In March 2020, our Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin told Malaysians to postpone their wedding receptions and kenduri during the Movement Control Order (MCO) from 18th – 31st of March 2020, and most likely beyond. It is a health crisis that not only affects Malaysians but billions of people around the world. The rise in the number of (Corona Virus Disease 2019) Covid-19 cases in our country was mainly due to mass gatherings, when those infected came in close contact with many others. With every handshake, sneeze/ cough or simply a touch on the surfaces or objects with traces of microbes left by those affected, comes a possibility of catching the contagion. The latest research says the disease is not only droplet-borne but could also be air-borne.
It is a highly contagious disease which should not be taken lightly. Hence cancelling or postponing big weddings are unavoidable. #socialdistancing.
Photo: Fabulous Moments:
Postpone the Big Banquets
EdgeProp reported that a couple had to call off their wedding reception which was to be held in a Chinese restaurant in Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur. The restaurant and wedding crew were understanding and accommodating, including the make-up artist, videographer, photographer, emcee, live band, wedding planner and the decor company.
“I cannot imagine if someone gets the virus because he or she attended our wedding. The whole world is having a hard time now. The restaurant allowed us to postpone the wedding to anytime before March 2021 without any charge. We did not suffer any loss of money – just our time and effort in planning. But it is okay because our sacrifice is small compared with those fighting the virus in the frontlines.” said the bride-to-be.
Clean and Disinfect
It is important to not let the virus stay active on our hands, as we have the tendency to touch our mouth, eyes, nose (MEN) a lot. Hand washing with soap (for at least 20 sec), frequently is the most recommended defense in battling Covid-19. The coronavirus is essentially genetic information (RNA) surrounded by a coat of fat. The soap attracts the fat and tears it apart, annihilating the virus. In the absence of soap and water, use the hand sanitizer with minimum 60% alcohol which can kill the virus.
Kenduri kawin covid 19. pic.twitter.com/KORCkODA35
— #dudukRumah (@bazlinj) March 12, 2020
Implement Distancing
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Social distancing seating arrangements implemented in Singapore. source: straitstime.com. |
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Guests at a wedding in March 2020 at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore sitting at tables that were placed at least a metre apart. Photo: straitstimes.com |
Drive-Thru Wedding
Here’s a wedding ceremony with the guests driving through the couple’s decorated bridal dais, followed by some congratulatory hand greeting gestures, then the giving of gifts and the guests receive wedding food and treats in return. Finally, a couple of pictures and they bid farewell.
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Congratulatory hand greeting gestures. Source: Dinas Bridal |
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Almost contact-less Drive-Thru Wedding in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Zenuz Production. |
Live Streamed Wedding
With the availability of more live streaming platforms and online video conferencing apps, couples can choose to hold their wedding ceremonies remotely instead.
In the United States, a livestream video of Chana Wolfson and Scott Smith’s wedding is watched by friends and family around the country on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at French Park in Amberley Village. The couple was supposed to get married at the end of the month, but moved their wedding up due to the new coronavirus pandemic and concerns of travel restrictions.
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The couple perform the Hakafot tradition of the wedding ceremony with less than 20 guests. Source: cincinnati.com |
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Small wedding ceremony which was broadcasted live online |
