It’s the month of June! What should be the traditional period for rings, gowns and ties, and toasts has been transformed into going out with face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sanitary alcohol.

As the world tries to survive the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), so are its citizens trying their best to adapt to health and safety precautionary measures as well as the now common term, ‘new normal’.

In spite of social gatherings being cancelled for roughly the rest of the year, religious institutions have released guidelines on the ‘new normal’ in weddings.

So, to couples who refuse to let the pandemic get in the way of their love, here are some protocols that you expect once you push through with your wedding plans.

Take note, though, local government units (LGUs) as well as the assigned bishop in the area still have the last say on certain policies they shall enforce once religious activities resume.

Entourage

Coordinating gowns are going to be out of season for a while as entourage or abays are sadly going to be chopped off of the wedding.

In compliance with the social distancing—recommended to prevent the transmission of COVID-19—mass gatherings are prohibited. This means you can only be in a venue consisting of a maximum of 10 people while at the same time, maintaining a at least 6 feet away from each other.

Guests

Minimizing the attendees also mean listing down the highly prioritized guests. According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), this includes both of the parents/guardians of the bride and the groom and one set of sponsors.

Ceremony

While the CBCP advised against holding the wedding ceremony virtually, the event can still push through but with the strict compliance to certain guidelines.

Furthermore, holy oils used during the occasion should be used with cotton and should be burned afterwards.

Reception

‘New normal’ receptions are as simple and intimate as it can be. Take it from newlyweds Kris Bacani and Jay Endaya, who celebrated the momentous occasion with takeout food and a few loved ones.

Looking at the silver lining, the COVID-19 pandemic has showed that extravagance is not really the most essential factor to consider in celebrating your love for each other. As long as you’re facing every obstacle together, you can just about survive anything that goes along the way.

Photo Source: elements.envato.com