Follow
Share

My nephew married his longtime girlfriend last week. They had a celebration that followed all current Covid guidelines for small gatherings, keeping distance, masks and gloves. I thought it would provide one thing to be happy about in 2020, but realized I was left feeling more empty about what was missing than anything else. So, what was missing? First, a grand parent. It was too risky for the elderly. Second, group photos of smiling faces, and photos of family generations. Thirdly, socializing. Nobody was walking around socializing at tables, meeting members of the other side of the family. Usually wedding celebrations allow for connections between the two families, and future story-telling of how you remember the bride's Aunt dancing with Uncle Joe, etc. No, none of that. It seemed more functional than celebratory. I did not meet anyone on the bride's side at all, and I was sitting at the table with the parent's of the groom. Is this the way all weddings are this year, or was it just that wedding? Is this one more casualty of this virus?
I feel sad for them for what they missed, but then I think maybe the bride and groom did not notice any of those aspects. Being 22 and 24 years old, they likely were just happy with their group of friends in attendance and happy to be husband and wife. Maybe the family photos do not matter so much.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Yes, covid has changed things. I was invited to a lovely BEACH wedding that was supposed to have happened in May. The couple, (in their 30's) decided it was too risky, plus, our state was under lockdown), so, they had the wedding with only immediate family present and under 10 people! They set it up so that everyone else could watch on Zoom and it was great! We got to send our well wishes, toast them and see just how happy they were. They are planning on having a big ONE YEAR anniversary party next year and we all are invited to that! I'm hoping covid will not prevent that event too.

I am surprised that your nephew had friends in attendance.....I'm really big on covid precautions, so, for events like that, with covid, I'm surprised. NC is perhaps more stringent on gatherings.

I would ask for some photos though. They likely have a bunch on their phones.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I think celebratios like this one will be the new normal. Bride and groom seem happy. Better safe than sorry.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I had a similar situation earlier this week, but with a funeral. One of my uncles passed away on Tuesday, but because of Covid restrictions there can only be a small, quick funeral ceremony of max 30 people. No church ceremony even though he was religious, limited hymns and readings, no physical comforting of each other, no celebration of his life afterwards over food and drinks. He has 7 brothers and sisters, all elderly, who are at risk of infection and my cousin is worried about inviting them to her father’s funeral. She has wisely decided to have a very small funeral, and then when life gets back to normal, have a proper celebration where everyone can attend safely and in a relaxed way. Her love for her father is no less because of doing it this way. I think many people will take this approach, not just with funerals, but with christenings and weddings too, holding a second kind of event sometime in the future.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Thanks to those who replied. I just feel more depressed after that wedding than anything. LOL.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
Nonni2012eli Jul 2020
Weddings have always been wonderful occasions for family gatherings, but if the couple is happy with one another and have a good long loving marriage, that is the main thing, as you said in your original post.
I fear that if we spend too much time wishing for what we once had, and letting that grief last more than a day, we're going to wear ourselves down. I know that's a risk for me.
(4)
Report
Imho, yes, the Novel Coronavirus has made a wedding less celebratory. I am sorry that you were left depressed. Perhaps you can take comfort in the knowledge of your nephew's wedded union.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter