When it comes to weddings these days, the hot conversation topic generally involves vaccines. As the bride and groom, you can alleviate confusion by clearly communicating with your guests before the event. Whether you ask all guests to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a recent Covid-19 test, here are some wedding etiquette conversation tips for ensuring a safe and joyful wedding celebration.
Clearly Communicate Your Wedding Etiquette Vaccine Expectations in Writing
If your requirement for attendance is full vaccination, it’s essential to communicate this in various ways before the ceremony. Include information about your decision on your Save the Date card, wedding invitations and wedding website. If you’ve already sent your invitations out and are worried about a lack of communication on your part, send an additional note about your decision to require a vaccine in order to attend your nuptials.
Clearly state what type of proof is required to attend your wedding. For example, do guests need to show proof of their vaccination card upon arrival? If a guest shows evidence of a negative Covid test, can they attend even if they aren’t vaccinated? Proper wedding etiquette requires you to set well-defined guidelines so there are no surprises on the day of your wedding.
Offer Alternative Options for Non-Vaccinated Guests
The reality is you will likely have some guests who may not fall under the vaccinated category. So, you want to give them a Plan B by inviting them to attend virtually. While this may take additional time or funds, it is a great way to ensure everyone you love and care about gets to celebrate your special day with you, even from afar.
Don’t Drop Your Guard Even If You Don’t Have a Specific Vaccine Rule
If you don’t have any set guidelines for vaccinated and non-vaccinated guests, health and safety should still be a big part of your consideration. Here are wedding etiquette tips for hosting a celebration without a specific rule.
Host Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception Outdoors
If both vaccinated and non-vaccinated guests will attend your wedding, it is safest and most comfortable to host your wedding outdoors. Doing so provides more room for social distancing and falls in line with CDC recommendations for large gatherings. If you already have an indoor venue, consider condensing your guest list to VIP family members and friends only. Then, when restrictions for unvaccinated guests lift, plan a large gathering to celebrate your marriage with everyone.
Write and Distribute a Detailed Safety Plan for Guests and Vendors
Although life is beginning to look normal, Covid is not gone, so it is important to follow CDC guidelines during your wedding. To ensure your wedding is a safe gathering, put together a detailed safety plan for you, your wedding guests and your vendors to follow. It should include wearing masks and social distancing where appropriate. Distribute this plan before and during your wedding to encourage guests to do their part in keeping themselves and others safe.
Navigating Wedding Etiquette for the Covid Vaccine
Choosing how to address your vaccine requirements is a big decision. Have a candid conversation with your fiancé and close family. While each person is entitled to their own opinion, do what you believe is right for everyone involved. This is a unique time for everyone and it’s important to communicate your feelings with kindness, compassion and understanding.
For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like How Weddings Have Changed During the Pandemic. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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