On New Year’s Eve, I indulged in a steak while relaxing at home, watched my friend tie the knot via Zoom, and enjoyed a soothing bath, all before 8:00 p.m. It was blissful. While I would have loved to witness her saying “I do” in person, especially in that stunning gold dress (she definitely didn’t skimp on style despite the pandemic), my cozy pajama-clad viewing experience was equally enjoyable.
In 2020, she and her fiancé were determined to get married. Their primary goal was to start their life together, so they adapted their plans to accommodate the pandemic. They sent out invites with a Zoom link, hosting a brief and sweet ceremony that allowed everyone to participate safely.
We’ve seen how weddings can become superspreader events; last summer, a small wedding near my hometown led to 176 COVID-19 infections and even one death. With just 68 guests present, the ripple effect was enormous. It’s alarming to think about how one gathering turned into a major outbreak.
Fortunately, potential wedding attendees seem to be thinking more cautiously. A recent survey conducted by Floridapanhandle.com surveyed 3,000 Americans regarding their comfort levels with weddings in 2021, revealing that 57% would not feel comfortable flying to a wedding this year under any circumstances.
Even if you plan a small event and enforce mask-wearing, it might be wise to reconsider if you’re hoping for a large turnout. While it’s understandable to want your dream wedding, the reality is that many people may decline to attend. A wedding inherently involves eating, drinking, and mingling, which can make social distancing difficult. Nobody wants to host an event that could inadvertently lead to illness or worse.
The survey also indicated that 21% of respondents would be okay flying for a family member’s wedding, and 22% would feel more comfortable if strict safety measures were in place. Surprisingly, only 15% would attend if there were a limited guest list. These statistics do not bode well for those hoping for a full celebration. Plus, the definition of “small” varies: for some, it might mean 50 guests, while for others, it could be as few as 15.
If you envision a grand celebration with all your loved ones, especially older relatives or those with health concerns, it might be best to postpone your special day. On the bright side, this delay can give you more time to save money and plan, not to mention the wealth of new inspiration waiting to be discovered on Pinterest in the meantime! And if you’re open to a virtual ceremony, it can be just as lovely. My friend’s online wedding proved that you can enjoy the moment without the stress of a physical gathering. I had a clear view of the bride, could wear what I liked, and they ensured their day wasn’t overshadowed by the pandemic.
We all need a bit of joy right now, and weddings bring a touch of magic. However, knowing that your celebration could become a superspreader event is disheartening. Since over half of your guests are likely hesitant about attending, it may be wise to consider celebrating later, or via a screen, prioritizing the health of your loved ones while still honoring your love story.
For more insights, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, and you can explore more about the importance of safety in gatherings on our other blog posts.
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Summary:
A recent survey indicates that over half of potential wedding guests are unwilling to travel for weddings in 2021 due to safety concerns related to COVID-19. Many couples are adapting their plans to include virtual ceremonies to ensure that friends and family can celebrate safely. With varying definitions of what constitutes a “small” wedding, couples may need to reconsider their plans if they hope for a larger turnout. Ultimately, prioritizing the health of loved ones while still celebrating love is essential.