Other couples say they’re still uncomfortable with the possibility that their wedding could be a coronavirus “super spreader event” and they’d like to reschedule.
And some say the government-mandated social distancing requirements are an unwelcome intrusion on a private event.
“I’m not going to let the government tell me I can’t dance and congregate with friends and family on the day I’ve dreamt about,” said Marybeth Krause, 28, of Fairfield. She and Josh Serge are scheduled to tie the knot Sept. 5 and they’re hoping by then the restrictions will be eased, Krause said.
Weddings are big life events that often require plenty of planning time and a financial investment.
During the shutdown, receptions were limited to 10 people but last week the DeWine administration announced that starting June 1, banquet halls could hold events with up to 300 people. The venues must abide by the same restrictions facing restaurants: no more than 10 people per table, guests must be seated while eating or drinking, no congregating in common areas, six-feet of social distancing between people.
While local health departments and police enforce public health orders, it’s unclear who — if anyone — will be enforcing the social distancing rules at wedding receptions.
DeWine press secretary Dan Tierney said receptions can have disc jockeys, bands or other entertainment, but social distancing must be followed. That means no congregating on the dance floor.
Jessica Soelter, a teacher from Tipp City, is scheduled to marry Michael Norton on Aug. 1. The couple plan to go ahead with the ceremony but may delay the reception if the current restrictions are still in place, she said.
Soelter said she wants the reception to include dancing and other traditional elements.
“The reception line — you’re always supposed to say hi to the bride and groom. Now, you’re supposed to stay six feet away?” Soelter said.
Brittany Ayers of Columbus said she’ll follow the rules imposed by her reception venue for her June 19 wedding. While she was happy the DeWine administration will allow events to go forward, she is disappointed that receptions face restrictions, she said.
“How much longer are we going to have to wait for this to end?” she said. “I definitely feel it’s time to move forward.”
Micro weddings are a new emerging trend due to the coronavirus according to wedding planners.
Kayla and Alex Peterson of Dayton planned to be married in front of 250 friends and family members from around the country in the fall.
The uncertainty and cost of a wedding they weren’t sure would go off caused them to switch gears.
“We decided to make it about us and get married on the day he first said ‘I love you,’” Kayla Peterson said.
The couple were married May 10 in Bellbrook with 30 family members in attendance. They plan to renew their vows next year in Malibu with friends unable to attend.
Peterson said scaling back alleviated the stressful planning process and expense of a big wedding.
“You can lose meaning about the day being truly about you when it becomes about pleasing everyone else,” she said. “A micro wedding really truly becomes about you and your closest family and friends.”
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