Extra safety please! Extra 10 Tips on Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic.

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The world we lived in now is definitely a very different world from last year (2019!). The events that were planned months and even years came to a screeching halt. Either postponed or rescheduled. Months and months passed, and now we have to realize that it is the NEW NORMAL as it is said that life goes on.

Our clients have experienced a hard time. Some have rescheduled twice but have still not made it due to the changes that happen so quickly. Some of our clients have decided to cancel the wedding celebration and do an at-home wedding celebration with just immediate family and streamed virtually for all the other guests.

If your wedding day was scheduled during the pandemic and now you have to reorganize and plan everything according to these protocols, there will be major things that you will have not just to consider, but follow – like laws, restrictions, protocols, etc.

NOTE: Depending on where you are, these restrictions and protocols will be different. It is IMPORTANT and ESSENTIAL to check with your local government and public health officials about any guidelines, protocols, policies, and/or regulations that you need to meet if you will be holding an event. This article is created to inform and share only and is not intended as medical advice or a law-based guideline.

We’ve rounded up some tips for you to plan your wedding during a pandemic; whether you are considering and at home, backyard, micro, or even a virtual wedding, these tips can help add that extra layer of protection.

1. Work with your venue closely

This part is dependent on where you are holding your wedding. If you are renting or holding it at a venue and have already booked it, make sure that your venue takes all the necessary precautions and follow the standard guidelines and by-laws in effect at the time of your wedding. Remember that things can change in a week, and it will be hard, but come up with creative ideas on how to navigate it without breaking any safety protocol and/or by-law.

You and your loved one’s safety should be a top priority. Even if the establishment follows through with all by-laws and protocol, it is still important to know that this is your wedding. You know your guests. Consider their health conditions, age, accessibility needs, etc.

By knowing all these things, you can then decide if you can still postpone it or reschedule. Or even cancel it altogether and do a virtual one.

Ask as well if they can include extra tables to be used as sanitizing stations.

HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING VENUE

2. Social Distancing

Keep a 6ft distance among the guests by arranging the seating accordingly. Make sure that the venue is also able to work around it; if you need to cut guests to make this happen, that is something that you can consider.

Keep in mind that even if you are socially distanced in a room when food and drinks are served, masks and face shields come off. That’s still exposure, especially if you are indoors. Outdoors can be a little more manageable when it comes to dining. Be extra cautious when deciding on how to execute.

SAFETY PROTOCOL EXTRA TIP: Together with having your guests and yourself wear a mask and practice social distancing, you can also rent stanchions together with signs to ensure physical distancing is practiced. To take things further for extra safety, you can also rent clear dividers (you can also decorate it!) to put in between tables. Another option is to provide clear face shields that they can still wear, should they need to take the mask off to eat and/or drink. Adding extra preventative measures is always a good idea. Remember, we are at an indoor wedding during a pandemic.

3. Food Safety

It will help to plan a menu/meal that has fewer changes and transitions. Avoid buffets where it will be very high touch and close proximity. Choosing a sit down only, plated menu promotes less contact between people.

DIY BRUNCH WEDDING: HOW TO (BUDGET-FRIENDLY)

4. Consider micro and virtual

To make sure that nobody misses out on your wedding, take it online! You can make your immediate family (micro) celebrate it in your home or event in a rented space.

PLANNING A VIRTUAL WEDDING

All you have to do is to arrange a big screen and streaming set-up, and then BAM! Now your guests can enjoy the event while staying at home.

HOW TO PLAN A MICRO WEDDING

5. Care Packages

There are creative meal options, and gift boxes that you can purchase like this one below from Olive and Fig. LOVE THIS COMBO! You have a grazing box and a box of donuts! Looks so yum, right? Not only are they no contact at all, but they are beautifully packaged and presented.

You can serve them to your guests (micro wedding), and you can also have them delivered to your virtual guests’ houses. This will help your virtual guests feel like they are also on-site with you and your partner.

If you’re feeling extra giving, adding a mini bottle of wine will complete the whole package.

WELCOME + CARE PACKAGE IDEAS FOR YOUR GUESTS

6. Custom Mask

We are in the middle of a pandemic, and planning a wedding isn’t what it used to be, at least for now. Let’s “face” it. We will be wearing masks for a while. Giving masks as favors and gifts will not only add that extra layer of protection, but also you can get creative with it! So many beautiful options for masks for the newly-weds-to-be. Of course, you can also create custom masks for your guests! VistaPrint enables you to create your own mask! Create your own monogram and have fun with the prints!

7. Deck out your deck

How about a micro backyard wedding? Deck it out! We’ve written in more detail some tips and guides.

Backyard weddings are lovely—they are intimate and often have a relaxed and sentimental feel. Besides, they have a lot of pros, some cash savings, flexibility, and convenience. A backyard wedding is also a wise choice during the COVID-19 pandemic as you can easily scale down your guest list.

DIY DRIED FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

8. Signs and Visuals

When wearing masks and face shields, it’s almost like you have to say things extra loud to be able to hear each other. Which sometimes means we ended up unconsciously leaning forward and forgetting about social distancing.

But when you put signs and markers, it will be easier for everyone to follow independently.

Show visuals on how to properly wear a mask (you can download signs from your local public health website!), as well as proper handwashing. Add markers on the floor to stand on that is already measured appropriately to follow social distancing.

9. Make Announcements

Another tip to consider when planning a wedding during a pandemic is to make announcements. Announce to your guests, whether pre-wedding through email or on the day of the wedding, what protocols are needed to be followed. This way, everyone understands what is to be expected of them.

The night before the wedding, send emails/texts checking in to see if everyone feels ok. If they are showing some symptoms, advise them to stay home.

10. Hire Help

Depending on the number of people you are inviting, hiring a few people as hostesses designated to remind guests of all protocols and safety measures will help. There are companies like Staff Shop that can help you with this.

For example, if the hostess notices a group of people starting to gather and in very close contact, they can come in and break it apart – nicely and warmly—just a constant reminder of the protocols in place.

These hostesses can also keep checking sanitizing stations and the bathroom, ensuring they are fully stocked with all the essentials.

There you are! Top 10 extra tips when planning and executing your wedding during a pandemic! Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! xo

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