Backyard Weddings During Covid: What You Need To Know

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many couples to make difficult decisions about their weddings, with some opting to postpone their plans, while others have chosen to modify their dream weddings. Backyard weddings have emerged as a cost-effective and intimate alternative to large ceremonies, allowing couples to save on costs such as venue rentals and catering. However, hosting a backyard wedding during the pandemic comes with its own set of challenges and considerations, from ensuring guest safety to complying with local restrictions and obtaining the necessary permits.

Sanitation stations and social distancing

Sanitation Stations:

• Offer a sanitation station at the entrance of your backyard reception. This can include a touchless temperature check and a quick review of COVID-19 symptoms.
• Ask close friends or designated volunteers to assist with temperature readings and screenings.
• Provide individual hand sanitiser bottles for each guest, encouraging them to sanitise or wash their hands frequently throughout the event.
• Consider including additional sanitation items such as disposable masks, disinfectant wipes, or hand soap at the sanitation station.

Social Distancing:

• Follow the latest CDC recommendations and local guidelines regarding the number of guests allowed for outdoor gatherings.
• Communicate to your guests that their health and safety is your top priority, and assure them there will be no hard feelings if they prefer to stay home due to health concerns.
• Arrange lawn chairs or other seating options to be 6 feet (2 metres) apart, clearly marking spots for guests to maintain social distancing.
• Encourage guests to maintain social distancing during interactions, mingling, and while seated.
• Consider providing guests with personalised or marked drinkware, such as Mason jars, to avoid cross-contamination.
• Opt for individually pre-packaged meals or snacks instead of a communal buffet to minimise contact between guests.
• If possible, provide ample space for guests to spread out, allowing for a more comfortable and safer environment.

By implementing these sanitation and social distancing measures, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your guests while still creating a memorable and enjoyable backyard wedding experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Individually-packaged food and drink

It is possible to have a backyard wedding during COVID-19, but it requires careful planning to ensure the safety of your guests. One important aspect to consider is the food and drink that will be served. Here are some tips for providing individually packaged food and drink at your backyard wedding during COVID-19:

Choose individually packaged meals or snacks

Instead of a communal buffet or family-style meal, opt for individually packaged meals or snacks. This avoids cross-contamination between guests accessing the food. For a casual backyard wedding, offer individual mini bags of chips and a pre-packaged bag of food like a hot dog. Don't forget to include some individually wrapped condiments and a cookie. If you're planning a more elegant affair, you can find a caterer that provides individually packaged meals. Be sure to include options for your guests to choose from, and don't forget about drinks!

Use sealed containers and bottles

Provide meals that are entirely boxed or sealed. This way, guests won't share utensils or touch someone else's food. Offer sealed water bottles instead of a communal water jug. For fruit, offer mixed fruit salad in to-go containers instead of a fruit plate. This eliminates the need for shared utensils.

Establish one-way traffic

To reduce contact between guests, establish one-way traffic near the food and beverage areas. Clearly mark entrances and exits, and ensure there is enough space for guests to spread out and maintain social distancing.

Avoid finger foods

Finger foods are not a good idea during the pandemic, as they require guests to use their fingers to serve food into their mouths. This can increase the risk of transferring germs.

Set up sanitation stations

Make sure to have hand washing areas, hand sanitizer dispensers, and wipes available for your guests. Encourage them to sanitize or wash their hands frequently throughout the event.

Communicate with your guests

Keep your guests informed about any changes to your wedding plans due to COVID-19. Let them know that their health and safety is your priority and that you understand if they are uncomfortable with in-person gatherings. Offer a livestream of the event for those who prefer to stay at home.

Livestreaming

If you're planning a backyard wedding during the pandemic, livestreaming is a great way to include guests who can't attend in person. This could be because they are uncomfortable with in-person gatherings or because they live too far away.

> We need the date, time, and location of the ceremony. We will then schedule the live stream with a custom URL that [couples] can share with all of their virtual wedding attendees. We can live stream privately via a custom page on our website, or open to a variety of platforms, including Facebook & YouTube.

