Wedding Reception At Home During Covid-19: Is It Possible?

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way weddings are celebrated. While large crowds, dancing, and close social interaction were once the norm, weddings now require careful planning to ensure the safety of guests. From elopements becoming more accepted to downsized guest lists, the pandemic has altered wedding etiquette. With restrictions and safety measures in place, couples have had to get creative with their celebrations, opting for outdoor venues, flexible planning, and COVID-safe entertainment. As guidelines continue to evolve, staying informed and adaptable is crucial for couples hoping to tie the knot.

Guest lists and seating plans

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes to wedding etiquette, and guest lists and seating plans are no exception. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind:

• Downsizing Guest Lists: Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, couples may need to downsize their guest lists, even at the last minute. Uninviting guests used to be considered a faux pas, but it has become more common and understandable during the pandemic. It's important to prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved.
• Plus-Ones: Before the pandemic, it was common for guests to receive a plus-one invitation. However, to reduce exposure and crowd sizes, couples may opt to only invite guests they know directly, resulting in smaller guest lists.
• Seating Arrangements: Rows of chairs or tables may need to be spaced out or arranged with social distancing in mind. Guests from the same household can be seated together, but it's important to allow for adequate space between different households.
• Multiple Celebrations: Instead of one large reception, couples may opt for multiple, smaller celebrations to adhere to capacity restrictions and minimise exposure. This approach was often frowned upon before the pandemic but is now becoming more accepted and even encouraged.
• Communication: It is crucial to maintain open and transparent communication with your guests. Be explicit about the safety measures in place, such as mask requirements, vaccination status, and whether the event will be held indoors or outdoors. This allows guests to make informed decisions about their comfort level and attendance.
• Outdoor Venues: Outdoor venues are preferable as they provide fresh air and more space for guests to spread out. Consider marquees or tipis with open sides to ensure adequate ventilation while still offering protection from the elements.
• Flexibility: With restrictions and guidelines changing frequently, it's important to stay flexible and prepared for any last-minute changes. Keep yourself updated with the latest guidelines and be ready to adapt your plans if needed.
• Intimate Settings: Smaller weddings can be advantageous, allowing for more personalised touches and creative freedom. Consider enhancing the dining experience with a lengthy tasting menu or spending more on décor to make the event memorable.

Food and drink

Firstly, it is recommended to avoid communal food options such as buffets or family-style meals, and instead opt for individually pre-packaged meals or snacks to prevent cross-contamination. For a casual backyard reception, you could offer individual mini bags of chips, pre-packaged hot dogs with condiments, and a cookie. If you're planning a more elegant affair, you can hire a caterer to provide individually packaged meals with various options for your guests to choose from. Drinks can also be prepared in individual servings, such as in Mason jars, to reduce contact between guests.

If you're serving alcohol, it's important to encourage responsible consumption. In some places, there are restrictions on alcohol service, with cut-off times for serving and consumption. It's also important to note that in certain areas, alcohol can only be consumed by seated patrons.

To further ensure the safety of your guests, you can provide a sanitation station at the entrance, which includes a touchless temperature check and a review of COVID-19 symptoms. Encourage your guests to frequently sanitise or wash their hands throughout the reception and maintain physical distancing.

With these considerations in mind, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your guests to celebrate your special day.

Entertainment

• Photo booth: A fun activity for guests of all ages, with props and costumes, that provides memorable mementos of your special day.
• Outdoor games: Garden games such as giant Jenga, croquet, mini-golf, and ping pong are a great way to get your guests interacting and having fun.
• Indoor games: For indoor entertainment, consider a picture scavenger hunt, a karaoke booth, or a dance-off competition.
• Music: Hire a DJ or a live band to get your guests on the dance floor. You could also organise a silent disco, where guests wear headphones and dance to their own music. Alternatively, create a playlist in advance and provide a simple sound system.
• Performers: Consider hiring performers such as acrobats, fire dancers, magicians, or cultural dancers.
• Food and drink: In addition to your wedding cake, you could provide interactive food services such as a DIY cocktail bar, a whiskey-tasting table, or a popcorn stand.
• Glitter bar: Perfect for a festival-themed wedding, guests of all ages will enjoy covering themselves in glitter.
• Children's entertainment: Face painting, balloon animals, colouring books, and a bouncy castle will keep the little ones entertained.
• Caricaturist: Hiring an artist to draw caricatures of your guests provides unique keepsakes for your guests and entertainment for in-between activities.
• Celebrity impersonator: Surprise your guests with a celebrity impersonator; Michael Jackson is a popular choice!
• Confetti cannons: Get your guests to launch confetti on stage during the first dance to create beautiful photos and memories.
• Fireworks display: A sparkling fireworks display is a romantic and memorable way to end the night.
• Bonfire: For a cosy and magical atmosphere, light a bonfire and provide s'mores for your guests to roast.
• Piñata: Hang a piñata from a tree and fill it with candy for a fun, interactive activity.
• Casino games: Bring the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to your wedding with casino tables and croupiers.

Health and safety measures

Guest List and Capacity Limits:

It is crucial to adhere to local guidelines and restrictions on gathering sizes. Be mindful of the number of guests you invite and keep the guest list as concise as possible. Some regions may have specific limits for indoor and outdoor events, so ensure you are well-informed about the relevant rules.

Social Distancing and Seating Arrangements:

Arrange the seating to allow for ample space between guests or groups from the same household. Consider placing chairs and tables at a distance from each other to facilitate social distancing. This may involve using outdoor spaces or larger venues to accommodate guests comfortably.

Masks and Personal Protective Equipment:

Encourage or require guests to wear masks during the reception, especially when they are not eating or drinking. Provide masks that match your wedding colors as favors, or include personalized masks with names, initials, or the wedding date. Ensure that vendors, coordinators, and staff members also wear appropriate PPE, including masks and gloves.

Hand Hygiene and Sanitization:

Provide multiple hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue, particularly in high-traffic areas. You can incorporate these stations into your decor by using luxury hand sanitizers and placing them alongside matching floral displays. Offer stylish dispensers with sanitizer as wedding favors, or give each guest a personalized miniature hand sanitizer as a memorable keepsake.

Food and Beverage Service:

Avoid self-serve buffets or stations where guests share utensils. Instead, opt for plated meals or smaller food stations to minimize contact. If you choose to have a drink station, create individual "pimp" stations with mini bottles of beverages and garnishes for guests to customize their drinks safely. Ensure that catering staff follow safety protocols, including wearing masks and gloves, and assign specific staff members to serve particular tables to reduce contact.

Entertainment and Dancing:

Live music and entertainment can be arranged while maintaining safety protocols. Place the band or musicians at least 12 feet away from guests or separate them using a barrier. Designate specific areas or zones for dancing, ensuring these spaces are at least 36 square feet and are six feet apart from each other. Guests should only dance with members of their immediate party, household, or family, and they must remain within their assigned zones.

Communication and Contingency Planning:

Maintain open and transparent communication with your guests about the safety measures in place. Inform them about mask requirements, vaccination expectations, and any other relevant details. Additionally, have a backup plan in case of unexpected changes, such as a move indoors due to inclement weather, as this may impact the number of permitted guests.

Venue and Timing Considerations:

When selecting a venue, prioritize outdoor spaces with good airflow and ample room for social distancing. Marquees, tipis, and open-sided tents are excellent options for providing fresh air and a continuous supply of ventilation. Consider the timing of your reception to avoid curfew issues, and build in extra time for activities to account for COVID-19 safety practices, such as handwashing and sanitizing.

Testing and Vaccination:

Encourage guests to get tested for COVID-19 before the event, and request that they bring their negative test results. Alternatively, you can make testing a requirement for attendance, along with proof of vaccination.

Signage and Safety Reminders:

Use creative and tongue-in-cheek signage to encourage safe practices. For example, display signs that say, "Spread love, not germs!" at sanitizing stations or social distancing reminders like, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder – please stay 2m apart."

Streaming and Virtual Attendance:

Offer live streaming options for guests who are unable or uncomfortable with attending in person. This allows them to celebrate and share your special day from the safety and comfort of their homes. Ensure that the streaming service is secure and accessible only to invited guests.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

Stay informed about the latest restrictions and be prepared to make changes to your plans if needed. The COVID-19 situation is dynamic, and restrictions can change rapidly. Keep a detailed list of suppliers and vendors handy so you can quickly adapt and communicate any necessary adjustments.

By implementing these health and safety measures, you can help ensure that your wedding reception at home during the COVID-19 pandemic is both memorable and safe for everyone in attendance.

Wedding etiquette

Limit the number of guests:

To comply with local regulations and reduce the risk of exposure, it is important to keep the guest list small. Be prepared to downsize your guest list if necessary, even after sending out save-the-dates.

Follow local regulations and restrictions:

Familiarise yourself with the local rules and guidelines regarding gatherings and events. These may include restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather, social distancing requirements, mask mandates, and prohibitions on certain activities. For example, in Washington State, indoor wedding receptions were prohibited for a period of time, and outdoor receptions were limited to a certain number of people.

Communicate with your guests:

Keep your guests informed about any changes to your plans due to COVID-19. Let them know about any safety measures you will be implementing, such as mask requirements or social distancing guidelines. Also, be transparent about any contingency plans in case of postponement.

Encourage safe practices:

Encourage your guests to follow safety protocols, such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and frequent hand washing. Provide hand sanitising stations and ensure that your venue is well-ventilated.

Plan alternative celebrations:

Consider alternative ways to celebrate your wedding while adhering to COVID-19 restrictions. You could plan multiple smaller celebrations with different guest lists, or opt for a virtual wedding with live streaming.

Be flexible and adaptable:

Recognise that the situation is constantly evolving, and be prepared to make changes to your plans if necessary. Work closely with your vendors and be understanding of any adjustments that may need to be made.

Prioritise the safety of your guests:

Put the health and safety of your guests first. This may involve making difficult decisions, such as limiting physical contact (e.g., hugging, kissing, or shaking hands) or restricting certain activities that could increase the risk of transmission.

Provide masks and sanitiser:

It is generally expected that the couple will supply masks for their guests, especially if they are requiring mask-wearing. Have plenty of extra masks on hand, as well as hand sanitiser, to ensure that your guests can stay safe and comfortable.

Consider wedding insurance:

With the uncertainty of the pandemic, it is a good idea to invest in wedding insurance. This can provide financial protection in case you need to cancel or postpone your wedding due to COVID-19.

Be mindful of your vendors:

Communicate any changes or cancellations to your vendors as soon as possible. Understand the details of your contracts, and be gracious and understanding if you need to make adjustments.

Remember, while COVID-19 has changed wedding etiquette, the most important thing is to focus on the celebration of your love and the safety of your guests. Be flexible, communicative, and adaptable, and your wedding reception at home will be a memorable and special occasion.

Frequently asked questions