Covid Testing for Guests - Template

This is very well written in my opinion. Maybe you could just print it out at home on a small semi thick paper (don't know the technical name).

With so few guests, I would just reach out to them personally (via phone or text, however you usually communicate with each person). Medical issues are so personal and complicated that I think this is worth handling in a more direct way than an invitation insert.

Also, consider how you will respond if anyone objects or asks you to pay for their test. Also, what if they forget or fail to confirm? Will you be calling everyone up before the rehearsal to check on their status? Do you think everyone will be truthful with their results? It's good to be prepared for various scenarios in this unprecedented time.

If you do go with the insert, I would remove the word "politely" from the first line. It's unnecessary to say something is polite if you already think the request itself is polite. If you are worried the request isn't polite, then adding that word won't change anything.

If you are requiring your guests to get a Covid test before attending your wedding, you should be expected to pay for their tests. So I would add something on your note regarding payment reimbursement.

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I think that that's smart to say I should be prepared for multiple scenarios. I plan to add the insert so we have it in writing but my fiance and I will follow up with each person as well. Obviously, if they test positive we'll ask them to stay home, there is also a live stream link we'll be sharing. I doubt that any of our close family members or friends would lie about testing negative if they are positive, but my fiance and I did talk about this. Having an honor system. Honestly, it's one of those things that we just hope people don't give us a hard time about since the whole engagement process has been so difficult during COVID and we've faced so many different things. We're hoping people can put their pride aside and just do this so we can celebrate. Also cost in NY is generally free but I can check into this too. Thanks for the feedback!

Generally the final few days before the wedding can be pretty stressful for the couple. If you can, you may want to ask a close friend or family member or your planner, if you have one, if collecting / requesting the COVID test results is something they could do for you.

Will all your guests be able to quarantine before and after the test?

As much as we all want the safety of tests, given the nature of this virus, a negative test before an event really won't mean much if they are continually exposed.

With masks required and social distancing enforced, I think that's about as much safety as you can promise.

I know where I live, you cannot get a COVID test unless you are experiencing symptoms. Some people may not be ok with lying about it and can be marked as "symptomatic" in a file. But for me, I would be willing to get a COVID test since the world doesn't revolve around me and there's people who are at risk.

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Thanks! In New York where we are testing is free and easily accessible so we're hoping that will help encourage people.

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Thanks! In New York where we are, testing is free and easily accessible so we're hoping that will help encourage people.

I think you worded it perfectly!
But a another responder mentioned - do you also ask them to quarantine? The test results are only good at the time of testing. I am not judging I am honestly so confused about how to handle this for my own wedding this summer.

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Agreed. Also anything you require of your guests you need to pay for yourselves.

I don't know why they need to report back to you if it's the honor system.


Apparently NY is great, but in my city the free tests have lines that are hours long or booked at least a week in advance, and you can only get a test with symptoms or if you're elderly. Even as an essential worker, I have a hard time getting a free test quickly because we have such a backlog. So I always end up going to a paid clinic for one, which is $20 with my insurance but $150 out of pocket. It would be kind of nice if you sent everyone the mail-in or at-home tests. I know one bride sent everyone the mail in test for them to take.
I wouldn't worry about asking anyone to quarantine, like PP mentioned. You've reduced the risk as much as possible here. Asking people to quarantine would be over the line.