What’s Next? COVID Vaccines & 2021 Weddings

2020 is definitely a challenging year for all the brides-to-be. But how about weddings in 2021? What does the COVID vaccine might change how all the brides respond to their wedding in 2021? Whether you are a 2020 Bride who postpones the wedding to 2021 or a recent-engaged to-be-wed, this article helps you better prepare for the upcoming wedding.

AFAROSE TIPS: Always make sure you check the federal, state, and local regulations applicable before and at the time of your event (30 days, 60 days, and 90 days rule.) The regulations and guidelines vary by location and can change rapidly.

Guest Lists

Our Surveys show that many couples start looking for a safer wedding by asking their guests to get a COVID vaccine before attending their events; this seems like a good approach as it decreases the risk of health complications. But it is not as simple as it sounds. A full immunity requires 7 to 14 days after the second dose, which means the guests will need to get a vaccine at least a month (or even more) ahead. Nevertheless, some people are not completely comfortable with the vaccines and are indeed not allowed to attend. This causes the whole guest count to be challenging to plan. While we are very excited about the vaccine and how it would become widely available, there are a few important factors still being researched. The official report shows that the COVID vaccines are highly effective in protecting the individual from getting coronavirus; however, it is not yet confirmed their ability to prevent or reduce transmission. Because of this factor, experts recommend keeping a smaller guest list for weddings in 2021 when possible. It is also recommended to have masks and social distancing between different households.

Summary: A small guest list is safer & easier to manage. Masks & social distancing are still necessary regardless.

Wedding Venues & Locations

Hosting any in-person gathering increases the risks of getting coronavirus. In particular, a large indoor gathering has the highest risk of virus transmission according to the CDC. Our industry expert suggests couples having an outdoor venue for a lower-risk option if they must host the event. This is because outdoor venues ensure an open-air and well-ventilated environment and reduce the possibility of transmission. Thankfully, outdoor wedding venues have increasingly gained popularity these years. Couples have many different styles and themes to choose from. One of the most popular 2021 wedding trends is tents, and these are absolutely great structures for outdoor weddings. On the other hand, It is also recommended to minimize the travel when possible. A local outdoor wedding venue will be a great choice in comparison to an out-of-state venue.

Summary: Local outdoor wedding venues are recommended.

Wedding Planning & Backups

There are still many factors that need to be research about COVID vaccines, and yet the safety regulations and recommendations change rapidly. Experts are not sure how long the immunity lasts after getting the vaccines. So, as you work on your wedding planning, be sure to think about the questions below and always prepare a backup plan. The good news is you are probably already familiar with all the possible outcomes and just need to check the regulations continuously.

• Have you had a COVID vaccine? Do you require guests to have it?
• What is the likelihood of rescheduling the wedding?
• What is your cancellation policy? Is wedding insurance necessary?
• What to do if you have to postpone the wedding more than once? How do I stay communicate with the guests?
• Should you downsize your guest list?

2021 will be a popular year for weddings. According to The Knot Survey, 73% of 2020 engaged couples have selected 2021 for their wedding date. We are all looking forward to safely enjoying group gatherings again. Are you planning to have your wedding or attend a wedding in 2021? Please continue to monitor your local guidelines and the progress of the COVID vaccine timeline. Afarose wishes you make safe choices to protect yourself and all your loved ones.