George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and the COVID-19 pandemic has added a whole new layer of complexity. While it's impossible to guarantee a 100% COVID-free event, there are many precautions you can take to ensure the health and safety of your guests. Here are some tips to help you plan a safe and stylish wedding during the pandemic:
- Choose an outdoor venue: Opt for a venue with plenty of space and fresh air, which lowers the risk of transmission. If you must choose an indoor venue, ensure it has good ventilation and creative layout options to allow for social distancing.
- Limit the number of guests: Even if social distancing is not mandated, it's advisable to have a smaller gathering. This reduces the risk of spreading the virus and allows for more efficient social distancing. Consider live-streaming the ceremony for those who can't attend.
- Encourage vaccinations and testing: Request that all guests be fully vaccinated and provide proof via the NHS app. Alternatively, ask guests to take a COVID test the day before and bring proof of a negative result.
- Face coverings: While not always mandated, encouraging the use of face masks can add an extra layer of protection, especially in crowded spaces or when social distancing is difficult.
- Socially distanced seating: Arrange seating to allow for distance between different households. For the meal, consider smaller tables with fewer guests and space tables farther apart.
- Hand sanitiser: Place hand sanitiser stations at entrances, exits, and other high-traffic areas. Encourage guests to sanitise their hands regularly, especially before and after eating.
- Shorten the celebration: Longer weddings pose a higher risk. Consider skipping the drinking and dancing portion of the evening to reduce the duration of close contact.
- COVID-safe entertainment: Avoid activities that encourage guests to breach social distancing, such as dancing and singing. Opt for outdoor games, live entertainment, or a photo booth (without props).
- Communicate with guests: Keep your guests informed about the COVID precautions you're taking. Include a brief list of rules with your invitations so guests know what to expect and can prepare accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Venue | Outdoor venues are best; if indoors, ensure good ventilation and creative layout for social distancing |
| Number of Guests | Limit the number of guests to reduce the risk of transmission |
| Vaccination Status | Ask guests to be fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test |
| Face Coverings | Encourage face coverings, especially when social distancing is difficult |
| Social Distancing | Create a socially distanced table plan, use glass markers, and space out seating |
| Hand Sanitiser | Place bottles of hand sanitiser at entrances, exits, tables, and other high-traffic locations |
| Duration | Shorter celebrations are less risky |
| Entertainment | Choose COVID-safe activities and entertainment, and be mindful of the volume level of the music |
| Communication | Communicate health protocols to guests in advance |
| Food and Drink | Avoid buffets; opt for plated meals or served buffets |
| Streaming | Offer a live stream for guests who cannot attend |
What You'll Learn
Choose an outdoor venue
Choosing an outdoor venue is the best option for hosting a COVID-safe wedding. Here are some tips to help you plan a safe and stylish outdoor wedding:
Venue Selection
When selecting a venue, consider choosing a location with plenty of outdoor space, such as a garden, patio, or terrace. Look for venues that offer multiple outdoor options so you can have your ceremony, photographs, and reception all outdoors. This will allow you and your guests to enjoy the fresh air and natural setting while minimising the risk of virus transmission.
Weather Considerations
While outdoor weddings are ideal for COVID safety, always have a backup plan in case of unfavourable weather conditions. Discuss with your venue about their contingency plans and indoor options. If you need to move indoors, ensure the space is well-ventilated and spacious enough for social distancing.
Creative Use of Space
Get creative with your outdoor space to make it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. You can use the open area for the ceremony, with circular or semi-circle seating arrangements to ensure social distancing. For the reception, consider bench seating or small tables for individual households, spaced apart to maintain a safe distance.
Decor and Amenities
Enhance the beauty of your outdoor venue with stylish and functional decor. Create designated spaces for hand sanitising stations, welcome signs, and cute welcome packs for your guests. These stations can be designed to match your wedding theme, encouraging hygiene practices while adding to the overall style of the event.
