We all know these are unprecedented times. Our hearts go out to all the brides who’ve had to reschedule, postpone, or cancel any part of their destination wedding due to the effects of COVID. At this moment (7 months since the start of COVID in the USA) airlines and resorts are reopening and making a lot of changes to their standard protocols. We want to give our brides thorough insight on what to expect for a COVID destination wedding so they can plan accordingly and inform their guests of any important information.
We’ve asked several travel agents and travelers what they’ve seen since COVID has taken effect and what you may encounter as well. Keep in mind that every airport, airline, country, and resort is different. These are general changes that you may or may not see, but we want you to be aware of them in case you’d have any questions. We recommend checking with your airline, resort, or on-site wedding coordinator if you have any questions about the changes we go over below.
We’ll outline the specific areas along your travels and explain what you may or not expect regarding changes made for COVID.
At the airport
Smaller crowds
Typically, a busy airport will have larger gatherings in the security line, at some restaurants or bars, or big groups of people traveling together. Since travel in general has decreased significantly there’s been much smaller crowds as well. Also, most people are trying to follow social distancing guidelines so you aren’t seeing people congregate together as much.
Social distance markers
We’ve seen this at department stores and other popular gathering places. In the airport you may see social distance markers at places like security checkpoints, in line to get on the plane, at restaurants or bars, or in lines at stores. These are usually markers on the floor or signs by checkout that request for people to stay 6 feet apart.
On the airplane
This will be different per airline. We’ve been hearing from travel agents that it’s entirely dependent on the airline. Some will practice heavy safety protocols while others are not practicing as heavily.
Masks required
Most airlines are requiring all passengers to wear masks for the entirety of their flight. An airplane is a pretty confined space, so this is a simple safety measure to avoid the spread of germs while passengers are near each other for an extended period of time.
Boarding from back to front
Some airlines are having passengers board from the back of the plane to the front to avoid crossing each other. This usually means passengers having to figure out what seat they’re in and board accordingly, which may take a little longer. At the same time, it’s nice to not be bumping into one another or waiting for people in front of you like you typically see in pre COVID boarding.
Standard boarding but no middle seating
Another practice we’ve heard is that the boarding process is the same, but the airline has left the middle seat empty to offer more space between passengers. This means there’s less people on the plane overall and may speed up the boarding and unboarding process.
Temperature check
Some airlines are requiring a temperature check for every passenger that gets on the plane. This has caused some backlash because if anyone has a fever the airline reserves the right to not allow you to fly.
No drink or food service
A lot of airlines are doing away with ordering drinks, snacks or meals. Depending on the airline, some are offering a baggie with a snack and/or water as you’re seated, but not given the option to order additional items. We suggest packing or buying your own snacks if you don’t think you’ll be able to make it through the flight without food.
Checking into the resort
Temperature check
A lot of resorts are checking guest’s temperatures as they check in. We haven’t heard of anyone presenting a fever while arriving at the resort so we aren’t sure what the resort’s plan of action would be if that were the case. If you’re worried that you or any of your guests would present a fever while arriving at the resort make sure you ask the resort what their plan is in case it happens.
Hand sanitizer
Many resorts are offering guests hand sanitizer while arriving and checking into the resort. There are a lot of germs you’ll come in contact with between landing and arriving at the resort so this is just an extra safety precaution to protect the staff. We’ve also heard of sanitizer in all rooms as well.
Staff wearing masks
Most resorts will have all of their staff wearing masks, regardless of what area of the resort they’re working. We’ve seen this in virtually every service industry and it’s becoming a standard practice with most companies.
The resort facilities
May be operating at a small capacity
We’ve been hearing that some resorts are only booking a certain percentage of capacity to avoid larger groups of people gathering and maintain social distancing. We’ve even heard at little as 15-20% capacity for some places. This may become a more common outcome for a COVID destination wedding.
Changes to buffet style food
In regards to food services, a lot of resorts offer buffet style for breakfasts or as a way of serving food at their larger restaurants. Due to COVID, many resorts have either completely eliminated this option, or they’re having staff serve all buffet items. This is to prevent guests from touching the same serving dish or silverware multiple times. If this was your style of plating for your wedding dinner there’s more information below for you.
QR menu options
Some resorts are doing away with menus altogether. Instead, they’re offering guests the menu through QR. This is to avoid using paper menus that guests and staff will touch multiple times.
If you aren’t familiar with QR, it’s a machine-readable label that your phone can scan and acquire information from by simply opening your camera. With that in mind, make sure to ask the resort if they’re using this method or bring your phone along to dinners at your resort.
You may also want to check with your resort if you have older guests coming for your destination wedding that may not be familiar with this method or may be confused as to how to use it.
The wedding arrangements
Seating may be spaced further apart at your ceremony and dinner
If the resort is practicing 6 feet apart social distancing methods you may see chairs further apart for your wedding ceremony, as well as at dinner. Most standard tables seat 8-10 guests, but some resorts are limiting this to only 6 guests per table.
This may change your seating chart if you’re having one. If so, make sure to ask your on-site coordinator if they plan on seating guests this way and adjust your seating chart as necessary.
If you originally got buffet style you may be paying more for plated
Since many resorts are doing away with buffet style you may have to check with your on-site coordinator if this was your original dinner option. They may still accommodate by having staff serve all the items, but if not you may have to pay more for a different style of serving. An unfortunate outcome in planning a destination wedding during COVID, but we hope it doesn’t affect your budget too much.
Ceremony locations hosting less people
If your ceremony is in a confined location, like a terrace or chapel, the resort may reduce the amount of people it can hold to maintain social distancing. If you have a large number of guests attending your wedding and are have your ceremony in a confined space you should check with your on-site coordinator to make any adjustments. This may entail changing the ceremony location or having guests sit outside the space to make sure they’re still properly distanced.
As stated earlier, these are general changes that may or may not apply to you while planning your destination wedding. They are also subject to change as every airline, resort, and location adjusts their protocols and COVID constantly changes. If you have any worry that the above practices will happen to you make sure to reach out to your travel agent, on-site coordinator, or resort to adjust as needed.
We sincerely hope you’re still able to have the destination wedding of your dreams. Has COVID directly impacted your wedding plans? Comment below to let us know how you’ve managed to adapt through these unpredictable times. Or contact me here to tell us all about your COVID destination wedding.