How to keep your guests safe
Planning a wedding reception is a daunting task in the first place. Add Covid-19 on top of that, and it becomes twice as complicated!
Here are some tips to help you manage the event so everyone stays safe, but can still have a good time.
- Consider just having a small, intimate wedding ceremony that can be broadcast to your guests online and postponing the reception until the pandemic is over when it’s safe to have large gatherings.
- If you do go ahead, make sure to follow your state’s guidelines for the number of guests allowed. Some states allow up to 50 guests, others limit it to 10 or somewhere in between.
- Encourage your elderly guests to stay home and watch the ceremony remotely, then mail them a wedding favor, or drop off a piece of cake later.
- Choose outdoor over indoor venues whenever possible – if indoors, make sure the area is well ventilated.
- Use smaller tables spaced 6 feet apart with designated seating, keeping family groups together.
- Nix the buffet line, or use distance markers to space groups 6 feet apart while waiting.
- If doing a buffet, have servers wearing gloves and masks dishing out the food so the guests do not need to handle the utensils. Alternatively, have them bring the food to the guests at their tables.
- Provide all necessary supplies –hand hygiene stations, hand sanitizer or soap and water, tissues, bins, and masks (in accordance with local recommendations)
- Require the guests to wear masks when they cannot be socially distant.
- Provide background music for entertainment, but minimize or eliminate dancing for safety reasons.
I know these conditions are not ideal for having the wedding reception of your dreams, which is why many couples are postponing the festivities, but it is still possible to make a small reception work and create wonderful memories for your wedding.
Wear a mask.
Save lives.
Wear a face cover.
Wash your hands.
Keep a safe distance.
