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| Planning a Wedding at Home? Here Are a Few Things to Consider | Planning a Wedding at Home? Here Are a Few Things to Consider |
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| While many couples around the world are canceling or postponing their weddings because of the coronavirus pandemic, some are scaling down their plans and getting married at home. | While many couples around the world are canceling or postponing their weddings because of the coronavirus pandemic, some are scaling down their plans and getting married at home. |
| Justine Roach, 31, and Hrishikesh Desai, 37, who are from Los Angeles, had originally planned to marry March 21 at Ojai Valley Inn, a resort in Ojai, Calif., before about 200 guests. The couple instead chose to exchange vows on the same day at the Beverly Hills home of the bride’s parents, with only their immediate family of six present. | Justine Roach, 31, and Hrishikesh Desai, 37, who are from Los Angeles, had originally planned to marry March 21 at Ojai Valley Inn, a resort in Ojai, Calif., before about 200 guests. The couple instead chose to exchange vows on the same day at the Beverly Hills home of the bride’s parents, with only their immediate family of six present. |
| “We decided that for the well-being and safety of our family and friends, it wouldn’t make sense to go through with the wedding as we had planned it,” said Mr. Desai, a partner in a talent agency. | “We decided that for the well-being and safety of our family and friends, it wouldn’t make sense to go through with the wedding as we had planned it,” said Mr. Desai, a partner in a talent agency. |
| “We realized there are more important things going on in the world and there will always be time for celebration,” added Ms. Roach, a child therapist. | “We realized there are more important things going on in the world and there will always be time for celebration,” added Ms. Roach, a child therapist. |
| The couple plan to host a larger celebration with their extended family and friends at Ojai Valley Inn on Dec. 5. “All of our vendors agreed to move to our new wedding date without a problem, and our photographer is taking photos of us at the ceremony this weekend for free, so we’ve been very fortunate,” Ms. Roach said. | The couple plan to host a larger celebration with their extended family and friends at Ojai Valley Inn on Dec. 5. “All of our vendors agreed to move to our new wedding date without a problem, and our photographer is taking photos of us at the ceremony this weekend for free, so we’ve been very fortunate,” Ms. Roach said. |
| Brittany Harris, 33, and Naseem Beauchman, 37, who live in Oakland, Calif., have spent the last few days making last-minute arrangements for a small wedding ceremony (the legal one), also on March 21, at the home of Ms. Harris’s parents in Oakland. The couple originally planned to celebrate their nuptials at a resort and spa in Napa, Calif., with about 190 guests. | Brittany Harris, 33, and Naseem Beauchman, 37, who live in Oakland, Calif., have spent the last few days making last-minute arrangements for a small wedding ceremony (the legal one), also on March 21, at the home of Ms. Harris’s parents in Oakland. The couple originally planned to celebrate their nuptials at a resort and spa in Napa, Calif., with about 190 guests. |
| “Emotionally, it was tough when we decided on Sunday to cancel our wedding,” Ms. Harris said. “Some of our family members had already flown into town, and now they’ve already left.” She added that most of her vendors “have rallied behind us and are working with us to try to reschedule.” They were also able to negotiate a full refund of the $11,000 deposit that was paid to the resort. | “Emotionally, it was tough when we decided on Sunday to cancel our wedding,” Ms. Harris said. “Some of our family members had already flown into town, and now they’ve already left.” She added that most of her vendors “have rallied behind us and are working with us to try to reschedule.” They were also able to negotiate a full refund of the $11,000 deposit that was paid to the resort. |
| Officiants and other wedding vendors are helping couples pull off alternative, last-minute wedding arrangements. Rabbi Serge Lippe of the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue officiated a wedding March 14 at a bride’s parents’ home in Great Neck, N.Y., where there were fewer than 30 guests in attendance. The wedding was initially set to take place at the Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, N.Y., with about 400 guests. | Officiants and other wedding vendors are helping couples pull off alternative, last-minute wedding arrangements. Rabbi Serge Lippe of the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue officiated a wedding March 14 at a bride’s parents’ home in Great Neck, N.Y., where there were fewer than 30 guests in attendance. The wedding was initially set to take place at the Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, N.Y., with about 400 guests. |
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| “The decision was made at the last moment that it would not be responsible to gather that many people together, especially older relatives,” Rabbi Lippe said, adding that “even in the midst of everything that’s going on with the coronavirus, it was still a joyous occasion for the family.” | “The decision was made at the last moment that it would not be responsible to gather that many people together, especially older relatives,” Rabbi Lippe said, adding that “even in the midst of everything that’s going on with the coronavirus, it was still a joyous occasion for the family.” |
