Planning With COVID Restrictions

JESSICA WILLIAMS

For the past year we have all been living in a tumult of changing rules while the world tries to slow the trajectory of covid-19. Countless couples postponed their 2020 weddings in hopes that 2021 would be calmer and carry fewer gathering restrictions. As we move into the fifth month of 2021, things don’t seem much clearer. Will couples be allowed to invite everyone on their desired guest lists? Will they be able to gather indoors for a ceremony or reception? Will social distance have to be maintained among guests? Will masks be required? There is so much we don’t know and it is hugely frustrating. We understand and we feel it too.

With so many variables, your vendors may be feeling extra stress as they hear rumblings of couples who are considering ignoring public health orders. This could be anything from inviting more guests than are allowed, to skipping the masks, or simply turning a blind eye when rules are broken. We understand the intense disappointment you may be feeling in having to rearrange your wedding plans (yet again), but you may want to consider the implications if you’re debating flouting the rules. To be blunt, your vendors may back out at the last minute, or even leave part way through your wedding. They have a right to refuse unsafe work and many vendors are adding covid clauses to their contracts. Vendors are businesses which are run by people; people who likely cannot afford to be pinned with hefty fines if they are hosting or involved in events that go against Public Health Orders. Your photographer, for example, could find themselves in an uncomfortable situation if they have to take pictures of your over-crowded event. A booked venue would hate to be in the position of having to cancel your reception or turn away you and your wedding party when too many people arrive. What may feel like a valid option in the moment could end up being disastrous in the long run.

While it is frustrating that we are still dealing with this, rather than putting the people we care about at risk we need to find creative solutions. Here are a few options you can - and probably should - investigate:

Get insurance!! Ask any insurance broker about their options. Wedding insurance has been around for years and now it’s a must have item to ensure you aren’t out of pocket if things go sideways.

Plan for your ideal day as if there will be no restrictions but also plan several backup scenarios. Based on what Saskatchewan has done previously, we suggest the following as a starting place.

Plan A: No restrictions. Invite everyone as usual; loved ones would rather be uninvited than not invited at all. Include a note on your invitations indicating that

adjustments will be made for the restrictions at the time. Then set up a website to direct them to for updates on the situation.

Plan B: 150 people at the ceremony and 30 at the reception. Have a list of people who will need new invitations to your virtual options. Have a plan for the meal that will follow restrictions. With fewer people, you will likely be saving some money, so come up with a plan for what to do with that as well. This could be a postponed reception, a honeymoon, a house, or something completely different! Plan C: 30 people maximum and no meals. In this case, have another list of guests who will need the virtual ceremony invites. You will also have even more extra cash to allocate elsewhere.

Know the date you need to make a final decision by. This will probably be around 2-4 weeks out, depending on your vendor agreements. If Plan B or C means postponing the whole thing, that’s totally fine! Consider outlining your backup plans on your website so people can attempt to plan ahead. When sending un-vitations, the only ‘rule’ you should follow is to send it the same way you sent the original invite (mail, email, etc.). Provide virtual options. (See DETAILS February 2021 for a full list of virtual options).

By keeping the rights and safety of your guests in the forefront, your wedding can be a beautiful bright spot in the year for your family and friends.

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