It’s been almost three years of up and down and up and down, and just as we greeted the New Year we’re bracing ourselves and holding our breath because of another surge. 2021 ended on a good note for many of us, weddings were celebrated left and right with the highest allowable venue capacity we’ve ever seen since the pandemic began and perhaps many of us thought it would extend into early 2022.
And now we’ve gone straight into 30% indoor capacity–strictly for the vaccinated–and 50% outdoor capacity under Alert Level 3 this January 2022. We admit: we too feel the setback just like you. Such a quick change of the scenario has made elopements seem like the easiest kind of wedding to plan with the least amount of heartbreak. But our culture doesn’t make it an easy decision for most. So if you’re planning your intimate pandemic wedding, here are a few reminders from us at Inspirations.ph:
1) Safety first.
No matter the Alert Level, the minimum safety protocols don’t change. Wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands must be followed at all times no matter the vaccination status or antigen test result. We’ve seen many celebrations and weddings who have added a disclaimer that an antigen test was administered for all the guests and suppliers and only those who are negative were cleared to enjoy the celebration, and while antigen testing provides another layer of protection from the virus, it does not allow for us to pick and choose which minimum safety protocols to follow once all test negative.
Hosts must take the burden of ensuring their parties are safe and if this is not one you’re interested in thinking about, we highly suggest for you to hire an experienced wedding planner. Follow the rules and the guidelines they set, as well as the venue’s, and the LGU’s. Perhaps the two most important things couples must prioritize on their wedding day today is first, that your union is legal, and second, that your celebration is safe.
Photo by Miriam Salgado from Pexels
2) Ventilation is king.
Plastic barriers will not protect guests from getting sick as much as good air flow or ventilation. This is why outdoor gatherings has repeatedly been deemed as much safer than indoor gatherings. CDC recommends outdoor versus indoor gatherings, regardless of vaccination status. It also recommends to “avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces”. No matter that Alert Level, good ventilation will protect both your guests and your suppliers.
If weather is a concern, look for venues with a ceiling and roof but is open air. Renting tents for garden or beach venues can minimize the problem that may arise if your wedding falls on the rainy season or forecast. High ceiling and wide open spaces would be a safer choice than small, tight spaces. And again, good ventilation must be paired with minimum safety protocols at all times no matter the positivity rate or daily number of cases.
3) Do what feels right for you, using the IATF and LGU guidelines as your ceiling.
An increase in venue capacity is always exciting, however if you and your fiancé are not yet comfortable to host a wedding that your chosen venue can accommodate, it’s okay. You don’t have to fill it up. You can invite as much–or as few–as you are ready to see and host. If that means the bride and groom, the officiant, and the witnesses only on Alert Level 2, do it and rock the heck out of it. No explanations necessary (but maybe talk to your parents!).
One tip we always share at Love Wins Live Forum, our weekly livestream airing on Facebook, is to plan your wedding with the least amount of guests you’re okay with. Any additional, depending on the Alert Level of your venue’s LGU will come out as a bonus. It’s more depressing to plan with the maximum in mind and possibly have to cut down your guest list when the situation changes. This way, you are able to approach wedding planning with a more grateful heart and outlook.
Photo from etsy.com
4) Over communicate the safety protocols to your guests.
Yes we’ve been in the pandemic for almost two years now but that’s just two years compared to majority of our lives we’ve lived without a pandemic. That means the reminder of safety protocols can and should be displayed as much as possible. You can also use a voice over to remind your guests to keep their masks on when guests are not actively eating or drinking. Request for your wedding planners to reach out to each guests days before the big day to remind guests that their health and safety come first. If anyone is unwell, the bride and groom will not take offense if a guest under the weather does not come to the wedding in person. Due to the nature of the coronavirus, reminding all your guests days before to check their health may be helpful.
Experts have repeatedly said that nothing is a hundred percent safe–there’s always a risk whenever we step out of our homes. May we remember as hosts, that our family, loved ones, and suppliers are risking the health of their family when they grace our events and weddings in person and may we never take such responsibility for granted.
Here’s to safe weddings overflowing with love and magic this 2022.
Team Inspirations PH
Lead photo by Hisu Lee from Pexels
