For Your Invitations: COVID-19 Requirements Wording
Figuring out how to safely return to live events due to COVID-19 is going to be a thing for longer than we want. There is no magical wave of a wand that will make everyone comfortable gathering together, regardless of the circumstances, precautions, and available vaccination resources. While most states have reopened and restrictions have relaxed to a nearly pre-pandemic status, there is still so much we have to learn about COVID-19, its variants, and how they affect different segments of our population. So how can we safely navigate a return to live events when everyone is in a different place? How do we host wedding and elopement events that are both fun and safe? Here are a few best practices from your Tapestry team and Stacey Miyahara, the creative mind behind Oh hey face.
DETERMINE THE RULES OF YOUR VENDORS, COUNTY, + STATE.
First of all, it’s important to know that everyone’s reopening rules are going to be different. State and country regulations represent the minimum threshold of protocols that must be observed at that time. Businesses and individuals can always layer on additional practices and precautions as they see fit. As a result, it’s important to prepare to be more cautious, then loosen the reins as the event allows and as you feel comfortable. Check in with the businesses affiliated with your event and ask if there are additional protocols they require as part of the event. Make sure there is someone in charge of upholding those protocols, and that the requirements are communicated out to guests well in advance.
DECIDE ON ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS.
Second, know that you are well within your rights to require guests to observe additional precautions. As the host of an event, it is your responsibility to create, communicate, and uphold the safety standards and expectations of your gathering. Be explicit about safety and security measures, such as physical distancing guidelines, self-reported vaccination, testing results, and what is required of attendees and staff. If the venue itself presents potential risks, assess and plan to mitigate those risks through your safety steps. Maintain a list of guests who agree to abide by your rules, and kindly turn away those who cannot meet basic event requirements.
Images courtesy of Megan Montalvo Photography.
ALLOW FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF A HYBRID EVENT.
Third, keep the option of a hybrid event in mind. If a poll of your guests reveals that some remain uncomfortable or unable to attend in person events, or cannot abide by your safety steps in order to attend in person, then consider adding a live stream attendance option for a portion of the program.
Below is a link to a website with some sample language you can use for a hybrid event, courtesy of Oh hey face! We encourage you to copy the language to your heart’s desire to make sure your event’s boundaries are communicated effectively.