Entertainment and Catering
When planning entertainment and catering, opt for outdoor-friendly options. Hire food trucks or set up a designated space for food services away from the main seating area. For entertainment, consider hiring performers such as stilt walkers, magicians, or a live band that can perform in the open space.
Remember, while an outdoor venue is a great choice for a COVID-safe wedding, it's important to be flexible and prepared for any changes. By combining a beautiful outdoor setting with thoughtful safety measures, you can create a memorable and safe celebration for you and your loved ones.
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Space out seating
To make your wedding Covid-safe, it's important to space out seating arrangements. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Group Households Together
It's a good idea to group families from the same household together at their tables. This helps to reduce the risk of transmission between different households and allows guests to feel more comfortable interacting with those they are seated with.
Maintain Appropriate Distance
When arranging tables, leave a suitable distance between parties from different households. This can be challenging, especially if your venue has space constraints, but it's crucial to minimise the risk of Covid transmission.
Use Distance Markers
In addition to spacing out tables, consider using distance markers on the floor around areas where guests may congregate, such as the bar or food service areas. These markers will help prevent crowding and remind guests to maintain a safe distance from one another.
Opt for Smaller Tables
Instead of having a few large tables, consider using smaller tables with fewer guests seated at each one. This arrangement not only helps with spacing but also makes it easier for guests to engage in conversation without having to raise their voices, reducing the risk of airborne transmission.
Leave Empty Seats
Another strategy to ensure adequate spacing is to leave one empty seat between each guest at a table. This may not be possible for smaller tables, but for larger ones, it can provide a good buffer and give guests a sense of comfort.
Assign Seating
To ensure that your seating arrangements meet Covid safety guidelines, consider assigning seats to your guests. This way, you can control the spacing and reduce the likelihood of guests moving chairs or tables around, which could disrupt the careful spacing you've put in place.
Provide Clear Signage
Use signage to remind guests about the importance of maintaining social distancing. Friendly reminders placed around the venue can help reinforce the need to keep a safe distance, especially in areas where people are more likely to congregate, such as near the buffet table or the dance floor.
Consider Outdoor Seating
If possible, opt for outdoor seating arrangements. Outdoor venues significantly reduce the risk of transmission due to increased ventilation and space for guests to spread out. If you have an indoor venue, consider utilising any outdoor spaces it may have, such as a patio or garden, for the seating arrangements.
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Provide hand sanitiser
Providing hand sanitiser is an important way to keep guests safe at your wedding. Here are some tips to ensure you have enough hand sanitiser and that it is easily accessible:
Purchase enough hand sanitiser
Buy hand sanitiser in bulk to ensure you have enough for all your guests. Aim for hand sanitiser that is at least 70% alcohol, as this is most effective at killing viruses and bacteria. You can also buy hand sanitiser in small bottles to give out as wedding favours, so your guests can keep themselves safe after the wedding.
Place hand sanitiser in visible locations
Place bottles of hand sanitiser in locations that are easy to spot and access. This includes entrances and exits, on each table, and other high-traffic areas. You can also set up hand sanitising stations that match your wedding theme. For example, you could have a small table with a sanitising dispenser and a cute sign reminding guests to sanitise their hands.
Encourage guests to use hand sanitiser
Use signs to encourage guests to sanitise their hands regularly, especially before and after eating. You could also include a note in your wedding programme or on your website reminding guests that hand sanitiser will be available and that you encourage them to use it.
Combine with other safety measures
While hand sanitiser is important, it is just one part of a comprehensive safety plan. Combine hand sanitiser with other measures such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and regular handwashing to create a safe environment for your guests.
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Ask guests to wear masks
Masks are an effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19, so it is a good idea to encourage your wedding guests to wear them. Here are some ways to do that:
Be Clear About Your Expectations
On your wedding invitations, ask your guests to bring a face mask and inform them about your mask policy. You can also include a paper insert or section in your invitation that advises guests on what to expect on your wedding day. For example, you can mention that you will be providing face masks, hand sanitiser, and alcohol pads. This will help set expectations in advance and reduce stress on your wedding day.
