Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Marcia
Expert March 2021

Do i attend during the pandemic?

Marcia, on June 30, 2020 at 10:57 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 29

Hi - so this question is from me as a guest, not a future bride. I was invited to a large (300-400 people) wedding this summer for a dear friend. The ceremony and reception will be indoors and will be a typical wedding. The wedding is in a place with very few cases, but I'm feeling a bit uneasy about going. At the same time, I don't want to skip the wedding and hurt my friend's feelings. I am not a high-risk individual, nor do I live with one. Anyone else in a similar position? What would you do?

29 Comments

Latest activity by Martha, on July 1, 2020 at 11:24 AM
  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    That would be a hard pass for me. You don't have to be high risk to catch the virus, have permanent damage, or pass it on to someone who is high risk.

    • Reply
  • T
    Devoted May 2021
    Trinity ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    If you don’t feel comfortable, I wouldn’t attend. Speak to her about it. It’s a scary time and I am sure she will understand.
    • Reply
  • Sexypoodle
    Master October 2021
    Sexypoodle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    You mentioned feeling uneasy and that’s you’re honest reaction. So is your friend’s wedding more important than your personal comfort and possible exposure? Only you can answer that for yourself. For some people it’s yes, they’ll take the risk. For others it’s no because they don’t feel comfortable.
    • Reply
  • Margaret
    Master October 2020
    Margaret ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Ultimately it's your decision. I'm one who who would likely have to pass on event this size. I would hope your friend would've downsized, so that leaves it up to you to do the responsible thing.

    • Reply
  • H
    Master July 2019
    Hannah ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Yeah, that would be a no from me. As you can see from many places recently, large events like that have been responsible for many outbreaks. It literally takes 1 person who is infected and asymptomatic to spread the virus through that wedding like wildfire. Your friend has the right to host her wedding as scheduled if she is complying with state guidelines, but she has to understand and be accepting of people choosing their personal health and safety over attending her wedding. I live in NJ. I know many people who have had it. I know many hospital workers who have seen how horrible it is. I literally cannot fathom being at a 300 person indoor event anytime in the next year honestly.
    • Reply
  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I don't see anything wrong with you skipping and just sending a wedding gift.

    • Reply
  • Julie
    VIP February 2020
    Julie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    This would definitely be a "no" from me. Like pp, I would feel so uncomfortable being around 150 people OUTSIDE let alone twice that many indoors. Also, with that many guests, what are the chances that you're going to have any more than a "congrats!" Moment? I only had 60 people at mine (including parents and BP) and I didn't even get to really speak with everyone.
    • Reply
  • Kenzie
    Dedicated August 2020
    Kenzie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Where is that even allowed? All the CDC guidelines say no large events over 250, so that person is very irresponsible. I am basically being forced to have my 200 person wedding in August because my venue won't allow me to postpone. So my answer would be no, absolutely not with that many people.

    • Reply
  • Chelsea G
    Devoted June 2021
    Chelsea G ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    There is no right or wrong answer. It depends if you feel comfortable or not and possibly your relationship with this person. I am sure they would be understanding and I'm sure not all her guests will attend/feel the same way as you.

    • Reply
  • Samantha
    Expert October 2021
    Samantha ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    If in the event you do choose to attend, wear a mask and have a back up for after dinner. Have your own personal hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Do not let anyone hug or kiss you and maintain a safe distance. If not, ask if she is thinking of streaming the wedding.
    • Reply
  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    300-400 people is A LOT! Even if it is an area with few cases, there is no way to know where the other guests are traveling in from. I would not feel comfortable attending a wedding like you have described. I understand not wanting to hurt your friends feelings, but I really hope she would understand under these circumstances. I'm also shocked she is moving forward with such a large wedding!

    • Reply
  • M
    VIP January 2019
    Maggie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I agree with everyone else that you should follow your instincts and skip this event.

    "At the same time, I don't want to skip the wedding and hurt my friend's feelings." First, a real friend would understand that a pandemic isn't your fault and not take your non-attendance personally. And second, with that many guests, it's not like she can actually spend time with everyone. She will not even notice you aren't there.

    • Reply
  • A
    Super December 2020
    Anais ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I feel like any bride who is lucky enough to have a wedding this year should be understanding that some people might not feel comfortable enough to come.
    As long as you don’t make her feel guilty for still having her wedding and you are honest and sweet with her, I think it would be okay to say you’re not comfortable attending. You could make plans with her to celebrate her marriage afterwards just the two of you and get her a nice wedding gift.
    So if you feel comfortable going, go and if you don’t feel comfortable going, don’t. Your friend should understand!
    • Reply
  • MOB So Cal
    January 2019
    MOB So Cal ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I agree with others, as much as I would feel bad having to decline a good friend's wedding invitation, under these circumstances, this would be a hard no. It is difficult to imagine where this is even allowed right now. Early on in the pandemic, one of the biggest "super-spreader" events was a funeral in a small town in rural Georgia. One unknowingly infected person resulted in dozens of illnesses and several deaths, and a rural health system completely overwhelmed. A place with "few cases" now, could easily become a hotspot as a result of a single event. I feel terrible for couples who feel they have no choice but to move forward, but at the same time as a guest I wouldn't be comfortable attending.... Good luck! Smiley heart

    • Reply
  • Hanna
    VIP June 2019
    Hanna ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    No matter how close the friend, that would be a huge no for me. You couldn't pay me a million dollars to attend a 300-400 person wedding this summer! It only takes one person to spread the virus, so multiply that by hundreds and this is a recipe for potential disaster. I'm honestly shocked that your friend is going through with such a large reception during these unprecedented times. If she is a true friend, she will completely understand your choice to decline, if that's the decision you make

    • Reply
  • Marcia
    Expert March 2021
    Marcia ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    I remember this story! I am surprised any venue is even taking this on, but my friend told me that the venue accepted the guest list and assured them that it is legal under state law. I have to travel there, so I will say that I do worry about getting it and then giving it to someone during my travels

    • Reply
  • T
    Expert May 2010
    Theresa ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I wouldn't attend. Places with very few cases become places with a lot of cases because of large gatherings. That one infected person can quickly spread it to everyone else in an indoor gathering of 300-400 people. Then they all go on to spread it... no thanks.

    • Reply
  • D
    June 2021
    Dj Tanner ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    If you don’t feel comfortable then it’s probably best if you stay home. I personally would have no problems attending. That sounds like a huge fun awesome time! I think There also will probably be many people debating on whether they plan on going or not and she may even get 50% of her RSVPs back with a no. If there are no restrictions in place where you are then it has to be a personal decision. I’m sure the high-risk people probably won’t even attend and as long as people keep good distance I’m sure everything will be fine. My state was a high hit covid area and they have just recently gave the OK for large weddings again.
    • Reply
  • A
    Super February 2020
    Andrea ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I wouldn’t risk it. I found out 2 days ago that someone I worked with before COVID is positive, and he might have infected people before he showed symptoms in the office because they were opening up too!
    • Reply
  • Nikki
    Devoted September 2021
    Nikki ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    This what state is allowing this we are at 50 now.
    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

WeddingWire article topics