| Of course, if you have to cancel or postpone a large wedding celebration, you’ll need to let guests know as soon as possible about any change of plans. Diana Romero, a San Diego-based wedding planner, recommends informing guests by phone, rather than by email. | Of course, if you have to cancel or postpone a large wedding celebration, you’ll need to let guests know as soon as possible about any change of plans. Diana Romero, a San Diego-based wedding planner, recommends informing guests by phone, rather than by email. |
| If you want a large wedding at home, you’ll likely have to wait until at least the summer. The Centers for Disease Control has recommended no gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. Some states, like California, have called for a 10-person limit for gatherings, as health officials work to contain the coronavirus outbreak. | If you want a large wedding at home, you’ll likely have to wait until at least the summer. The Centers for Disease Control has recommended no gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. Some states, like California, have called for a 10-person limit for gatherings, as health officials work to contain the coronavirus outbreak. |
| Here, though, are a few things to consider before celebrating your nuptials at home — either now or in the future. | Here, though, are a few things to consider before celebrating your nuptials at home — either now or in the future. |
| This is especially important in smaller spaces. Having a wedding in an apartment is doable (yes, even in New York), said Matthew David, the owner and president of 360 Design, a Manhattan-based event planner. But you’ll have to get your vendors on the same page. “In many apartment buildings, just to use the freight elevator may take planning,” he said. Indeed, having a caterer, florist and photographer show up at the same time can cause overcrowding. | This is especially important in smaller spaces. Having a wedding in an apartment is doable (yes, even in New York), said Matthew David, the owner and president of 360 Design, a Manhattan-based event planner. But you’ll have to get your vendors on the same page. “In many apartment buildings, just to use the freight elevator may take planning,” he said. Indeed, having a caterer, florist and photographer show up at the same time can cause overcrowding. |
| This is where a wedding planner or day-of coordinator can help. “You have to figure all the logistics before you can start planning the fun stuff,” said Britt Cole, an owner of 42 North, a wedding planning and design company based in Ipswich, Mass. | This is where a wedding planner or day-of coordinator can help. “You have to figure all the logistics before you can start planning the fun stuff,” said Britt Cole, an owner of 42 North, a wedding planning and design company based in Ipswich, Mass. |
| Margaret Reiney Alspaugh grew up knowing that she wanted to get married at her parents’ home in Huntsville, Ala., and have a reception at her grandparents’ house across the street. “My husband and I didn’t look at any wedding venues,” said Ms. Alspaugh, 28, who married Clay Alspaugh, 28, both lawyers from Manhattan, on May 18, 2019. | Margaret Reiney Alspaugh grew up knowing that she wanted to get married at her parents’ home in Huntsville, Ala., and have a reception at her grandparents’ house across the street. “My husband and I didn’t look at any wedding venues,” said Ms. Alspaugh, 28, who married Clay Alspaugh, 28, both lawyers from Manhattan, on May 18, 2019. |
| Their biggest challenge was building a dance floor. “The lawn wasn’t even,” Ms. Alspaugh said. Their solution? “We put a glass top over the swimming pool,” Ms. Alspaugh said. | Their biggest challenge was building a dance floor. “The lawn wasn’t even,” Ms. Alspaugh said. Their solution? “We put a glass top over the swimming pool,” Ms. Alspaugh said. |
| Neillie Butler, the Alspaughs’ wedding planner and the owner of Mariee Ami, a Birmingham, Ala., company that specializes in home weddings, said a common misconception is that getting married at home will help save money. “A lot of people think it will be cheaper, but it’s actually more expensive in most cases since you’re building a venue from scratch,” she said. | Neillie Butler, the Alspaughs’ wedding planner and the owner of Mariee Ami, a Birmingham, Ala., company that specializes in home weddings, said a common misconception is that getting married at home will help save money. “A lot of people think it will be cheaper, but it’s actually more expensive in most cases since you’re building a venue from scratch,” she said. |
| If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, be prepared to rent a tent, generator, and portable restrooms, along with tables, chairs and other equipment. In some cases, “you may have to install an elevated floor if your lawn isn’t flat, and that can range anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000,” Ms. Cole said. | If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, be prepared to rent a tent, generator, and portable restrooms, along with tables, chairs and other equipment. In some cases, “you may have to install an elevated floor if your lawn isn’t flat, and that can range anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000,” Ms. Cole said. |
