Masks continue to be one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. So, is it worth it to enforce them on your big day?
Planning A Wedding During A Pandemic: Every wedding planning journey has its twists and turns. To make sure your path is as smooth as possible and to help you keep an eye out for tiny potholes and giant roadblocks, always follow the advice of your local health guidelines and the recommendations set forth by the CDC. The state of the pandemic can change quickly, but by staying informed, you can make it to your destination—wedded bliss—without a hitch.
While new COVID-19 variants might be putting a wrench in the planning process, there are plenty of precautions you can take to make sure that your wedding is just as safe (and fun!) as you originally hoped. According to the CDC, wearing masks—regardless of vaccination status—is still one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus.
If you’re currently planning your wedding and are wondering if you should enforce masks on your big day, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Depending on where you live, COVID-19 restrictions and event guidelines may vary tremendously. For example, while the Seattle area may be limiting indoor gatherings and reinstating mask mandates, events in small, midwestern towns will look very different. While it’s not the only thing to consider, paying attention to government mandates and the most current information being provided by both the WHO and CDC is an important piece of the puzzle.
When many people think of weddings, they think of 200-person gatherings in a crowded space. However, the definition of “wedding” continues to change, with elopements, mini-monies, and other creative gatherings taking center stage. If you’re having a large, indoor celebration, then the topic of enforcing masks may come up early in the planning process. However, for someone having a 20-person backyard wedding, enforcing masks may feel excessive or unnecessary. Make sure to think about your venue, event size, and geographical location before making any decisions.
Do you have friends and family traveling from out of state? Or maybe a member of your wedding party has an immune deficiency that puts them at higher risk? All of these factors come into play when you’re considering enforcing masks at your wedding. Maybe you have a few friends or family members that you feel might push back or choose not to oblige. If this is the case, try explaining to them why this is so important to you, and then designate someone—either a close friend or coordinator—to help manage resistant guests. While comfort is key, safety should always be the main priority.
Probably the most important question to ask yourself (and your partner) is where your comfort level lies. Would you feel most at ease if everyone was wearing masks indoors, or would you prefer to simply encourage it? Do you favor the idea of social distancing wristbands instead? Would you require guests to get the COVID-19 vaccine before attending? These are all important questions to ask yourself—and each other—as your union and the purpose of the day itself should always come first.
If you’re not looking to enforce masks, but are hoping for something in-between, there are always alternatives. This includes:
When it comes to COVID-19 precautions, it’s most important to follow CDC guidelines while also assessing your own comfort level when planning pandemic weddings. If you’re leaning toward enforcing masks, there are many resources to make the process easier. However, if you’re hoping for a mask-free wedding, there are various options worth considering. No matter what, there are still plenty of ways to make your big day a memorable one.