How to Safely Celebrate Your COVID-19 Wedding in Mexico and Caribbean Islands

Couple on their destination wedding day

​As we look to the future of weddings with the reality of safety protocols and restrictions still hovering over us, brides and grooms can’t help but be concerned about what their wedding day will really be like. 
 
With all the details to think about in order to make the guests feel comfortable in addition to the normal busyness of planning a wedding, stress levels are high and wedding professionals are working harder than ever before to help couples implement required restrictions to ensure a healthy and safe celebration.   
 
While weddings today may look and feel a little different than what you originally envisioned, never fear because you can still have an amazing and memorable Caribbean wedding day in the midst of a pandemic! 
 
Here are a few tips on how to safely host a COVID wedding:  
 
Consider a Micro-Wedding
 
In today’s climate, no one will blame you for keeping your guest list small and hosting an intimate ceremony with your closest friends and family. You can always choose to host a large celebration at a later date, or you could have some of your guests join you via Zoom or some other Livestream service. 
 
Your guests’ health comes first
 
Make sure you share expectations of what your guests will experience at your wedding so that they feel comfortable and confident in attending. Consider sending them a checklist of the precautions the resort has implemented to ensure their safety. Things like servers for the buffet, hand sanitizer stations, seating that is 6 feet apart for non-family members, smaller dance floors, tables for family members only, etc. 

Sandals reception table inspirations

​Prepare your bridal party
 
Let’s face it, you still want that traditional getting ready time with your bridal party, but some of your bridesmaids and groomsmen may be nervous about being in “close quarters” with others as they get ready. You could consider a smaller bridal party, but if it is too late for that, implement some rules and let everyone know in advance what those are. Paint a picture of what it will be like, so they are prepared as well as comfortable. 
 
Hire an audiovisual team
 
If you are planning on doing a Zoom ceremony for those who can’t attend your wedding, consider asking the resort for that service, there could be an extra fee involved depending on the resort. This will ensure that your guests can hear and see you and will have a quality experience celebrating with you! Send your virtual guests something fun for participating with you like a cocktail kit and then do a toast with them after the ceremony.
 
Fun with Food
 
This can be a huge concern for most guests, so consider having attendants serve your guest's appetizers as well as the buffet dinner to avoid guests touching serving utensils and grazing over all the food. To elevate the experience, have fun with the food! Create stations where people can get mini tacos, appetizers, desserts, and more. There are a ton of great ways to make sure your guests are focused on the fun food experience rather than any tiny protocol frustrations. 
 
Gather the Deets
 
Much like restaurants want guests to give their contact information in case of possible exposure, have a way to get contact details of all your guests and vendors so that you can easily communicate with them in the event of someone testing positive after the wedding. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that everyone is upfront if they do test positive, so it is best to be proactive and ask vendors and guests to notify you should they test positive after the event. 
 
Create a Facebook Group
 
While not everyone is on Facebook, it would be advised to create a group so that you can easily share these details and be available to answer questions. Even host a Facebook Live or two to make your guests feel like they are a part of your planning and then sprinkle in some of the logistical details.
 
When you are ready to plan your Destination Wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, I would be more than happy to assist you.

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