Engaged Montrealers frustrated as their weddings plans stay on hold while the prom season forges ahead
After Tuesday’s announcement that an exception in COVID-19 restrictions will be made so Quebec high school students can attend their prom, some Montrealers are disappointed that the same allowances aren’t being applied to weddings.
Teacher Ashley O’Grady says that while she’s happy students are able to enjoy this “special moment in their lives,” she finds it unfair that she can’t do the same.
“I am finding there to be a double standard when it comes to weddings,” she said. “Hopefully things can change for our situation as well.”
Currently, restrictions in Quebec limit weddings to 25 people. At upcoming prom celebrations, however, up to 250 people are permitted to gather, although it must be outdoors.
Although the province initially determined there would be no prom in 2021, they changed their decision following the outcry of students, parents, and some teachers, with a number of students protesting outside the National Assembly on Monday.
Most 12 to 17-year-olds are expected to have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by June 24. Prom celebrations will begin on July 8, allowing the minimum requirement of two weeks for the vaccines to take effect.
When asked in a press conference Tuesday why a large number can gather at prom but not at weddings, Quebec public health director Dr. Horacio Arruda said that weddings are riskier since there is a wider age range among guests.
“[There are] older groups, not only youth that are there, there is grandma or grandpa, aunt and uncle," he said.
While most high-risk Quebecers have received their first vaccine, the majority have yet to receive their second shot, which is required to provide the maximum level of immunity against COVID-19.
O’Grady said the constant uncertainty surrounding weddings has been taxing for herself and for other grooms and brides-to-be she has interacted with through an online wedding planning forum.
“Many couples have postponed weddings several times,” she said. “This is not only a financial burden, but an emotional one.”
Frustration has also been expressed by those working behind the scenes in the wedding world.
Wedding planner Sue-Ellen Cotter said she is disappointed the Quebec government did not work more with the event-planning industry in developing a long-term reopening plan. Without knowing the restrictions well in advance, there isn’t enough time to prepare for a wedding, Cotter says.
“We have to plan a couple months before, to make sure we have a bunch of vendors, photo, video, DJs, band, cake, food,” she said. “It’s sad that the government didn’t want to work with us during the winter so we [could prepare to] launch the second season this summer.”
Cotter believes that, with the help of the government, event planners could have established a way to safely carry out larger events by cutting out activities such as dancing to avoid close contact between different household “bubbles.”
“We could have done [safe weddings] this summer,” she said.
Montreal is set to move from an orange zone to a yellow zone on June 14, when up to 50 people will be allowed at weddings as opposed to 25.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.