Weddings amidst Covid-19: Do’s donts for organisers/attendees

Because weddings tick all the boxes that make certain events especially risky for transmission. Weddings usually involve:

large numbers of people, close together

people congregating for a long time

poor ventilation, if inside

aerobic activity, if dancing and music program and lots of singing or loud voices

alcohol (meaning potentially less COVID-safe behaviour)

sharing objects, food or drink.

So to reduce the risk during the pandemic, couples and guests need to consider these issues.

What to think about when planning

1. Smaller is better

The number of guests that can attend varies depending on where you live, the size of the venue, and whether the wedding is inside or outside. Many states have restrictions. Delhi is 50 now.

But even if you’re allowed 100 guests or more, generally speaking, the fewer the better to reduce your risk of transmission.

2. Outside is better

The best venue will be outdoors — open air, natural ventilation and lots of space. That’s because the risk of transmission indoors is around 18 times higher than outdoors.

If you choose an inside venue, ask about ventilation, because poor ventilation and crowding can increase the risk of transmission.

3. Keep it short

Instead of the usual ceremony followed by a reception that goes late into the night, keep it short. For example, a 60 minute sangeet/music and a 60 minute ceremony followed by an hour or two of celebration each day or just cut off the sangeet/music day.

We know the risk of COVID-19 spread is related to length of exposure, so the shorter the time spent in close contact — particularly in confined spaces — the lower the risk.

4. Plan for physical distancing

If there’s a sit-down meal, use only every second seat. So a table that normally sits ten will only accommodate five.

Place markings on the floor to indicate an appropriate distance to stand apart. And encourage guests to avoid congregating around entrances, exits, toilets and bars.

5. Tell everyone the rules

With every invitation, include this brief list of rules, so everybody knows what to expect:

please social distance by 1.5m, including when dancing

regularly use hand sanitiser available throughout the venue

stay home if you are unwell (All days).

That last one is particularly important. If guests feel unwell (even with mild, viral like symptoms), they must not attend.

And if you are unwell, cancel. it’s hard to cancel an event you’ve been looking forward to, but this important message remains the same. If you have any symptoms, stay at home and get tested at the earliest opportunity.

6. Ditch the vigorous dancing

Skip the loud music and vigorous dancing that happens in after parties or late night dance parties This only invites close contact combined with aerobic activity and loud vocalisation. You don’t want to turn this into a gym class because they too have been associated with outbreaks.

7. Watch the alcohol

Consider limiting the amount of alcohol served. Rather than the traditional endless supply of beer and wine, consider one or two classy cocktails per guest served on table. Ditch the bar basically.

The shorter duration of the celebration should also reduce the likelihood of poor decision-making that comes with drinking too much.

8. Tag everyone’s glass

Place an easily identifiable tag on each glass so there’s no confusion about which one belongs to whom. That way you minimise the chance of people drinking from someone else’s and transferring the virus via contaminated glasses.

Also no cheers with glasses. Raise them instead.

9. No buffet

Don’t share food or utensils. That means no buffets or serveries. Engage some wait staff to serve the food instead like drinks.

It’s a good idea to ensure your venue has a COVID-safe plan. This will guide the processes waiters and other staff serving your guests will follow.

10. Provide hand sanitiser

Put hand-sanitiser dispensers on every table, and at entrances and exits, at a minimum, and encourage your guests to use it.

How to be a COVID-safe wedding guest

If you’re lucky enough to be one of the select folks invited to the wedding, you have a responsibility to keep yourself and others safe.

Frequently use the hand sanitiser provided, or stay away altogether if you’re sick.

Follow the guidelines for your jurisdiction regarding mask use. But get some good cloth masks that match with your dress.

Don’t rush up to others expecting warm hugs. Respectfully keep your distance, and encourage others to do the same.

Have a safe wedding attendance! more