Weddings and CoronaVirus, Real Talk

​As a wedding planner, my livelihood revolves around weddings. And it is in my best interest business-wise to tell you that weddings will continue in a few weeks and everything will go back to as it was…except that is not what I see in the tea leaves, and I believe in serving to a higher calling. I want my clients not just to have a great event, but an event that they and their families cherish all of their long lives, which means it's time for some real talk about wedding planning, and this is especially applicable for larger events. 
 
My community and support system includes doctors, news-enthusiasts, and common sense experts and factoring in what I have learned through research from reputable sources, my own community, and application of common sense, this is what is happening with weddings and the coronavirus (covid-19).

Phases of Corona Virus affects on Social Events

Phase ONE
We don't know what is happening. 
​It is scary.

High/ Unknown risk, guidelines state no events taking place. 

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​This is where we are in March 2020. News changing everyday. Travel stopped. Cities shut down. Schools closed. People with symptoms, people with out symptoms. Deaths from explained causes. Deaths from no explainable cause. 
 
Dramatic precautions taken to ‘flatten the curve’ to allow the medical industry to catch up – get more tests, sort out the data, manage the number of available beds for treatment. 

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Phase TWO 
We know what is happening.
We have some work-arounds. 

​The risk may be there, but it is in the manageable and knowledgable range, events are at hosts' and guests' discretion. 

​We do not know when ‘phase two’ will happen.

I foresee this phase as being when tests are widely available. Quarantine measures are clear. With widespread testing comes some security that those walking the streets are safe, reduced fear of exposure. With treatment and knowledge of options upon contraction, we can be comforted that judgement calls will not have to be made for the good of the nation, but for the good of the patient. 

Phase THREE
​Back to business as usual. 

Events are embraced as usual.

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​A year from now we may have a vaccine. Covid-19 may be a thing of the past. The fear of an outbreak or contraction will drop as the vaccine becomes more widespread. Those most at risk can have it first so that they can continue daily life and special events at less risk. 

Right now (March 2020) the spread is rampant, there are not enough tests, there are not enough treatments, and doctors are being insufficiently protected (I have first hand knowledge on this point), which means the spread is spreading, fast and untraceable.
 
We are embracing quarentine-like measures to ‘reduce the curve’. By shutting down travel and cities, this means the spread of the disease will be slowed significantly, allowing the medical community to catch up for a minute. ​

This is a good thing that will help medical systems to keep up with society’s needs. 

What they are not pointing out right now (and I am reading between the lines here) is that the spread of the disease will still happen. 

Although the curve may be flattened to a manageable rate for the medical community, this does not mean the disease magically disappeared after we quarantined. It is still there. My non-medical opinion is that this will not disappear for some time, so there will be some risk to any event moving forward. 

COVID-19 is part of the family of viruses that includes the common cold (Mayo Clinic). And we have never gotten rid of the common cold. The common cold is contagious, and a part of life, the risk levels vary throughout the year and exposure levels change based on the precautions we take. Despite this disease being dramatically more harmful, objectively this is how I see the risk/ exposure for the immediate future.  

 
What it comes down to for weddings and events, is if couples, families, guests can handle the risk level in May, they are free to keep the date. If they are not willing to gather with that level of risk, then later will be better. 
 
It will be at least a year before a vaccine will be possible so those most concerned are really looking at that kind of time to wait. Those who are okay with some risk will move forward because they do not want to wait. (I know if I was getting married, I wouldn’t want to wait!)
 
Couples can also rethink what marriage or a wedding means to them. Elopements and micro-weddings have been happening for decades. When wide-spread testing is available, larger events will again become low risk. In the future, awareness of the disease will remain high, and reminding guests to be mindful of each other’s health is a kindness to all. 
 
If you think this isn’t really happening, then feel free to rely on my first hand knowledge. I had a client in the first round of exposure (New Rochelle) who had to quarantine (thankfully no symptoms), and now others I know personally are showing symptoms and getting tested. If it is right here in front of me, it will soon be in front of you too (as we are still in Phase One right now). The news of the spread may take time to reach you, so stay safe so that you are protected Before it arrives, after it is here, it is too late. 
 
As I’m sure you’ve read everywhere – take precautions seriously. ‘Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds’ but I say, why not count to 30 seconds so even if you counted a little fast you’ve still successfully reduced your risk.  
 
Wishing you good health, clarity, and happiness. I am not here to be the bearer of bad news, I am here to help you plan with clarity and success (and not have to replan and replan again).
 
I’m here to talk and to help. 
 
If you have any comments or feedback feel free to reach out at asknehanow@gmail.com

More Corona Virus Related Topics​

Wedding Tasks while At Home

A few weddings tasks you can tackle now, from the comfort of your couch. 

Money in the time of Covid-19

Here are some special circumstances to factor in. 

Wedding Planning Services

Having a professional on your side is more important than ever in the current environment. 

For personal navigation through these questions, professional guidance is a click away at asknehanow@gmail.com