If you're livestreaming your wedding, you'll want to make sure that your guests know how to join the stream. You can include this information on your wedding website or send it out via email. You should also remind your guests to bring a computer or smartphone with internet access if they plan on joining remotely.

If you're looking to elevate your livestream, you could consider adding a virtual photo booth, where guests can snap selfies with their phones or laptops. You could also send out cocktail recipes ahead of time and instruct guests to prepare them during the stream for a remote dance party.

Permits and insurance

Permits: The permits you need will depend on your location, so it's essential to check with your local county or municipality. Some common permits required for backyard weddings include:

• Special event permits: Register your wedding as a private event. This may be necessary to comply with local laws regarding private gatherings.
• Liquor licenses: If you plan to serve alcohol, you will likely need a license. Those serving liquor must be licensed to do so and must abide by local serving rules and timelines.
• Fire permits: If you use a tent, which is considered a temporary structure, you will likely need a fire permit. This is to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, including marked exits, fire extinguishers, and proper handling of candles or open flames.
• Tent permits: In some locations, you may need a specific permit for the tent itself.
• Health permits: If you provide portable restrooms, you may need health permits, although this is less common.

Insurance: It is important to review your home insurance policy to ensure that it covers any liabilities that may arise during your backyard wedding. Some considerations include:

• Liability coverage: This can protect you financially if someone is injured on your property or if there is property damage.
• Wedding insurance: Some insurance companies offer specific wedding insurance policies to cover potential accidents or incidents on your wedding day.
• Vendor insurance: When hiring vendors, such as caterers or rental companies, ensure they have adequate insurance. For example, the rental company for a tent should provide insurance in case of fire or damage to the tent.

COVID-19 considerations: In addition to the standard permits and insurance, there may be COVID-19 protocols and restrictions in place. Check with your local and state government guidelines for the most up-to-date information. Some considerations include:

• Capacity restrictions: There may be limits on the number of guests you can invite.
• Social distancing: Your guests may be required to maintain a certain distance from each other, which can impact your seating and gathering arrangements.
• Sanitation: Consider providing a sanitation station with temperature checks and hand sanitiser for your guests.
• Livestreaming: Offer a livestream option for guests who are unable or uncomfortable with attending in person.

By carefully navigating the permits, insurance, and COVID-19 considerations, you can help ensure that your backyard wedding complies with regulations and prioritises the safety and well-being of your guests.

Prepping the backyard

Repairs and Maintenance:

• Make any necessary repairs to your home, such as fixing a leaky roof or faucet.
• Keep blueprints on hand to prevent potential issues during renovations, landscaping, or construction of temporary structures.
• Rent a generator to supplement your primary power source and ensure you have enough electricity for catering, lighting, and entertainment.
• Consider renting additional restrooms, especially if your guest list is large. The general rule is one bathroom rental unit per 50 guests per hour.

Landscaping and Setup:

• Ensure the area is level for tables, chairs, and a dance floor. If not, you may need to level the ground or lay a foundation.
• Create a cohesive landscape design. Consider enlisting a professional to help create a unified aesthetic that complements your wedding colour scheme or theme.
• Treat the area for bugs a few days before the event to prevent mosquito bites.
• Check your insurance coverage. You may need to purchase a separate event or wedding insurance policy, including liquor liability insurance if you plan to serve alcohol.

Contingency Planning:

• Consider tenting the reception area to provide shelter from unexpected rain or wind and add ambiance to your wedding.
• Have a backup plan for bad weather. If your house is large enough, you can move the party indoors. Otherwise, put a hold on a tent early so it's ready if needed.

Guest Comfort and Safety:

• Offer a sanitation station for guests, including a touchless temperature check and symptom review.
• Encourage social distancing by spacing out lawn chairs or marking spots on the ground for guests to maintain a safe distance.
• Provide hand sanitizer stations and encourage frequent handwashing.
• Offer individually pre-packaged meals or snacks to avoid cross-contamination.
• Keep guests informed about any changes to your plans due to COVID-19 restrictions.

With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and safe backyard wedding during COVID-19.

Frequently asked questions