Wedding Wednesday Q&A: Omicron and Your Wedding

As 2021 starts drawing to a close, we can’t help but ask, what comes next?

It’s been almost 2 years since COVID became a part of our lives and that’s a long time!

It certainly feels like a long time.

But, we’ve come a long way since early 2020. We know so much more than when we started, which is a good thing!

And while the state of things is better because of vaccines, Omicron has shown up and it’s all anyone can talk about now.

Just as things are starting to feel almost “normal”, there’s something new to worry about.

And there is a lot of fear and anxiety creeping back in.

So, today we’re doing a slightly different Wedding Wednesday Q&A because I really don’t want you freaking out. There’s no need for extra, unwanted stress. Let’s keep the white hairs to a minimum!

Now before we begin, remember that I am not a scientist or doctor. I’m not giving you health advice. Nor am I an expert in the virus.

What I can do is give you wedding advice so you can plan your way forward. So you don’t have to feel stuck or scared.

Ok? So let’s get started…

Q&A: OMICRON AND YOUR WEDDING

Do I need to be worried about Omicron?

Let’s start with the first, most obvious question on your mind, do you need to be worried? The answer is both yes and no.

It is a new fast spreading variant that is obviously all over the news. It’s hard not to be worried when it’s all anyone can talk about.

It is serious, like all things COVID, so you do need to take it seriously.

But do you need to be overly worried? No, probably not.

At least you don’t need to be overly worried if you and your guests are vaccinated (and boosted). If you aren’t, then that’s a whole different story (and a different discussion).

It’s looking like Omicron is more infectious, but not necessarily more deadly. So even if you get a breakthrough infection you’ll be less likely to be seriously ill.

But it can spread easily, you’ll still need to be careful to not inadvertently spread it.

That means all the same safety precautions still apply – masks, gathering outdoors, gathering with other vaccinated people, getting tests ahead of time, etc…

I know it’s not that fun, but let’s face it, COVID is not gone and it will never really be gone.

Remember Delta? Yes it spread, but we’re doing ok, right?

The same precautions that applied then, still apply now.

Omicron will be similar to Delta, which will be like the next variant. It’s just about continually being smart and being vaccinated and you have much less to fear and worry about.

How will Omicron affect my wedding?

So we’re going to go beyond the question, will Omicron affect your wedding, because yes, it will. It already is because we’re talking about it.

The more important question I want to answer is how will it affect your wedding.

Now I don’t think most locations or venues will reimpose guest restrictions. In other words, I don’t think you’re going to have to worry about reverting back to old rules.

However, locations and venues may now require vaccinations, boosters and/or negative tests if they didn’t before.

This means you and your guests will have to abide by those rules. But you’ll likely want to impose those rules yourself no matter what!

Because if Omicron is more infectious, there is a higher likelihood that you or someone you know will contract it. And you ideally don’t want your wedding to be the source of an outbreak, even if it’s mild.

This means you’ll personally also need to be a little more careful as well in the weeks leading up to your wedding.

Because it’s one thing for your cousin to miss your wedding because they got COVID, it’s a whole different story if you have to miss it.

And this also means you’re going to want to keep making COVID smart wedding decisions like keeping your wedding outdoors.

How will Omicron affect a destination wedding?

Travel is the biggest factor when it comes to destination weddings. So if you’re getting married soon, particularly internationally, you may unfortunately experience some roadblocks.

Countries are already changing travel policies and requirements or advising against travel.

In some cases tests are being required, in others vaccines are required. And for some countries there are travel bans.

This is going to continually change and evolve as we learn more and as the variant spreads.

But as these changes usually happen very quickly, that means your international destination wedding could definitely experience some issues.

You may have problems getting into a country or leaving it. And that affects your guests too.

While I don’t imagine most countries will revert back in terms of restrictions beyond things like vaccinations and tests, it’s definitely possible if things get bad. And that will obviously affect your destination wedding.

Now if you’re having a domestic destination wedding, you shouldn’t experience any travel issues.

The biggest thing is that your guests may not all want to attend because of the travel aspect.

So what do you do?

Cry? No, don’t do that!

Destination weddings are definitely a little more complicated especially given COVID. But your wedding can still happen and still be lovely.

But, you will want to put some plan Bs into place NOW.

Have an idea of what you would do if you can’t travel. Make sure you have an outdoor venue (or an outdoor option). Prepare for a lower guest count.

And keep on top of the rules for the area you’re headed to and what you’ll need to return.

What do I need to now?

So, is it time to freak out? No.

Should you stop planning? No.

You should still plan your wedding, but make smart decisions.

Cover your butt so that if something changes, you have the ability to change with it. Or plan your wedding you’re all set up so you won’t have to change.

That includes things like requiring vaccination of guests and vendors.

Look, everyone has the right to make their own decision and that includes whether to get vaccinated or not. But your requirement just means you’ll choose a different vendor or politely request that guests either get tested or don’t attend.

And that’s ok.

You are making a decision for the safety of yourself and your guests.

But, this also means you need to be very communicative with your guests.

Let them know what’s going on, what you’re doing and keep them in the loop. It shows you care, which you do!

And then they can make the decision that feels right for them.

I know COVID isn’t fun and trying to plan a wedding right now isn’t all that fun either.

But you can do it!

Planning a wedding during these COVID times, whether it’s Delta, Omicron or something else, is just about taking calculated risks.

But the risk goes down with every smart decision you make.

And while you can’t control what ends up happening out in the world, you can control the wedding you create.

There are ways to protect you and your wedding.

Because we can’t live in a bubble forever.

It’s time to live your life. It’s time to have your wedding.

Taking calculated risks helps you do that in the least stressful and worrisome way possible.

So, stop worrying and start planning!

And don’t forget we can help! Become a Passport to Joy member today.