Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Devoted July 2021

How would you feel about this? (showing proof of vaccine or a rapid negative test)

Lindsay, on January 19, 2021 at 4:11 PM Posted in Planning 0 45

Saved

Flag
Hide content

Hi all! I was legally married this past summer in my backyard but pushed my wedding reception to next July I’m from New York and I’m so excited that I was just told it seems like by March that we will be able to host 200 people my reception is in July the day after my 1 year anniversay but the venue told me that it seems like every guest will either need to show proof of vaccine or a rapid negative test. Apparently they are setting up more sites to be able to do that now this isn’t my choice but it seems like this may be the only way and I am completely fine with this because this is the safest way although I am not sure how guests would feel about this. But from my understanding this is going to be a state regulation to allow events to happen. So I truly feel like if people don’t want to do it then they can just decline I’m not asking and would never ask anyone to get a vaccine but a rapid test is reasonable in my opinion of course if it’s free and from my understanding it will be but I’m curious to know what other people think about this? TIA!

Flag
Hide content

45 Comments

Latest activity by Lindsay, on January 25, 2021 at 1:40 PM

Expert May 2021
Biaani · on January 19, 2021 at 4:32 PM
Flag

Hide content
Which part of NY are you in? I'm in NYC and as of now its 50 people. It'd be a lot if we could go from 50 to 200 in 2 months (yay). if I were attending your wedding and you asked me to get a rapid test I totally wouldn't mind. In a way it would make me feel safer since I'll know everyone there is negative (as precise as a rapid test may be). not sure how I feel about the vaccine though, that's a very personal choice.
- Reply
Expert July 2021
Day · on January 19, 2021 at 4:35 PM
Flag

Hide content
I think you should be very clear with your guests and explain that you respect if people feel off put by this. For those who will still be coming, make sure they are given clear instructions as to how they can fulfill the venue’s needs and how to communicate any further questions about the vaccines (and booster) or the test.
- Reply
Expert September 2020
Amanda · on January 19, 2021 at 4:37 PM
Flag

Hide content
I think that proof of vaccination/negative test will be the norm in the future for large gatherings, so I don’t find this too unusual. If your guests aren’t comfortable providing this, they won’t come.
- Reply
VIP January 2019
Maggie · on January 19, 2021 at 4:53 PM
Flag

Hide content
I won't be attending any gatherings until myself and my immediate family are all vaccinated. And I recognize that there will be a period when people will need to show proof of vaccination for admittance to things. But I don't think the rapid test is reliable enough to make me feel safe to attend an event if I weren't already vaccinated (and I don't have any control over when I get vaccinated at this point).
So, how would I feel about this? I probably wouldn't attend any event (especially such a large one) in July, no matter what rules you put in place (because I can't be sure I will have been able to get both doses of the vaccine by that point, nor do I think we will have reached sufficient herd immunity as a country yet). If you plan to go forward with this party, be really clear to your guests what you are planning as far as testing and restrictions so everyone can make informed decisions before you require RSVPs. And accept declines graciously.
Some other things to consider: healthcare and private parties don't really go together. What will you do if someone refuses to disclose their vaccine status AND refuses a rapid test? Are you be prepared to bar them from the party at the door? What if someone's rapid test shows they are positive but they argue with the results and cause a scene?
- Reply
Rockstar December 2022
Michelle · on January 19, 2021 at 4:55 PM
Flag

Hide content
Even with the vaccine you're going to have 2 collective groups: those who do not feel comfortable being at a large event and those who don't see why restrictions were set up to begin with.
Not all tests provide documentation of results as many are given over the phone. Most articles on the topic have mentioned that the rapid testing is not as accurate, hence not everyone is comfortable with them being an indicator of safety, and anything can happen between taking it and going to the event.

