Covid Test Requirement Phrasing

To increase the safety of all our guests, we ask that everyone get a covid test within 24-48 hours (or however long before) prior to the wedding. Please email negative results to [insert email address] or bring proof at the door. If you are feeling unwell, we ask that you please stay home [and join us virtually] (if you're having a virtual option).

Honestly, there is not a way to word this without sounding stuck up and holier than thou. If you're insistent on this, you could just write "Negative COVID test required for entry" in the details section. Don't add any fluff or cute phrasing. It's very patronizing. You're going to offend folks. Obviously you can do what you like, but don't be surprised if you get a lot of declines. Are you planning to pay for everyone's test?

View Quoted Comment Thank you!!

View Quoted Comment This is perfect I think keeping it short, respectful and to the point is the best way to handle it. And I wouldn’t worry about you graciously caring for the health and safety of yourselves and your guests “offending” anyone. If they are offended by a close friend or family member’s concern for their loved ones safety, then they are the problem honey; not you.

I think Hannah's phrasing is perfect! It's clear and to-the-point but doesn't feel abrasive at all!! 🌟

View Quoted Comment I agree this sounds great!


OP thank you for having a safe wedding. I don’t think your request is at all offensive and I don’t think you’ll receive declines over it - most responsible people will be relieved and happily attend knowing this extra precaution has been taken.

I think you've found some good phrasing suggestions in the comments above.

Also, I think its 100% appropriate to request that guests attending your wedding follow safety precautions during a pandemic, whether that is requiring proof of vaccination, a negative Covid test, masking, or other requirements (or a combination thereof). If you have specific test requirements (taken within a certain timeframe of your wedding, PCR vs antigen/rapid) just be sure that is clear and reasonable.

Also make sure you have a plan for enforcing this rule - a dedicated person to check test results on site or submitted beforehand. You do not want to be the one doing this shortly before your wedding - it will get way too cumbersome. Additionally have a clear plan of action if someone shows up without test results. Hopefully you won't encounter this but whoever is managing accountability for testing should know whether they need to turn the guest away, provide and administer a rapid test on site, etc.

If you are allowing very young children to be invited, consider how reasonable testing is for them too. I've personally never witnesses someone administer a Covid test to an infant or preschooler, for example, so just make sure whatever you are requesting is doable!

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Thanks! Our planner will be the one that people email results to. We will have some rapid tests on site as an option if for whatever reason someone doesnt have their test results or just didnt take one. And luckily we wont have kids under 12!

Just out of curiosity, with the new highly contagious Omnicron variant, what happens if a lot of your guests test positive? The symptoms are supposed to be mild, so they may not realize they even have it until testing. Would the venue/caterers offer discounts? Or, are you requiring this on your own, and not because of the venue, so would just have pay anyway?

View Quoted Comment We live in an area where vaccine/testing is pretty common to go do things. Although, at this point it doesn't apply to private events. We are requiring this on our own, knowing it could mean some people may test positive (including us) we are not asking our catering to discount if covid prevents some people from attending last minute. But we also have a good amount of family that are really anxious about covid and/or are going through medical things where having a testing requirement makes the majority of guests feel comfortable and safe coming to our wedding. Including those we couldn't imagine the day without

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Oh, no! I hadn't even thought about you and FH. That would be awful. Here's hoping that doesn't happen. Thanks for the explanation, and I do hope you have minimal, or no, positives for the big day!

View Quoted Comment Thanks! Appreciate the support!

View Quoted Comment FYI I implemented this and didn’t get a single cancellation because of the testing protocol. In fact many of my guests reached out to say they were grateful for the additional layer of caution. Just because you personally don’t like the idea doesn’t mean that other people’s guests will cancel. It likely just depends on your crowd and how covid conscious they are.

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Thanks for this! Our invites went out and we've had a ton of people who are relieved we are taking the extra precaution!