The Covid-19 pandemic is changing the landscape of weddings as we know it. While some people are postponing their celebrations of love for a post-Coronapocalypse world, others are doing what they can to get married ASAP. When New Yorker Marie von Aue posted a photo of an unusual notice that came with a wedding invitation on Twitter, she started a heated discussion. Because of the coronavirus, the bride and groom who sent out the invitation divided people up into 3 groups, based on how close they are to the happy couple.
While those in Group A get preferential treatment and ought to RSVP quickly, those in groups B and C should keep an eye out to see if there are any openings at the wedding. Just in case someone cancels. Some internet users were appalled by this wedding invitation but others thought that there was nothing wrong with it because we’re in the middle of a pandemic.
Bored Panda wanted to get an expert opinion about the invitation that von Aue received and about how the pandemic has affected the wedding industry, so we reached out to The Celebrant Society. Scroll down for the interview.
Mary von Aue posted a photo of a very peculiar notice that came with a wedding invitation
Image credits: von_owie
Image credits: von_owie
Anna from The Celebrant Society told us that it's a very unique time for everyone right now and that couple are trying to navigate these situations to the best of their abilities while trying to keep their family, friends, and other loved ones happy and involved.
"Guests should really try to understand that couples are trying their hardest to follow guidelines, recommendations, and instructions from their venues and vendors while also trying to celebrate their union. It’s a time for everyone to try their hardest to be understanding, compassionate, and flexible."
Anna stressed that the wedding industry is struggling badly right now. "Vendors have seen booked out calendars dissolve into full lists of cancellations for months ahead. There’s no endpoint right now and we’re just trying to stay afloat until life gets back to some semblance of normal."
People had very different opinions about whether or not it was right or wrong. Some thought that the notice was very rude!
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Some are even dealing with similar situations!
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However, others pointed out that this sort of notice is alright and that the practice is nothing new
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Weddings can be a real hassle. You can be sure that whatever decisions you end up making for your wedding, there will be plenty of people who disagree with you. Even if it’s a stranger’s wedding. So it’s no wonder that plenty of people had something to say about the notice that came with the invitation. Some Twitter users were civil while others couldn’t control their expletives.
Whatever people’s opinions in this particular case, getting married in the middle of this pandemic can be a logistical nightmare. The rules for how many guests you can have and what you’re allowed to do are different depending on where you live and what the date is. So while certain states in the US might have their own rules, the British across the pond have their own take on what is and isn't allowed regarding weddings.
For example, the BBC reports that wedding ceremonies of up to 30 people are allowed to take place in England from July 4. Previously, weddings had been almost entirely banned from March 23. Meanwhile, from August 1, up to 30 people will be allowed to attend the reception afterward (only 6 people outside and 2 households inside can attend them before this date).
So imagine having not just a wedding to plan but also having to become an expert in Covid-19 regulations as you do it. No wonder that some people might resort to sending out notices like the one that von Aue posted!
What do you think about the peculiar wedding invitation and notice that von Aue posted, dear Pandas? Would you send out something similar or do you think it’s wrong to create a hierarchy of people based on how much you like them? Let us know in the comment section below.