Unvaccinated could soon mean uninvited for weddings, informal gatherings
Whether it's a wedding, baby shower or an everyday friendly gathering – a private vaccination policy could soon be another sign of these COVID-19 times.
"Just like for any event, set the expectations for your guests", said Julie Blais Comeau, owner of a company offering advice on etiquette based out of Ottawa.
Blais Comeau says there's no doubt that if a private event host wants guests to provide proof of vaccination, it will in some cases come with some awkward moments.
She recommends that in order to minimize any misunderstanding, a host's decision should be communicated clearly -- and firmly -- to all guests, ahead of the event.
"It could be done on the telephone and, actually, that's my recommendation. Call the people. We're not talking about hundreds of phone calls that will have to be made," Blais Comeau said.
"I think most would be in favour of something like this, yes," added Paul MacDonald. He's general manager of Sydney's Centre 200, which often hosts weddings, with hundreds of guests.
Blais Comeau says it's a reasonable ask.
"Once again I want to emphasize ... that people have a right to make their decision," she told CTV Atlantic.
From backyard parties to baby showers, Blais Comeau says the same goes for other informal gatherings.
She adds that as long as there aren't any surprises, most people will probably be reasonable and respectful - even if they are disappointed.
If bad feelings are still lingering, she says offering a make-up date could help make amends.
"Allude to the future, where they could plan another occasion where they could gather. But for this time, they have to stay firm on the decision," she said.
"I think everybody quite frankly has been fatigued, honestly, with this whole thing," added Paul MacDonald. Julie Blais Comeau says with that in mind, both hosts and guests can remember that these vaccination decisions are nothing personal.
"It's going to get sticky. So let's just at times, agree to disagree," she said.
In one final piece of advice, Blais Comeau said that hosts who might have trouble enforcing their decisions could in some cases delegate that task to someone else – like a venue owner, or an event planner.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.