Dance At Ohio Weddings: What's Allowed?

Dancing is a fun and integral part of weddings, and couples in Ohio have a variety of venue options to choose from to celebrate their special day. From scenic outdoor locations to unique indoor settings, there is something for everyone. But is dancing allowed at weddings in Ohio?

Dancing at weddings was banned during the pandemic

Dancing at weddings was banned in many places during the pandemic, including Ohio and Washington, D.C. In Ohio, an amended public health order allowed for "open congregate areas" at bars, restaurants, and banquet facilities, enabling dancing to resume in these spaces. However, social distancing and sanitation guidelines had to be followed, and crowd sizes at banquet facilities were limited to 300 people.

In Washington, D.C., a ban on dancing at wedding receptions was implemented by Mayor Muriel Bowser in May 2021. This ban prohibited all standing and dancing, including traditional father-daughter dances and first dances between newlyweds. The restriction was put in place to prioritize safety and prevent receptions from becoming superspreader events, as people are more likely to get close and touch each other when dancing.

The dancing ban in Washington, D.C., caused mixed reactions among couples planning their weddings. Some considered postponing or cancelling their celebrations, feeling that a wedding without dancing was not worth it. Others expressed relief that weddings could take place at all, given the previous inability to host weddings during the pandemic. Industry professionals, such as wedding venues and DJs, were also impacted by the ban, with some suggesting ideas to make dancing safer, such as marking off spaces on the dance floor or creating mini-dance floors.

While the ban on dancing at weddings during the pandemic was a safety measure, it also highlighted the importance of dancing as a form of expression and celebration, especially on a couple's special day. As the pandemic evolved and vaccination rates increased, some restrictions were lifted, and dancing was eventually allowed again in Ohio and other places. However, the impact of the dancing ban during the pandemic led to creative solutions and a renewed appreciation for the joy of dancing at weddings.

Social distancing and sanitation guidelines must be followed

Dancing is now permitted at weddings in Ohio, but social distancing and sanitation guidelines must be followed. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure the safety of guests while allowing them to dance and enjoy the celebration:

Guest Seating Arrangements

It is recommended to seat guests with their own party and maintain a distance of 6 feet between tables. Each table should not exceed a group of 10 individuals. This will help reduce the risk of transmission and make it easier for guests to maintain their distance while seated.

Dance Floor Guidelines

To ensure social distancing on the dance floor, consider marking off spaces for individuals or couples to stand in. This will help prevent dancers from getting too close to one another. Another option is to allow only one table's guests on the dance floor at a time, ensuring that there is always a safe distance between dancers. Creating multiple mini-dance floors around the room is also an effective way to limit the number of people dancing at the same time.

Sanitization Stations

Provide easily accessible hand sanitizing stations near the dance floor and throughout the venue. This will encourage guests to sanitize their hands frequently, reducing the risk of spreading germs.

Face Coverings

While not a replacement for social distancing, face coverings can provide an additional layer of protection. It is recommended to encourage guests to wear masks, especially when they are not seated at their tables. This can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and provide some level of protection while dancing.

Crowd Size Limitations

To maintain proper social distancing, adhere to the crowd size limitations set by the state. Currently, indoor banquet and catering facilities in Ohio are limited to 300 people. By limiting the number of guests, you can ensure that there is enough space for people to move around and maintain their distance.

By following these guidelines, couples can have a safe and enjoyable wedding celebration, allowing guests to dance and socialize while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. It is important to prioritize safety while finding creative ways to make the event memorable and fun for everyone.

Live entertainment is allowed in bars and restaurants

As of June 2020, live entertainment is allowed in bars and restaurants in Ohio, according to an amended public health order. This includes dancing, which is now permitted at bars and wedding receptions across the state. The amendment was made to Ohio's Dine Safe Order, which applies to restaurants, bars, and banquet and catering facilities.

The new language in the order allows for "open congregate areas" at these venues, which the Ohio Department of Health defines as "billiards, card playing, pinball games, video games, arcade games, dancing (and) entertainment." However, social distancing and sanitation guidelines must be followed.

The change comes after a previous version of the order prohibited these public spaces as businesses began to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions prompted a lawsuit from a trade association representing purveyors of arcade games, jukeboxes, and other coin-operated machines.

While live entertainment and dancing are now allowed, there are still some restrictions in place. Crowd sizes at banquet and catering facilities are limited to 300 people, and guidelines for these venues are largely the same as for restaurants and bars. This includes maintaining 6 feet of distance between tables and no congregating in large groups.

Crowd sizes at banquet and catering facilities are limited to 300 people

As of June 2020, crowd sizes at banquet and catering facilities in Ohio are limited to 300 people. This is according to an amended public health order, which allows for "open congregate areas" at Ohio's bars, restaurants, banquet facilities, and more.

The amendment was made to Ohio's Dine Safe Order, which applies to restaurants, bars, and banquet and catering facilities. A previous version of this order prohibited these public spaces as businesses began to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic.

The new public health order states that even as they are permitted to reopen, businesses must follow all social distancing guidelines as well as sanitation guidelines as provided in this and other orders. This means that attendees must remain seated when eating or drinking, be sequestered to tables of no more than 10, and those tables must be at least six feet away from other tables.

Live entertainment is also permitted in bars, restaurants, and banquet facilities, but social distancing guidelines must be followed.

If you are planning a wedding in Ohio, it is important to choose the right music that will fit your specific needs and tastes. There are many great Ohio wedding DJs to choose from, and you can find one that specializes in a particular genre of music or can play a little bit of everything. Consider your budget and get quotes from a few different DJs before making your final decision. Meeting with potential DJs will also help you get a sense of their style and whether they are a good fit for your wedding.

Specialty dances, like the father-daughter dance, are allowed

However, as of June 2020, Ohio has allowed dancing at weddings again. An amended state order now permits open congregate areas in restaurants, bars, banquet and catering facilities to be used for dancing and entertainment. This includes dancing at wedding receptions, which was previously prohibited under the Ohio Department of Health's order.

While dancing is now allowed, there are still some restrictions and guidelines in place. Social distancing and sanitation guidelines must be followed, and crowd sizes at banquet and catering facilities are limited to 300 people. Attendees must remain seated when eating or drinking and must be sequestered to tables of no more than 10, with tables at least six feet apart.

Despite these restrictions, specialty dances, like the father-daughter dance, are still allowed. John Brooks, owner of Brookshire, the Venue, has consulted with state officials and will be permitting these specialty dances. The couple has just gotten married, so it is assumed they will be living together and social distancing is not necessary. Similarly, it is likely that a father and daughter will have been closer than six feet apart throughout the day, especially if the father walked his daughter down the aisle.

So, while there are still some limitations on dancing at weddings in Ohio, specialty dances like the father-daughter dance are allowed, and venues are finding ways to work within the guidelines to allow for these special moments.

Frequently asked questions