Website Wording on Covid

What are you thinking? I’m sure one of the brilliant ladies could make it sound nice lol. I’m going to require testing but not requiring vaccines although I think 98% of the people I’m inviting are vaccinated and many are boosted. I’m also seating people by groups that already socialize (or families) so there is no sketch about taking off masks to eat. Doing mostly outside for reception and meal but indoor section will be open for dancing, at risk people will have their meals plated (I’m doing buffet).


It just occurred to me that you could put a statement that says you are following whatever state/venue guidelines at the time of your wedding but that anyone who wants to take additional precautions can do so. You can also put a statement that if there are any hesitations or questions to contact you directly to discuss by a certain date. I’m putting all this stuff on my FAQs so people will know what the plans are and hopefully that is enough for them.

If you think the issue is that the venue or state's rules wont be strict enough to make your guests feel comfortable you can absolutely have your own restrictions for your guests to follow. If you think people are going to back out once they find out people wont be wearing masks, make everyone wear masks unless seated and eating or something. You can require vaccinations, negative tests within 72 hours, temp checks at the door, whatever makes you and your guests feel more comfortable.

Unfortunately we live in a time now where we have to be reactionary as new information comes out. Our safety changes daily and you can only do so much to mitigate other people's feelings and comfortability.

Also, keep in mind, this is an entire year later than your brother had his wedding. At that point a vaccine wasnt even available and most people have learned to navigate COVID safety in a much better and more practical way.

I'm sorry you are worried about this but there is literally no wording you could come up with that will change/affect/prevent how people will react to COVID changes (and/or restriction changes) related to your wedding. This situation has been incredibly volatile going on 2 years now and change is just our new "normal".

Instead of setting yourself up to fail by trying to control your guests, I would just focus on the fact that you have budgeted for and invited the people you want to attend and it won't cost you *more* if they suddenly decide they can't attend at the last minute. Sure, in the abstract, "wasting" that money will hurt, but it's money you already decided to spend.

If you are actually over your budget, see what you can cut back on now. If there are any extras you haven't bought yet, don't buy them. Ask your venue if you can move some of the budget around if you learn that some guests aren't coming. Like, maybe you could upgrade your bar or menu options for the guests that do attend.

Thank you ladies for all of your advice. I appreciate all of it.

Our venue is completely open air, so there really aren't any state/local mandates that affect it - which is one of the many reasons we chose our venue. My fiance and I are extremely common sense oriented, however, his family isn't and they don't think before making decisions a lot of times. So for us, it seems reasonable to ask people to plan accordingly, but they won't.

We hate waste as well, so I just don't want there to be lot of waste because people choose not to plan ahead.

Our family and friends all vary extremely different on their feelings about Covid, so I just wanted to be able to put a little verbiage on our website for those who are extremely strict when it comes to Covid to make their decision accordingly and not change their mind at the last minute.

View Quoted Comment I totally understand what you want and I worry about this too -- basically you need your guests to know that a "yes" RSVP is binding. Maybe some other users here can suggest a nice way to word it. I would check the date that your caterer needs the final headcount, and put something on your website/invitations to the effect of: "We understand plans can change due to the pandemic and evolving safety guidlines. Your final decision on whether or not you will attend is required by [date]" (a few days before the venue/caterer deadline). This will hopefully give people as much time as possible to decide.

My approach would be to just let people know if there is something they have to do - wear a mask, get tested, etc. If there aren't any mandates, and you aren't forcing anything, just leave it off the website entirely. Don't borrow trouble.