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
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
These snakes not only fake their own deaths, they use gory special effects to do it
Awards season may be over for human actors this year, but there’s no rest for some of nature’s most audacious thespians.