Covid 19 sure had changed the face of wedding ceremonies in 2020!!! Many of the couples who have booked with me have moved their wedding date to 2021, and fortunately I have been able to accommodate them. Some couples have chosen to have what we now call ‘micro’ weddings. They have pared down the guest list to family and a few close friends. Currently you are allowed 100 people outdoors for a wedding ceremony, (if you are using a tent, 2 sides must remain open at all times to be considered ‘outdoor’ and 50 for an indoor ceremony, all guests, including the wedding party must wear a mask. The couple can take the mask off while exchanging vows only! A consideration: if you are planning on an outdoor ceremony, with no tent with over 50 people, think of what you will do if it suddenly rains and only 50 are allowed indoors. It is assumed that ALL guests feel well prior to attending. This includes the wedding party. Many couples have chosen a live-feed so those unable to attend are able to watch. There have recently been many cases of Covid contracted at weddings, so PLEASE follow the Ministry of Health guidelines.
I am going to share with you my experiences have been like and the changes I have included to keep myself, the happy couple and the guests safe.
I arrive with my mask on and meet the couple from a 6′ distance, *(this feels very awkward standing 6′ apart and not even being able to shake hands). I find a quiet spot to fill my paperwork and we proceed with the ceremony. Again it feels awkward having the couple 6′ away from me. The wedding party can enter as they normally would and as I mentioned before, the couple maintains a 6′ distance from me. I usually (if I feel safe) will take off my mask during the ceremony whether indoors or outdoors. When it came to signing the documents and register, I put colour coded stickies where each person had to sign and keep my distance. When the ceremony is over, I put my mask back on, complete the paper work, congratulate the couple and say my goodbyes. I have felt safe and comfortable at the weddings I have done this season, some were as small as a wedding party of 3 (photographer was witness #2) to 45 people outdoors. The main difference for me has been socially distancing especially from the couple.
I have the easy part… the happy couple has had to deal with so many stresses with Covid, vendors, locations, $, guests, to postpone or not. I feel for them. This is not an easy time. If you are planning on getting married in the next 6-12 months, or if you are postponing your wedding to later 2021, I wish you smooth planning, a wonderful wedding day and a ‘Happily Ever After”