Temperature checks at reception?

The covid test isn’t a terrible idea but it isn’t super feasible. Just cause In the time that you wait for results, you might actually get covid. It takes days to get your covid results.

Temperature checks are very popular, but don't seem to be very effective.

As Melle said, the test results take days. I'd talk to her, privately, and ask her what precautions she's taking. If you feel they aren't adequate, I'd encourage her to stay home.

If she were coming to my state, she'd be required to quarantine, does Ohio have restrictions like that?

I wouldn’t. But it’s completely up to you.

If you do temp checks, I would pass them off as a venue requirement. I don’t think it’s appropriate or effective to ask someone to take a test to attend your wedding.

I put on my website that the reception reserves the right for temperature heck’s as well as other potential health screenings. I’m doing whatever it takes to make it happen this time.

I think temperature checks give people a false sense of security, because many people who get covid don't experience symptoms, not all who do have symptoms have fevers, and there are reasons other than covid (especially in the summer) for people to have elevated body temperatures. Asking people to stay home if they're exhibiting any symptoms might be more effective. I don't know what the testing situation is like in Ohio, but if it's easy (and free) to get tested, and your bridesmaid is arriving a few days before the wedding, asking her to be tested when she arrives seems okay to me. A negative covid test doesn't mean she 100% doesn't have it, but it does mean that she *probably* doesn't have it. Just be aware that there's a risk that she may not have her test results on time, or that she tests positive. In that case would you uninvite her?


It seems like you're taking this seriously, so you probably already are, but please require masks.

I attended a relatives wedding yesterday and they gave temperature checks to everyone entering the venue (ceremony and reception held in the same place), they had a sanitation station and a box of disposable mask for anyone who forgot theirs and no one forgot. It looked nice with everyone in mask (I'm in Florida and we are taking it very serious). The bridal party all had on matching masks that coordinated with the wedding colors. I liked the fact that guest actually wore mask that looked great with whatever their attire was ( instead of skull n bones or some social justice stuff, not that I am personally against what ppl choose, but there is a time and place for some things) all kept it classy. Although the couple had to change venue half way through planning bringing the invites to 100 from 300, it was still nicely attended and no one was upset having to wear a mask. The couple was proactive in the planning whereby they didn't mandate the mask but suggested all attending to wear one. The pictures should be awesome. #covid.be.gone

I wouldn’t it’s kinda rude for you to ask that people be screened for your wedding, if people think they are not feeling well they will stay home, also I wouldn’t be able to attend if you did that I always run really high like 99.0 is my base line in temperature

I feel like a temperature check is a little invasive and personal. plus someone might not have a fever but still have it. so its pointless. if you are doing it put it on invitations etc so people will know you plan on doing this so they are not blind sided and maybe offended.

I think it’s totally fine to do temperature checks before entering the venue. And it’s fine to ask your friend to take a COVID test. Others would appreciate it, especially if they are high risk.

These are strange times, I think each of us planning weddings has to make this decision for ourselves. You are hosting, you know the people you invited but in addition to that I think that people might be reassured by the precautions. I will be asking people to stay home if they are not feeling well obviously as well as checking temps, providing sanitizer and masks for those that need them. This is how I will be hosting the bridal shower as well even though my ceremony will be out doors. I have people involved in my wedding that have loved ones that are vulnerable. this is in an effort to be conscious of the risk all of them are taking to make my day special.

Good Luck

That is the new normal now so I would actually consider that myself on our big wedding in April

It is in no way, shape, or form rude to screen people for COVID before entering your wedding. in normal times, it would definitely be rude to do so, but we're in the middle of a global pandemic. Etiquette has rightfully been sacrificed in lieu of added safety measures. Adding steps like this tell your guests "I care about your safety. Your safety comes first". It's also likely that having something like this would make people more likely to come. My parents are on the fence about attending a wedding because they aren't planning to screen; if they did screen, they would go.

My FH and I are considering going a step farther; given our new (third try) date is next March when a vaccine should hopefully be available, we want to require everyone to have proof of having gotten vaccinated (with the exception of those medically unable, of course). Obviously, this is a personal choice for everyone and ultimately it's their decision. Is it hardcore? Yes. But this is also our wedding, and we would not feel comfortable asking people to congregate in a relatively high-concentration area without such a measure in place, knowing that the option is available. If they don't want to get vaccinated, that's fine. We still love them, but they would not be welcome around our vulnerable friends and family.

I will caveat: We know what it's like for people to catch COVID because of our wedding. We initially postponed our wedding the week of (it was scheduled for the week things hit back in March) and so people had already flown out. These people ended up CATCHING COVID on the plane & one even ended up in the hospital with it. If this hadn't happened to us, I don't know if we would be as hardcore about this as we have been. But as it stands, we aren't willing to take any chances anymore. It isn't worth it.

View Quoted Comment It’s “encouraged but not required”. But she can’t get here until the day before because of work

View Quoted Comment Well seeing as I’ve already had to reschedule this once, not sending out a third set of inviterions

View Quoted Comment Right! And we have elderly people coming. We’re definitely going to have masks for people. This is our second attempt, and I was actually wary about pushing it out this far (we were may 30th and then had an option in July and one this month for reschedule dates) because we didn’t want to wait that long!

How big is your reception? Are you having a dance floor? Will all your guests be socially distanced by household? Are all of your guests local? Is your wedding completely outdoors?


For example, if you had 200 guests at a full blown wedding, and was requiring temperature checks, I'd find that rude, unwelcoming, and more designed to give you a false sense of security than to truly protect your guests. Why? If you're that worried about covid, why didn't you shrink your guest list? Why didn't you get rid of the dance floor? Why did you ask guests to fly in? Why isn't every household separated by 6 feet?
If you were having a very small, quick affair with no dance floor, social distancing, outdoors, all local guests (except VVIPs), masks required, then I would understand that you were taking every precaution to prevent covid. In that scenario, temp checks would make sense.
If you're hosting a bigger affair with people traveling, you are inherently taking a bigger risk. If a guest flies in to attend your wedding, all dressed up, gift in hand, are you going to turn them away because of their temp? You'd be better off not having invited them in the first place. Same goes with your bridesmaid
You're not truly taking covid seriously if you're having a "big" reception with out of state bridesmaids. I am sorry, but as a guest, I'd think you're trying to have it both ways.

Only 40% of people with covid have fevers so it's not that effective of a tool. Also, will you send someone away for what temp? 99? 100? Even if they drove hours to get there? Just something to think about

I am doing temp checks! (Date: 10/17) Anyone who thinks it’s invasive/too personal can politely watch from their car. Look, we’re in a PANDEMIC! Those of us having the stressful task of planning a wedding during this are honestly doing all we can to have a beautiful day which in this climate means doing what makes YOU feel comfortable. For me, temp check is a screening process. I work in the healthcare field & we have to take our temps before we come into work every day. It’s logical & a form of preventative measure. To me, the test for the bridesmaid is totally fine, IF it’ll give you peace of mind. And lord knows us brides need that in this time.

Im also doing temp checks and have no problem with it.