week.

I wrote a bullet-point list of what measures we are taking and stated that attendance is not mandatory, then reconfirmed attendance.

Everyone has different feelings and perceptions about this situation; if you don’t understand this, it may become mentally challenging.

I’m cheering for you!

【Response 5】

Congratulations on your wedding!

I also struggled with COVID-19 measures a month before my ceremony and planned to discuss as many measures as possible with the venue.

The measures I plan to take include:

Sending a pamphlet from the venue about their measures along with the invitation, and contacting each individual with details of the measures and asking them to express any concerns.

As we near the final headcount, I will inform them:

✅ We will provide spare masks and mask cases for everyone, hand sanitizer for everyone, and distribute handmade face shields.

✅ There will be no introductions from relatives (during intermissions).

✅ No guest book signing at the reception; gloves will be provided for the reception staff.

✅ There will be no buffet.

✅ To avoid crowds, tables will be separated.

✅ There will be no flower shower after the ceremony.

✅ Reception will be guided sequentially.

I plan to communicate the above.

I also considered photo booths and games, but I decided to cancel anything that could be touched by a large number of people. I confirmed with the venue that their ventilation calculations meet the standards of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

There may still be things to improve, but I intend to take every measure I can think of!

I hope you create wonderful memories!

【Response 6】

A close friend is going to have a reception in October, and I’m not the bride but a former bride myself. 🙇‍♀️

Before I received the invitation from my friend, I was personally contacted in advance via LINE, which made me feel valued as a guest.

I think the couple must be the ones who are the most anxious about their guests’ concerns, hence their communication.

They mentioned, "We will include details about COVID-19 measures in the invitation, but what we decided in today’s meeting is… ◯◯ (list of COVID-19 measures), and we apologize but we will need your cooperation." I, of course, agreed. ☺️

I believe that any form of communication that shows consideration for the guests is appreciated. I wish you a wonderful ceremony!＊

【Response 7】

I am going to my first wedding since the pandemic began!

It feels rude to wear a mask at a celebratory occasion, but...

On the wedding day, even if I dress up, should I still wear a mask?

I feel embarrassed about this typically Japanese way of thinking, but I’m afraid I’ll be looked at strangely if I don’t wear a mask.

I would appreciate it if an announcement could be made stating "Please wear a mask except during dining."

I apologize for being unable to think of this myself.

【Response 8】

Even if I put on makeup, the mask messes it up, which I dislike.

I want to wear lipstick, and I'm considering participating with a mouth shield...

Would it be strange to join with a mouth shield?

【Response 9】

As a guest, I want a clear answer on whether the event will take place or not.

In July, I had a wedding I was invited to and planned to attend. The couple was set to have their wedding until right before...

They ended up saying three days before the wedding, either because of concerns from social media or pressure from their parents, "We’re going to postpone it." It was a shock.

What should I do with the wedding dress I bought... I spent about 20,000 yen on it.

I also had to cancel my hair appointment that was already booked, feeling awkward because I canceled at the last minute at my regularly visited salon.

I just want them to either do it or not and not waver in their judgment.

【Response 10】

I sent out a notice via LINE two weeks prior.

The content confirmed that the wedding will go on as planned and checked if guests still intend to attend or have any concerns. I provided details about infection measures.

【Response 11】

An additional message about "We have infection control measures at our venue!" is more effective than an announcement that informed about "Please use the contact tracing app" or "Please do ○○ (hand sanitizer or temperature checks on the day)!" as it makes the couple's concern evident.

Invitees are likely to trust the hosts (the couple) more than the venue... leading them to think, "Oh, the couple is concerned about this."

【Response 12】

I personally don’t need detailed information about infection measures!

Rather, I would feel more positively if the couple openly stated, "We’ve struggled with this a lot but we’re going to have the wedding."

In the end, infection control depends on everyone’s handwashing and gargling.

Statistically speaking, on such a special day as a wedding, I find it unclear whether all the various measures have necessary meaning or not, and I would rather hear their true feelings so that I can celebrate with them.

【Response 13】

We were scheduled to have our ceremony on April 26, but it was postponed due to a state of emergency, and we were finally able to hold it on August 2.

At the time of sending the invitations, COVID-19 had not yet been a major concern, so we didn’t send out any notifications.

As the day approached, I asked the planner whether disinfectants could be prepared at the venue and whether wearing masks except during dining and photography was allowed.

By July, there were no guests who would decline to attend, and since it seemed a hassle to send out the invitations again, we decided to announce the measures, placement of disinfectants, and mask-wearing via LINE and Instagram stories.

【Response 14】

I also have a relative's wedding in October, and I am unsure whether I should wear a mask on that day or not. I would like to wear one for infection protection, but there will be food served at the reception...

Therefore, as a guest, I would appreciate it if the couple or the venue set a specific rule like, "Please wear a mask during the ceremony. At the reception, if you leave the table or are not eating, please wear a mask as much as possible." 😊

All the answers have been shared.*

COVID-19 measures for weddings.

✅ As the hosts (the couple), here is what we are doing!

and

✅ From the participants (guests), here’s how we’d like things to be done and what we were happy about.

I have shared all the content I received.

@traveler__wedding

I pray that wonderful weddings continue to increase across Japan!♡