Plan a Safe and Secure Wedding Event Amid the Fear of Current Pandemic

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the coronavirus a pandemic and calling on countries to "take immediate and assertive action" in restraining the outbreak any further, various large events comprising of mass gatherings such as weddings, concerts, business events, and shows have been relinquished.

As a matter of fact, with the coronavirus outbreak spreading slowly and gradually around the world, the couples planning the weddings may be wondering whether to cancel their wedding or drop the plan of marrying in the coming months. The outbreak shows no signs of stopping anytime soon, as per the recent update more than 110,500 people have been infected worldwide and the numbers are increasing each passing day, and as per the reports more than 81 cases have been registered in India itself.

There’s no doubt that the coronavirus is likely to affect couples planning their wedding because of guests traveling in from different parts of the world. But with the increase in threat, numerous people will come in with multiple opinions but it might not be time just yet to cancel your wedding, because it depends on multiple factors and if you tick all the pointers before planning your wedding it may end up smoothly.

To plan a wedding amidst the light of coronavirus outbreak, it should be opted by choice and the first step towards planning is to ensure that the wedding planners fasten up their game by checking all their staff and vendors working at the venue. They need to ensure that the staffs are medically tested and assure that they are healthy and safe from the virus and in case of any symptoms, they should be given proper assistance. Also, all the vendors and staff working on the events should be encouraged to wear mask and keep their hands clean and sanitized at all times. They should also ensure the venues and hotel rooms are being properly sanitized according to the World Health Organization guidelines.

The wedding venue should have a good provision of screening all the guests. Specifically, the guests who’re traveling from abroad should be screened upon arrival. Also, the events should have a doctor on call at the wedding venue for smooth execution and assisting people right away in case of emergency.

One more important factor to avoid the virus from spreading is to conduct the wedding function in the outdoors. As per the reports, ventilation and light are crucial to decreasing the viral transmission of the virus. Also, try to distance people at the most possible extend by setting seats at the ceremony a few feet apart helping people to decrease the risk for transmission. As for the food options, opting for a plated meal instead of a buffet-style meal would also reduce the risk.

We would recommend to downsize the guest list and keep the events as intimate as possible. Have multiple plan Bs as with countries imposing travel restrictions and asking people to work from home, be prepared for delays in multiple segments of your wedding to-do list. Check if vendors can provide any backup options. Whether you’re having your wedding at home or abroad, be mindful of the venue. We would recommend rescheduling if the destination is coronavirus infected.

Also, the guests who have low immunity or are at risk of catching the virus or have been in direct contact with someone who has the virus must take precautions by not attending the large gatherings.

Couples should try to stay calm and proactively call their guests ahead of their wedding to confirm the guest. If you decide not to go ahead with the wedding, have an open conversation with the vendors. There are a lot of vendors and venue service providers who made the option available to postpone their wedding until the end of the year with no penalty and are flexible with regards to the number of tables in light of the current situation.

So, we would recommend everyone to plan accordingly and prioritize the health and safety of near and dear ones before planning a mass gathering amidst coronavirus outbreak. In hosting an event amid the rising virus, everyone needs to work together and take the precautions and be responsible at the same time.