For that reason, plus HIPAA potential, some people may still prefer to celebrate from afar until things have settled down alot more. If I was a guest, I would decline and try to watch your ceremony virtually.
- Reply
Devoted July 2021
Lindsay · on January 19, 2021 at 4:58 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Totally agree!
- Reply
Devoted July 2021
Lindsay · on January 19, 2021 at 5:00 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
I hear your point and trust me my guest list is not at all 200 it’s just what they told me I’m going off of what my venue is putting in place and state regulations I respect anyone’s decision to decline.
- Reply
Devoted July 2021
Lindsay · on January 19, 2021 at 5:01 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
I totally respect that thank you for your input! We already had a virtual ceremony which many people watched so this won’t be virtual if anyone declines but I completely respect anyone’s decision to decline!
- Reply
Devoted July 2021
Lindsay · on January 19, 2021 at 5:02 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Totally agree I intend to make things very clear for people to make their own decisions!
- Reply
Master April 2021
Mrs. Spring · on January 19, 2021 at 5:03 PM
Flag

Hide content
Can't someone have it and the test not detect it yet bc it's too soon? If I were a guest, I would just decline. You should probably inquire with all of them before finalizing the guest count.
- Reply
Devoted July 2021
Lindsay · on January 19, 2021 at 5:04 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Absolutely the vaccine is 100 percent a personal choice and I respect anyone’s decision either way but yes I agree on the rapids and this is really a venue regulation so there’s not much control I have my venue is in Orange County and they just had a call with the governors office last week and gave me all this information today so I would reach out to your venue and see if anything has changed!
- Reply
Devoted July 2021
Lindsay · on January 19, 2021 at 5:05 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Yea of course this is just what they are telling me who knows if it will change my July.
- Reply
Master 0000
Judith · on January 19, 2021 at 6:27 PM
Flag

Hide content
I would wait to see how free testing is, since now lots of people have to pay. And you cannot require that. On the other hand, I would have no problem with saying, be vaccinated ( unless vaccine is not available.) For the sake of the country, everyone should be vaccinated, unless they cannot take any formulas of vaccine. And so far, people like that are too high a risk to themselves and others to be at weddings. Any wedding I would want to attend, by the time vaccines are available
to all, I would want to know every guest was vaccinated or I would not attend. Because you know that when that time comes, when most have it, folks won't all mask up or adhere to social distancing. Especially if alcohol is served.
- Reply
Master 0000
Judith · on January 19, 2021 at 6:35 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Yes. My neighbor had to be tested to fly here from school in Alaska. Got tested, okay, 2 days later got rapid tested at the airport after testing clear 6 and 3 days before. Clear boarded, 2 stops before Boston, she stayed on plane. Was feverish and fainted when she arrived, rapid test showed she had it. Brought it home to her family. Tests are not that reliable, and you can catch it right after.
- Reply
Rockstar December 2022
Michelle · on January 19, 2021 at 6:55 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
I completely agree that the tests are not accurate as many cases show with vastly different results and no two medical professionals anywhere agreeing on what info is correct and what isn't. People get false positives on the rapid tests frequently with no symptoms at any time, then weeks after will have a negative result, all the while following precautions religiously. Still the medical community is at odds on what is real/accurate and what isn't.

To require them as the be all end all determining factor is poor judgment and planning.
- Reply
Devoted July 2021
Lindsay · on January 19, 2021 at 8:44 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
This is a state regulation and we will of course be social distancing and masked as with any other event this is just what the venue is telling me completely out of my control.
- Reply
VIP September 2020
Willow · on January 19, 2021 at 9:10 PM
Flag

Hide content
I actively avoid testing sites because that's where all the potentially infected people go! The only way I would go to a testing site is if I thought I got exposed. I would not get tested just so I could attend a wedding.

Another thing to consider.
I plan on getting the vaccine, but it might not be available to everyone by July.
- Reply
Devoted July 2021
Lindsay · on January 19, 2021 at 9:22 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
That’s completely understandable it’s a personal choice and I certainly respect people’s decisions to decline if they are uncomfortable.
- Reply
June 2021
Dj Tanner · on January 19, 2021 at 10:04 PM
Flag

Hide content
You’re actually working on this proposal with our state currently. We did get a few more updates today with a phone call which is exciting, but there’s still a lot of logistics that they are working out with the rapid testing. If people don’t like the idea of a rapid test they simply don’t need to come. I think this is the only way to go back to somewhat of a normal way of living.
- Reply