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
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.