Weddings During Covid-19

Weddings During Covid-19

First and foremost, let us congratulate you on your engagement! We are so excited to be a part of your big day. We understand that you may be nervous about planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, but hopefully we can shed some light on things to ease your fears. Although we have to be diligent and more cautious while maintaining the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, it is important to remember that some of the most significant aspects of weddings during this time are not drastically different from weddings you may have attended or read about during pre-COVID times. For example, you still get to walk down the aisle, exchange vows, dance with your new spouse, take silly photos, and make beautiful, long-lasting memories. These are just some of the wonderful things that happen during a wedding day that will still shine through!

As we all know, there are going to be a few adjustments and differences as we need to take several precautions in order to keep everyone as safe as possible and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Headcount

One considerable difference will be that the guest count of your event is likely to be lower than it would have been before COVID-19. This is due to some guests being older or otherwise having pre-existing health conditions and needing to exercise more caution as it pertains to travel and attending events with other people. It is understandable that they may be unable to take the risk of going your event, despite our precautionary measures, and it is also important to respect that.

It is also possible that your final guest count may vary as a result of last-minute cancellations due to the dynamic nature and trends of the virus. For instance, if a guest begins to feel ill leading up to your event, they might cancel at the last minute for the sake of everyone else. On a positive note, we are able to be prepared for this possibility while planning the event. Although it is unfortunate that not everyone will be able to attend your event, we like to suggest that you consider that they will be there in spirit. As these are unprecedented times, it doesn’t hurt to think outside of the box! Through the magic of smartphones and social media, perhaps those unable to make it, might be able to catch a glimpse of an image or video online. Your desire to allow this kind of access and participation can be discussed with a family member or friend to allow them to interface with absent guests via a watch party or with an app like Facetime. Announcements communicating your wishes can be coordinated with your wedding planner, officiant, or DJ.

Safety & Facemasks

Your safety and the safety of all your guests are a priority for us. To ensure that everybody is as safe as possible, we have been practicing an abundance of caution while hosting weddings and other events.

As recently as six months ago, we might have found it quite odd to be at any event and see people wearing facemasks. In fact, could you imagine prior to COVID, wedding guests seeing the staff all coming in wearing masks? That would have been unusual and worrisome.

But during current times, wearing a facemask is quite commonplace. And not only is it accepted; it’s expected in situations where there is a group of people gathering. If our servers were to not wear masks, not only would we be breaking guidelines set out by the CDC, but we could be making many of your guests uncomfortable.

To maintain a high level of professionalism, our vendors and servers will be in matching masks to provide a cohesive look that matches their uniforms.

Even if it is not required, it is encouraged that guests wear masks and the staff can enforce such guidelines at the request of the wedding party.

Physical Distancing

In addition to both our servers and vendors wearing masks, we are following physical distancing guidelines set up by the CDC.

One of the main guidelines from the CDC is to maintain a social distance from one another. This is because maintaining a safe distance from one another helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. For this reason, we have come up with many ways to provide options for guests to physically distance themselves from one another without taking away the look and ambiance of your wedding. For instance, we provide distanced seating within the ceremony so that individuals can be physically distant while witnessing you walk down the aisle. In addition, we are spacing the tables in a manner so there is a minimum of six feet between them. Doing this allows you to be at a close distance to individuals you feel safe around but be distanced from other guests.

One innovation that has come up because of coronavirus are color-coded wristbands. The wristband system allows individuals to decide on their own and then wordlessly communicate with others their level of comfort in interactions. For instance, a red wristband could mean that you are asking others to keep their distance and not to touch you, however, another color would indicate that you are open to being greeted with a hug or handshake. These wristbands help avoid awkward conversations and uncertainty. They discreetly allow individuals to feel free and safe while attending your event. And most importantly, they help us respect one another.

All of these changes may seem daunting, and like you, we look forward to a day when these precautions are no longer necessary. But we can assure you that not even COVID-19 can derail you and your loved ones from some of the most incredible memories from your wedding. Hopefully, you are not going to remember tables being six feet apart. You are going to remember being surrounded by your friends and family. And most importantly…you are going to remember the celebration of your love on this very special day.