What Are the Rules on Weddings? The Latest COVID-19 Guidelines

The one thing you can always count on in life is that it will go on, even if it feels like the world is falling apart. It's something that's proven to be accurate for couples planning 2020 weddings. While many had to postpone or cancel their weddings early on, current guidelines can help people get married even though the pandemic isn't over.

If you're looking for some guidance, read on for the latest COVID-19 guidelines regarding the rules on weddings. With a few adjustments, you can still have a dreamy ceremony celebrating the start of your marriage.

Since the pandemic began, states have been in charge of deciding how they'd handle the spread of COVID-19 within their state lines. Although the CDC released considerations for events and gatherings, there's no federal limit to how many people can attend a wedding. Your state governor decides that number, so research gathering limits set by your state health leaders.

Once you discover how many people can attend a large gathering, you'll need to shrink your guest list to fit that number. Make sure you contact your intended venue since some venue coordinators will count your vendors towards that attendance limit.

COVID-19 will change how your vendors operate, but they won't all make the same adjustments to their services. Catering is one of the most significant changes you might have to make besides your guest list.

The CDC has found that COVID-19 doesn't spread through handling or making food, but gathering in line to get that food can increase the chance of spreading it. Catering companies will likely follow restaurant and bar considerations that require pre-plated food, no buffets and no self-serve operations.

Your photographer, DJ and other individual vendors may not have to change much. As long as they wear a mask while they're at your wedding, they can continue to operate as usual. 

There's no national mask mandate, but some states require masks in public areas, including wedding venues. Even if you host an outdoor ceremony and reception, you never know what the future holds. The weather could force everyone indoors, or people could congregate around the bar or dancefloor.

Most wedding venues will ask for guests to wear masks, even at some outdoor ones. It's an extra safety precaution that could mean the difference between a fairytale wedding and a hotspot-in-waiting, so think of masks as another thing you're providing for your guests.

Along with the reception meal and the bar, brides often give guests comfort measures. If you're planning a beach wedding, you'd likely consider helpful tips and tricks like providing water bottles and fans. Create a basket or stand with a mask for each guest to grab as they walk into the venue. It ensures everyone can stay and enjoy the ceremony without risking their health or anyone else's.

Other variables could affect your wedding, depending on what kind of wedding you want and where you live. Guests might be required to quarantine for two weeks before attending the wedding if they travel from a different state. You might have to close the bar or your wedding by a specific time if your state limits alcohol consumption and event timelines.

As long as you do your research about your state's rules, work with your vendors and stay flexible with your planning, you can still have the romantic wedding you want during this pandemic.