So this will be a little bit lengthy but I’m seeking feedback and advice in regards to our plans for our June 27, 2020 wedding in Summerville, GA. My fiancé and I have reduced the numbers of guests to under 50 and we changed our rehearsal dinner and ceremony/reception space to outdoor spaces in order to make it as safe as possible for our guests, even if they choose not to wear masks. We are providing disposable face masks and hand sanitizer at the wedding and are trying to keep everyone outside of family groups spaces apart from each other. We had two showers this past week that were virtual or reduced to under ten people.
My future mother-in-law is in charge of the rehearsal dinner and was not in favor of changing the rehearsal dinner to an outdoor location because she thinks that this pandemic is hyped up. This caused a lot of tension and anxiety on my end and my fiancé and I had to put our foot down and make a compromise to have the same food but ordered to go and have the rehearsal dinner under a pavilion at picnic tables in a local park. The original space for the rehearsal dinner was indoors in an enclosed room without any windows and the max capacity is 80 people in the room. I’ve heard that people should keep indoor spaces to a max of 25-50% capacity, but the venue is allowing max capacity in all areas of the restaurant. We felt like the whole point of changing our ceremony and reception plans would be in vain if we had the exact same guests in an enclosed room eating together without masks on the day before.
I’ve really tried to understand my future MIL’s perspective but it is difficult because my mom is immunocompromised and so are both of my grandparents who are planning on coming because they “would be devastated if they couldn't be there.” We’re trying to make it as safe as possible for our guests to attend because I would be so heartbroken if someone’s death could be traced back to our wedding celebration. Everything is so politically divided over this pandemic and that has made it really difficult with everything opening back in GA but still wanting to keep everyone safe. I feel selfish for still wanting to celebrate, knowing people will not keep their distance perfectly or wear the masks we provide the entire time, even though it’s outdoors. Also, should our wedding party wear masks? What does picture-taking look like during a pandemic? I haven’t found resources on the best way to take pictures with our loved ones.
I know we are still getting married that same day no matter what because we have a place to move in together and it’s the only break while my fiancé is in dental school. I’ve seen so many pictures of people attending and hosting weddings in the past month, in outdoor and indoor spaces with no one wearing masks. I want our guests to feel safe and comfortable during our wedding and I’m also considered for their safety. Should I strongly request everyone to wear masks the whole time? I’m just so unsure with everything opening up and restrictions being lifted but there still being a pandemic going on. I also want to see everyone’s expressions in pictures but want to keep everyone safe. I know Gov. Kemp of GA is allowing gatherings with more than 25 people if they can safely social distance after June 12. Any advice or wisdom or some form of encouragement would be so greatly appreciated!
