Toronto wedding planners say some clients are requiring guests be vaccinated against COVID-19
Some wedding planners in Toronto say their phones haven’t stopped ringing since Ontario entered Step 1 of reopening.
“Everyone that is planning for their weddings still to happen this year is very, very excited,” said Roxy Zapala, wedding planner and owner of Art of Celebrations Inc.
However, with excitement, comes caution: some couples want to know the vaccination status of their guests.
“We’re putting it on their website. We’re asking the guests to have at least one dose of a vaccine before they attend the wedding or when they’re RSVPing,” Zapala said.
Carmen Luk, wedding planner and owner of Devoted To You Inc., said none of her clients have put the request in writing, but most are encouraging their guests to come vaccinated.
“Everyone’s comfort level is really different,” she said.
Luk’s wedding season starts in July, when restrictions are expected to loosen once again at the end of the month, but venue capacity will still be limited.
“Because of the reduced guest count, everyone that they invited is family and closest friends, so they do know the status of their vaccination record,” she said.
For people who are strangers, such as vendors, some couples want peace of mind they’re protected against the virus, as well. Some makeup artists and hair stylists want the same comfort and will only offer their services to people who are fully vaccinated, Zapala said.
And this wedding season, some couples are adding on a newer service.
“The same as any other vendor, there’s a rapid test company who provides those kits,” Zapala said.
At some weddings, guests won’t have to show proof of vaccination, but will have to take a rapid test on site.
“If they’re clear to go, then they can attend the indoor facility,” Zapala said. “Which makes it more comfortable for everybody attending.”
Despite the rules and stipulations, according to planners, there is renewed optimism when it comes to the big day.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hackers release corporate data stolen from London Drugs
Retailer London Drugs says cybercriminals who stole files from its corporate head office last month have released some of the data after it refused to pay a ransom.
Toronto man falls off his chair after seeing $70M Lotto Max win in his bank account
A Toronto man who won $70 million in a recent Lotto Max draw literally fell off his chair when he saw the funds in his bank account.
Montreal-area high school students protest 'sexist' dress code
Approximately 50 Montreal-area students — the vast majority of them female — were suspended Wednesday after their school deemed the shorts they were wearing were too short. On Thursday, several students staged a walk-out to protest what they believe is a "sexist" dress code that unfairly targets girls.
McDavid scores in 2OT to lift Oilers over Stars in West Final opener
Connor McDavid tipped Evan Bouchard's shot from the boards past Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger 32 seconds into the second overtime to give the Edmonton Oilers a 3-2 win in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final..
'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town
Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished. It used to be the sort of place where parents let their kids roam free or play in the local creek, but everything has changed.
What is 'slapped cheek disease' and should parents be concerned?
Despite its rough name, experts say most cases of 'slapped cheek disease' are mild and not a cause for concern.
American Airlines retreats after blaming a 9-year-old for not seeing a hidden camera in a lavatory
American Airlines has distanced itself from a court filing in which the carrier said a nine-year-old girl should have noticed there was a camera taped to the seat of an airplane lavatory.
Unknown Newfoundland soldier from the First World War heads back home from France after 100 years
Canadian soldiers and government officials arrived in northeastern France this week for a historic mission: returning an unknown Newfoundland soldier back home.
Calgary Philharmonic takes action following investigation into 'deeply troubling' comments by 2 musicians
The Calgary Philharmonic has confirmed its taking action after controversial online comments made by two members of the orchestra.