If you’ve been invited to a wedding during the COVID pandemic, you might be feeling torn. Being a wedding guest during COVID is going to be a different experience than in the past. It’s essential to ensure that the couple is following state and local guidelines when throwing their event before deciding whether or not you’ll attend.
Here’s how to take proper precautions, while still celebrating the happy couple during the COVID pandemic.
1. Think about your travel plans.
These days, traveling has its own inherent risks. It’s okay to RSVP no—and hope the couple live streams the wedding so you watch the proceedings. Think about the extent to which you can travel to attend a wedding. Will you have to fly or can you drive? Would you have to stay overnight and if so, where? Can you even travel to the wedding’s location based on state regulations. If these risks and restrictions make traveling to a wedding’s location difficult or impossible.
2. If you’re experiencing symptoms, stay home.
It’s better to be a last-minute no-show than potentially expose the couple and their guests to illness. This is a big one—if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, do not attend the wedding.
3. Follow instructions.
A COVID wedding will likely be quite different than any wedding you’ve attended in the past. Remember, the couple surely wishes their wedding could have taken place under different circumstances, and any griping from guests will just make them feel worse. So follow the rules with a smile, and focus your energy on celebrating, not complaining. You’ll have to wear a mask, stay distanced from other guests, practice good hand hygiene, and more. Do your best to roll with the punches, follow instructions from the couple, venue, and wedding professionals, and avoid any grumbling about the unique experience.
4. Wear a mask.
It’s an important safety measure, and bringing your own ensures you’ll have a mask that is comfortable, fits you properly—and matches your outfit. Masks are the most essential accessory this wedding season. While many couples are providing masks for their guests, you should still bring your own face covering.
5. Ask questions before RSVP-ing.
Check the couple’s wedding website to see if they’ve included a section about precautions they’ll be taking on the big day. If not, don’t be shy about reaching out to the couple directly to ask questions. First things first—if you think attending a wedding will compromise your safety, you are in a high-risk category, or that the couple isn’t following state or local gathering regulations, you should decline the invitation. If you feel comfortable with the couple’s plans, you can RSVP yes. Alternatively, if you don’t wish to follow the safety guidelines, you can decline.