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[coronavirus] Two part post: what steps are you taking? Maid of honor is in Italy and refusing to come home, advice?

Discussion

Part 1: General coronoavirus approach/concerns/what we are doing

We have had a two year engagement and have been planning a wedding in Santa Barbara, CA on May 31st. It is a destination wedding requiring some travel for everyone (and cross-country travel for most).

I have drafted the following email to send to our guests:

To our beloved friends and family,

Our big day is approaching quickly (we can't believe it is less than three months away!) and we are buzzing with nervous energy (or, maybe that is this morning's coffee...). Either way, we wanted to reach out to talk about the most recent coronavirus, COVID 19.

As the entire world is prepping for the unknown, we are making our own plans and preparations. It is of utmost importance to us that everyone remains healthy and socially responsible when considering our wedding. This has been a topic of a lot of recent conversation between us and we have come up with the following:

The wedding is still on! No, we aren't currently planning on canceling or rescheduling the ceremony. Obviously, we are keeping a close eye on the news and any recommendations by experts, but, at least at this point, are still planning on proceeding as planned. Postponing or canceling the ceremony is a last resort.

We encourage everyone to be conscientious regarding their own travel plans. We, of course, would love everyone we've invited to attend, but, outbreak aside, we knew that logistically, a destination wedding poses plenty of problems already. The coronavirus obviously has added another wrinkle. With that said, if anyone feels uncomfortable about traveling, we understand. We have even considered, ourselves, changing our travel plans, if necessary, to drive instead of fly. If you or someone close to you is at an increased risk, consider all of the options. 

We ask that anyone that has reason to believe they might pose a higher threat in spreading the illness, due to recent travel (especially to high-risk regions) or other contact with potential or confirmed carriers, to be extra vigilent. We are asking anyone that falls into this category to self-quarantine for at least two weeks, before coming (and, wedding, aside, this is good practice in any event). If this isn't an option, we ask that you opt out of attending. We can't think of a worse thing than to have all of our loved ones exposed to the disease unnecessarily. 

There are a lot of unknowns out there, and we don't want to add to any panic or fear. In fact, the opposite. We know that there is a lot of really simple things like washing your hands, for at least 20 seconds, often; covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze with your elbow; avoid touching your face; and, avoiding public places, like school and work, especially if you feel sick, until you can be sure you aren't infected.

We don't want this email to come off as doom and gloom. Quite the opposite, we are getting very excited and can't wait to see you all! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out.

What is everyone else doing?

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Part 2: Maid of Honor (sister of the bride) venting and advice

Oh and also...

My fiance's sister, who was to be her maid of honor is working in Italy in the tourism industry (and is stubbornly refusing to come home, despite the growing concerns across the world). My fiance's entire family is at a loss, but it's ultimately out of our control. Her sister is being selfish and playing the victim. This isn't a career, it's a way for her to continue the party life post-college (she is at nightclubs every night, for instance).

Fiance is obviously upset but also just generally very mad. Her sister refuses to talk to her about the situation and she is considering making a friend of hers her matron of honor instead. (Her sister has done absolutely nothing for the wedding otherwise, to add to this.) I would like to try and help, but don't know how. My fiance and her mom can be a bit neurotic (generalized anxiety disorders and OCD) so I get how it could be overbearing, but the level of avoidance and denial is difficult to deal with.

Advice?

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EDIT: formatting.

Posted Mar 9, 2020, 3:40 PM UTC · edited

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