#248 COVID & Weddings 2021: An Update

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast

Finally, governments are starting to pay attention to the Live Events Industry. We are getting more defined guidance on how we can safely hold wedding celebrations. It can be hard to navigate through this constantly changing information.

We hope this episode will give you some tips on how to navigate both gathering info in the county your wedding will take place and how to communicate with your guests and vendor team. Decisions need to be made and we want to arm you with as much information as we can.

Guest #1: Elisabeth Kramer is a wedding planner from Portland, Oregon and creator of Altared, an international event for wedding vendors who want to change the world. Addressing the concerns of the pandemic, and weddings being cancelled, delayed, etc., we cover all things covid and what is legal when hosting a wedding during a pandemic.

Guest #2: Kate Whelan of the California Events Coalition joins us also (she was last on Episode #214) to share where and how to find resources for weddings, and live events country-wide!

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Big Takeaways

When it comes to finding information on what your state is requiring for weddings, it can be very difficult. Some states have websites, and others don’t. Some have confusing wording, etc. Some people have had weddings that gently ignored some of the pandemic rules and regulations and the day is so stressful. It is not a total relaxation and escape from the pandemic, every one will have it on their mind the whole time. Usually for the ceremony, people find it easy to obey the rules and keep their masks on, etc. But when it’s the reception, the rules tend to fall to the wayside.

Rules need to be set, in order for people to relax and have a safe day. Otherwise, it’s sort of hovering over the whole day.

Is it okay to only invite those who are vaccinated to your wedding?

• Yes, because it’s your day and you get to set the tone for your day. It is complicated and difficult, but ultimately you and your partner get to set the rules for how you want your marriage to start.
• Elisabeth has templates on her website on how to have these conversations!

Can you ask your vendors if they are vaccinated?

• You can ask. They might not want to answer. Be respectful. You are allowed to turn them down should it feel needed.
• Share your COVID regulations that you created for the wedding with your vendors.

HIPAA is a buzz word and term being thrown around a lot these days, but it is not actually being applied correctly. It is far more about the exchanging of medical information without permission between professionals. What is important is knowing that the rules are constantly changing, and respect is important. With these conversations, meet everyone at a place of empathy, but know what your boundaries are.

If this is all too much, do it next year. Health matters.

Elisabeth recommends deciding your guidelines, and whole wedding plan idea 60 days before your wedding date.

Clubhouse chats with the California Events Coalition are run every Tuesday at 12PM PST.

Get In Touch:

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is…

Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

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