We get it: you’ve envisioned your wedding day for as long as you can remember. You want to publicly celebrate your love, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Every couple deserves the wedding of their dreams.
However, if you’re choosing to host your ideal wedding during a global pandemic—one that could easily turn into a nightmare for others—you might want to reconsider your priorities. It’s selfish to put lives at risk just so you can have a moment of applause for your relationship.
Imagine what would typically ruin a wedding: a bird leaving its mark on your attire, an unexpected downpour ruining the day, or even a candelabra mishap leading to a fire. Those scenarios, while unfortunate, pale in comparison to the true disasters that can arise during these unprecedented times—like your wedding becoming a COVID superspreader event.
Consider this: at a wedding in rural Maine last August, just 62 attendees—slightly over the gathering limit—led to 177 infections and eight deaths. Among the deceased was a woman named Laura who had been isolating to stay safe, only to contract the virus through someone who attended that wedding. Her husband, Tom, fought the virus himself but was left without his partner of 30 years. Their lives, along with many others, were irrevocably altered because of the reckless decisions made by a few.
Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah described it as “a giant tube of glitter” that spreads far and wide, leaving devastation in its wake. And this wasn’t an isolated incident; a wedding in Cutchogue, New York, just weeks later led to 27 guests, two employees, and a vendor contracting COVID, putting 156 people under quarantine. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has noted that smaller gatherings now pose a greater risk than larger ones.
Just because you’ve trimmed your guest list or opted for an outdoor venue doesn’t guarantee safety. Remember the infamous White House event that turned into a superspreader? Temperature checks won’t catch pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic cases that could wreak havoc.
It’s a grim thought: your wedding could lead to actual death. But think about it from a more self-centered perspective (because let’s be honest, if you’re planning a wedding during a pandemic, that’s what you are): Is this how you want your union to be remembered? As a catalyst for a disease outbreak? What a terrible omen for your new life together!
Your friends and family cherish you and want to celebrate your love, but asking them to risk their lives for a party is unnecessary. Wait until it’s safe to gather again. If your love isn’t strong enough to endure this waiting period, then maybe you’re not meant to be together in the first place.
For further insights on navigating relationships and mental health, check out this post. If you’re considering the journey of parenthood, this guide is also a valuable resource. Lastly, for anyone looking into fertility options, Healthline offers excellent information on IVF and other related topics.