When we entered 2020 with full enthusiasm, little did we know that our entire lives were going to change due to a little unknown virus. The pestilent Coronavirus has been perishing on our planet since then, affecting more than two hundred countries. Last year our country went through a strict lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19 and with the lockdown came the cancellation of many events. Weddings make up a significant part of these cancelled events. The situation is now gradually coming under control with the vaccination drive going on around the world. Even though most of the places have been opened, it is still risky to go out without taking any precautions.
Although some people are still postponing their big day, many choose to go forward with their wedding celebrations.
With the arrival of the wedding season, you too may have received a few wedding invites. Sometimes it becomes impossible for you to avoid these weddings so it is important to keep a few things in mind, but before that it is important to understand the current Coronavirus situation in our country.
According to a report published by WHO, the number of Coronavirus cases has been declining since the second wave. Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are currently the top five states contributing to 56% of the total COVID-19 cases in India.
India has successfully vaccinated 24.8% of the population, while 53.7% of the population have received at least one dose of the vaccine. India aims to complete its vaccination drive by the end of this year.
You cannot miss your best friend's wedding or a wedding in your family cannot be avoided. So, when you are planning to attend a wedding during the Pandemic, then follow the following tips for keeping you and your surroundings safe:
It is natural for you to be anxious about the facilities in different functions of the wedding. So don't hesitate to ask about the kind of measures they are taking to avoid the spread of the virus during the wedding. You can inquire about the venue of the wedding, setting of the event - indoors or outdoors. The chances of contamination of the disease will be less if ceremonies were to be held outdoors. You may also ask about the availability of sanitizing stations and masks, the number of guests attending the event, the food system and if the wedding is held indoors, is there enough ventilation? This may seem like you are going beyond a normal limit but it is important to make yourself informed with all the things beforehand. The more informed you are, the better you can enjoy the wedding. Make sure that you ask everything through a phone call in a humble and polite manner. Select the right words and tone for the conversation and explain your situation before asking your query. If couples are too busy in their wedding preparations you can also ask their family.
Considering the time and effort you've taken to choose a perfect outfit and matching accessories along with the best possible makeup, it does not seem fair to put on a mask. But it is for your own benefit. Many couples are making this a trend as well. The availability of a variety of masks will level up your styling game. You may also design a mask that matches your outfit. Although many couples may be providing the masks at the venue, it is best to bring your own mask. As a responsible guest, wearing a mask becomes important for the safety of everyone.
An important precautionary measure of COVID-19 safety guidelines, social distancing of six feet is a little tough in a social event like a wedding. But you can hang around with your family in the event, somewhat like a social bubble. Limit your interactions with people as well. You can avoid crowds by watching the ceremonies from behind. Along with the in-person ceremony, couples are also streaming their ceremonies live on a zoom call or on another streaming platform these days for those who are not comfortable attending the ceremony. Couples are also coming up with unique ideas such as coloured wristbands for guests to show different social distancing levels. If someone wants to remain contactless, he/she can wear a band which indicates a six feet social distance from the wearer. Similarly different coloured bands represent different comfort levels of guests regarding contact. You can always opt for contactless greeting etiquettes like namaste which is both desi and appropriate during this time.
There are more chances of breaking the norms of social distancing during the cocktail party. If there is an arrangement of a quarantine pod then you can enjoy the party from there with your family and if not it will be a good idea to leave before anyone starts dragging you to the dance floor.
Studies have shown that Coronavirus spreads quickly indoors with low humidity. So it is important for you to stay in a place where there is proper ventilation. It is recommended to stay outdoors whenever possible. If the wedding ceremony is held in the daylight then you're lucky; if not you may consider reaching the venue exactly on time and leave as soon as the ceremony ends.
You must have become aware of the importance of washing hands during the last one and a half years. Health and hygiene are critical factors in preventing the spread of Coronavirus. This first line of defense will keep you safe if done before eating. Try not to touch unnecessary objects and if you have to then quickly wash your hands. It is not possible to wash your hands again and again during the wedding, so you can carry a sanitizar. Sanitizing stations will also be available at the venue as a precautionary measure. Couples might distribute the sanitizers at the entrance or they will be available at the tables.
There are many insurance companies which are providing customised health insurance to cover all the medical costs arising from the Coronavirus disease. Buying a COVID-19 health insurance is a wise choice if you are going to a big fat Indian wedding. If you have to travel through air to reach the wedding location then buy travel insurance too for safety. It is always best to prepare for the worst.
Until the wedding day arrives it is important to monitor your health. Check the common symptoms of the virus, for instance a sore throat, bad cough, a stuffy nose or fever. If you are having similar symptoms then do get your COVID-19 test done. Omit attending the wedding in such conditions to avoid the contagion.
The couple will place some sign boards at the wedding venue for having minimum health risks. So, it is important for you to understand and follow the signage properly. The directional signage is especially important as it will help in dividing the crowd evenly in the venue. There will also be other sign boards for various programmes. It is important to clearly know the guidelines laid down by the couple.
Try to have minimum contact with the props at the venue. Also, it is important to keep your mask on whenever you are going near any worker so that they can work safely. Be aware of the seating arrangement so that you don't end up rushing here and there. It is important to respect the time and effort of the couple and their team in making the wedding as safe as possible, so try not to increase their problems by becoming an unaware guest.
This will be a little bit trickier as the couple must consider you to be one of their close people if they send you a wedding card during the Pandemic, when the guest list has to be reduced to avoid any health risk. But it is also important to place your health first. You can politely convey your message to them. Being close to you, they will definitely understand the reasons behind your decline to the invitation. Even if you don't attend the wedding, you can send a gift for the couples just to remind them that you do really care about them. The gift could be anything, small or big, it will create a huge impact on the couple. You can also suggest that they celebrate this milestone somewhere in the future when the situation will be much more normal. This way you won't let them feel bad about your absence.
So, before you step out for the wedding, be mindful of these facts. And if you are considering skipping the event, then also it's totally fine. It is important to take precautions and some major steps to avoid the disease. And if we follow the precautionary guidelines and vaccinate ourselves then the time, where you don't have to skip any wedding, will come in the near future.
