On New Year’s Eve, I savored a delicious steak in my sweats, witnessed my friend’s wedding via Zoom, and then indulged in a relaxing bath. I was tucked into bed by 8:00 p.m. It was a dream come true.
While I would have loved to be there in person to see my friend in her stunning gold dress (she certainly didn’t hold back on her special day despite not having a grand wedding), I equally enjoyed the experience from the comfort of my home.
Let’s be honest—everything feels better without the constraints of Spanx, heels, and a tight hairstyle.
My friend and her fiancé knew they wanted to tie the knot in 2020, and despite the pandemic, they were determined to start their life together. Acknowledging the situation, they adapted their plans and sent out wedding invitations with a link to their Zoom ceremony, allowing everyone to join in safely.
We’ve all heard the grim statistics about weddings becoming superspreader events. Last summer, a small wedding nearby led to an outbreak that infected 176 individuals and resulted in one death. With only 68 guests present, the event became a catalyst for the virus’s spread. It’s a stark reminder of how a single gathering can have devastating consequences.
Fortunately, many potential wedding guests are rethinking their attendance. A recent survey conducted by Floridapanhandle.com, which polled 3,000 Americans, revealed that 57% of people wouldn’t feel comfortable flying to a wedding in 2021 under any circumstances.
So, if you’re planning an intimate celebration and hoping for a larger turnout, it may be wise to reconsider. While there’s no need to abandon your dream wedding, it might be best to delay it for a while. A wedding is inherently a social event where guests eat, drink, and interact. It’s easy to let your guard down and forget about the ongoing pandemic. No one wants to be responsible for hosting an event that leads to illness or worse.
The survey also indicated that 21% of respondents would feel comfortable traveling for a family member’s wedding, while 22% would consider it if proper safety measures, like mask-wearing, were in place. However, only 15% would attend a wedding with a limited guest list. These statistics highlight the challenges for those hoping for a full celebration, especially as everyone has different interpretations of what constitutes a “small” gathering.
If you’re set on having a big celebration that includes older relatives or guests with health concerns, it may be prudent to postpone your wedding. On the upside, this additional time allows you to save money and plan better. You can always exchange vows privately and stream the event for friends and family, as my friend did—proving that a virtual wedding can be both beautiful and safe.
With all the uncertainty, the last thing we need is to turn our joyous occasion into a superspreader event. Since over half of your intended guests are likely to share these concerns, it may be best to plan for a later, safer date or to celebrate through a screen.
For more insights on navigating weddings during this time, check out this other blog post.
Summary:
A recent survey indicates that over half of potential wedding guests are uncomfortable attending weddings in 2021 due to health concerns related to the pandemic. Many couples are rethinking their plans, opting for smaller celebrations or virtual ceremonies to ensure safety. With the ongoing risks of superspreader events, it may be wise for those planning weddings to consider postponing their celebrations for a later date.
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