Make Masks Easily Accessible
Supply guests with masks in welcome baskets or at strategically placed "sanitising stations" around the event space. You can also offer personalised hand sanitiser and masks as wedding favours so that guests can keep them on their person throughout the wedding and reception.
Use Signage
Use wedding signage to spell out your mask policy and remind your guests to mask up. For example, your signs could say something like, "Love is contagious, so is COVID – please wear a mask." This is a cute and lighthearted way to remind your guests to be safe and is socially responsible on your behalf.
Communicate Your Rules in Advance
Whatever COVID rules you choose to enforce or encourage at your wedding, it's best to prepare your guests in advance so they know what to expect. Include a brief list of rules along with your wedding invitations to advise guests on the precautions you're taking. You can also use your wedding website to outline the safety and sanitation measures you've put in place, including your mask policy.
Be a Role Model
As the hosts of the wedding, you and your partner can set an example by wearing masks throughout the event. Your wedding party and ushers can also be good role models by wearing masks and encouraging guests to do the same.
Remember, even if you follow all these guidelines, there is still a chance that COVID-19 could show up at your wedding. It's up to you to decide whether the risk is worth the benefit.
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Live-stream the event
Live-streaming your wedding is a great way to include loved ones in your celebration, especially if you're keeping your guest list small. Here are some tips to make the most of this option:
Promote the Livestream
Include the livestream link on your wedding website, along with any relevant information for virtual attendees. You can also add a paper insert or section to your invitations, advising guests about the livestream and any safety measures you're taking. This will help set expectations and reduce stress on your big day.
Choose the Right Platform
Select a user-friendly platform that is easily accessible to your guests. Consider factors such as video quality, privacy settings, and the ability to interact with guests, such as through a virtual guest book. You may also want to test different platforms in advance to ensure a smooth experience.
Prepare Your Setup
Invest in good audio and video equipment to ensure a clear and stable stream. Consider the location of your devices to capture the key moments, such as the ceremony and speeches. You may also want to designate a person to manage the livestream, ensuring everything runs smoothly and allowing you to focus on enjoying your day.
Create a Dedicated Space
Designate a specific area for virtual guests to ensure they have a good view of the proceedings. This could be a separate table with a laptop or a designated area for their devices. You can even get creative with camera angles and use decorations to make them feel included.
Engage Your Virtual Guests
Find ways to involve your virtual guests in the celebration. For example, you can encourage them to share their well-wishes through a virtual guest book or a designated wedding hashtag. You can also send them a "wedding-in-a-box" kit with items like a small cake, champagne, and decorations to make them feel part of the festivities.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your virtual guests have a memorable experience and feel connected to your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to keep your guests safe. Firstly, consider having an outdoor wedding, which will allow for better air circulation and more space for social distancing. Secondly, ensure that hand sanitiser is readily available throughout the venue, and encourage guests to sanitise their hands frequently. Thirdly, enforce social distancing by spacing out tables and chairs, and staggering arrival times to prevent guests from congregating at the entrance. Finally, require guests to wear masks, especially if your wedding is indoors.
Yes, but with some adjustments. Switch from a buffet setting to plated meals to minimise contact and sharing. Work with your wedding vendor to come up with creative and delicious plated meal options. During cocktail hours, opt for single-served plated appetizers instead of passed appetizers. If your state doesn't allow open bars, you can provide guests with disposable mini bottles of drinks or ask them to bring their own drinks.
There are several ways to incorporate safety measures into your wedding design without compromising on the fun. For example, you can create a floor plan with smaller dance floors spread throughout the space to allow for social distancing. Provide bottles of wine and carafes of signature cocktails at each table so that guests don't need to congregate at a bar. Use umbrellas or cabanas to clearly mark each table and provide shade for your guests. For entertainment, schedule a virtual posing session before the wedding so that your guests can practice their angles and feel comfortable in front of the camera.