| “We underestimated the costs for our wedding,” said Valerie Macaulay, 40, a founder of a women’s fashion brand who married Michael Macaulay, 38, a senior vice president at Sotheby’s. The couple, who live in Manhattan, got married Aug. 6, 2016 at the bride’s aunt’s house in Deering, N.H., where Ms. Macaulay’s family spends Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. “We had to build a platform in our backyard, since the ground was sloped, which was a big expense,” Ms. Macaulay said. | “We underestimated the costs for our wedding,” said Valerie Macaulay, 40, a founder of a women’s fashion brand who married Michael Macaulay, 38, a senior vice president at Sotheby’s. The couple, who live in Manhattan, got married Aug. 6, 2016 at the bride’s aunt’s house in Deering, N.H., where Ms. Macaulay’s family spends Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. “We had to build a platform in our backyard, since the ground was sloped, which was a big expense,” Ms. Macaulay said. |
| Many cities and towns require residents to obtain permits for a large gathering at their home. Local noise ordinances can also restrict how late couples are allowed to play loud music. | Many cities and towns require residents to obtain permits for a large gathering at their home. Local noise ordinances can also restrict how late couples are allowed to play loud music. |
| But there are creative ways to keep a party going past curfew. “We’ve seen couples use silent discos with headphones,” said Sunna Yassin, an owner of Bash Please, an event production company with studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco. | But there are creative ways to keep a party going past curfew. “We’ve seen couples use silent discos with headphones,” said Sunna Yassin, an owner of Bash Please, an event production company with studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco. |
| Check with your municipality, and with your property manager if you live in an apartment building, to find out what the regulations are for events at your home, Mr. David said. | Check with your municipality, and with your property manager if you live in an apartment building, to find out what the regulations are for events at your home, Mr. David said. |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| Ms. Butler visits homes in person to assess whether they’re suitable for weddings. “One of the biggest things I look for is, if it were to rain, what would happen?” she said. “You have to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” She typically recommends couples rent a tent and build a platform for their reception so that guests don’t have to dance on wet grass or mud. | Ms. Butler visits homes in person to assess whether they’re suitable for weddings. “One of the biggest things I look for is, if it were to rain, what would happen?” she said. “You have to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” She typically recommends couples rent a tent and build a platform for their reception so that guests don’t have to dance on wet grass or mud. |
| Rain isn’t the only concern. “Last year we did a wedding outside and it was 110 degrees,” Ms. Cole said, “but the string quartet couldn’t perform outdoors because it would put their instruments at risk, so we had to pivot and have the musicians perform inside the air-conditioned house and broadcast the music from speakers.” | Rain isn’t the only concern. “Last year we did a wedding outside and it was 110 degrees,” Ms. Cole said, “but the string quartet couldn’t perform outdoors because it would put their instruments at risk, so we had to pivot and have the musicians perform inside the air-conditioned house and broadcast the music from speakers.” |
| Strong winds can also create issues. “If you’re relying on candles as your main aesthetic statement, candles are not going to stay lit if it’s windy,” Ms. Cole said. | Strong winds can also create issues. “If you’re relying on candles as your main aesthetic statement, candles are not going to stay lit if it’s windy,” Ms. Cole said. |
| Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects don’t need an invitation to crash your party. The safe use of insecticide can help. “There are professional companies that you can hire to spray your property in advance to get rid of bugs or at least reduce how many of them show up,” Ms. Cole said. | Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects don’t need an invitation to crash your party. The safe use of insecticide can help. “There are professional companies that you can hire to spray your property in advance to get rid of bugs or at least reduce how many of them show up,” Ms. Cole said. |
| “My husband is sensitive to mosquito bites, and we didn’t want our guests scratching mosquito bites all night, so we had our property sprayed three times before our wedding,” Ms. Macaulay said. | “My husband is sensitive to mosquito bites, and we didn’t want our guests scratching mosquito bites all night, so we had our property sprayed three times before our wedding,” Ms. Macaulay said. |
| Lighting is important in the evening, especially if you’re having an outdoor wedding. “A well-lit property is going to make your photographs turn out significantly better,” Ms. Butler said. There are many options available, from string lights and lanterns to uplighting and chandeliers. | Lighting is important in the evening, especially if you’re having an outdoor wedding. “A well-lit property is going to make your photographs turn out significantly better,” Ms. Butler said. There are many options available, from string lights and lanterns to uplighting and chandeliers. |
| Pro tip: Rent a generator. “The power from the band and the lighting can put a bigger drain on your house than it’s used to, and you don’t want to risk losing power,” Ms. Butler said. | Pro tip: Rent a generator. “The power from the band and the lighting can put a bigger drain on your house than it’s used to, and you don’t want to risk losing power,” Ms. Butler said. |
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