Social Distancing And Weddings: Navigating The New Normal

Social distancing at weddings has been a challenge for couples, wedding planners, and the industry as a whole. The pandemic has forced many couples to postpone their weddings or drastically reduce the number of guests, with some opting for virtual celebrations or elopements. For those who choose to go ahead with their weddings, social distancing measures such as providing face masks, hand sanitiser stations, and plexiglass barriers at bars have become the norm. Seating arrangements have been adjusted to ensure guests remain six feet apart, and buffets have been replaced with plated dinners to reduce the risk of transmission. While dancing is typically not advised, some countries have allowed the married couple to share a first dance. The impact of these restrictions has been significant, with the $74 billion wedding industry facing an uncertain future as couples grapple with difficult decisions to ensure the safety of their guests.

Communicate with your partner

Planning a wedding during a pandemic can be stressful, but there are ways to make the process easier. Communicating with your partner is the most important step. Here are some ways to effectively communicate with your partner when planning a wedding during a pandemic:

Work together and establish your priorities :

Ask yourselves what is most important to you. Is it a specific date, a meaningful venue, or having a certain number of guests? Discuss your thoughts and feelings about the wedding and decide on your top priorities.

Be solution-oriented :

Instead of focusing on how things "should have been", shift your perspective and focus on how they "can be". Work together to find creative solutions and be open to adapting your plans. Remember that your partner is your team member, and you are in this together.

Utilize communication tools:

If you are quarantined at home with your partner or are miles apart, use this time to strengthen your communication. Consider using services like Lasting, which can help you navigate premarital conversations and improve your communication skills.

Stay informed and follow guidelines:

Keep up to date with the latest information from officials and health organizations. Understand the restrictions and guidelines in your area regarding gathering limits, social distancing, and other safety measures. This will help you make informed decisions about your wedding plans.

Be flexible and adaptable:

Recognize that the situation is constantly evolving, and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. For example, if your original plan was for a large wedding, consider scaling down to a more intimate gathering or even eloping.

Practice self-care:

Wedding planning during a pandemic can be emotionally challenging. Take time to rejuvenate and connect with your support system. Reach out to friends and family, engage in self-care activities, and focus on your well-being. Remember that this is a challenging time for everyone, and it's important to take care of yourself and your partner.

Create a health and safety plan

The health and safety of your guests should be the top priority when planning a wedding during the pandemic. Here are some steps you can take to create a comprehensive health and safety plan:

• Communicate with your partner: Discuss your priorities and establish what is most important to you both. Ask yourselves: Is it a specific date, a meaningful venue, or a certain number of guests? Do you have a vendor you want to work with, no matter what? Reading contracts and making a list of your ideal options is a good place to start.
• Stay informed: Listen to officials and health organizations and follow their recommendations. Keep yourself updated on the latest restrictions and guidelines for weddings in your area.
• Create a wedding website: A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed about any COVID-related questions or concerns. You can include details about the measures you are taking to ensure their safety and let them know what is expected of them.
• Vaccination requirements: Address vaccination requirements directly. Check your wedding insurance policy and see what will be covered in case of cancellation or postponement.
• Discuss with vendors: Communicate with all your vendors about how to mitigate risks. Work with your planner or on-site coordinator to make any necessary changes and ensure that all vendors are informed.
• Provide face masks: Make sure that masks are provided for all guests at the entryway of the ceremony and/or reception sites. You can even customize the masks to add a fun and light-hearted touch.
• Hand sanitiser stations: Ensure that hand sanitiser is readily available for guests in various areas of the wedding venue, including the entryway, reception tables, bar, and restrooms. You can also give hand sanitiser favours to guests so that they have their own individual bottles.
• Social distancing: Encourage social distancing by seating guests six feet apart at both the ceremony and reception. Use markers on seats or pews to maintain distance. If possible, offer extra outdoor space for guests to mingle, as it will help them spread out more easily.
• Food and beverage precautions: Switch from a buffet to a plated dinner and dessert. Most venues are moving away from buffet lines to minimise the risk of contamination. For plated meals, send an RSVP card with menu choices along with your invitations.
• Signage and floor stickers: Use signage and floor stickers to remind guests to maintain social distancing and encourage handwashing. Include a helpful reminder at your venue with a sign encouraging guests to practice social distancing.
• Virtual celebrations: Consider hosting virtual celebrations for guests who are unable or uncomfortable with attending in person. Virtual cocktail hours and live-streamed ceremonies can be a great alternative for those who wish to join remotely.

Seek inspiration online

If you're looking for inspiration on how to plan a wedding during the pandemic, there are plenty of online resources to help you out.

Online Inspiration

The Knot, for example, has a Style Quiz to help you narrow down venue options, colour palettes, and floral arrangement ideas. You can also check out The Book, an online portal with tips on finding the perfect wedding colours, hair and makeup tutorials, and dress decoders.

Social Media

Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are also great sources of inspiration and shopping. You can also check out #weddingcontentcreator or #eventcontentcreator on TikTok and Instagram to find a social content creator for your wedding.

Online Communities

If you're looking for support and inspiration, you can join online communities like Budget-Savvy Wedding Planning, where you can exchange ideas, offer support, and chit-chat about the latest trends with other brides, grooms, and vendors.

Online Expos

You can also attend virtual wedding expos, such as The Wedding Hacker Expo, where you can learn from financial pros and wedding experts.

YouTube

YouTube is another great source of inspiration, with wedding planners like Jamie Wolfer offering a plethora of content to help budget-minded brides save big on their big day.

Podcasts

There are also several wedding planning podcasts available, such as Bridechilla Podcast, Just Engaged University Podcast, and Inclusively Yours Podcast, which offer planning advice and tips.

Real Weddings

You can browse real weddings submitted by other budget brides, with details on their big day and how much they spent. This can be a great source of inspiration and help you get an idea of what your budget can get you.

Online Shopping

Finally, don't forget to take advantage of online shopping! You can shop for your wedding dress, bridesmaids' dresses, and accessories from the comfort of your own home.

Provide face masks for guests

Providing face masks for guests is a thoughtful way to ensure safety at weddings during the pandemic. While guests are likely to bring their own masks, having extras on hand is always a good idea. This can be especially helpful if guests remove their masks for eating or photos and forget to re-mask afterwards.

There are many stylish options for wedding masks that can complement the wedding theme and attire. For instance, if the wedding party is wearing black or grey suits, classic black or grey face masks would be a good choice. For a more casual, rustic event, denim masks are also an option. Masks with lace, beading, or embroidery can add a touch of elegance, especially if they match the wedding dress. For a fun twist, the masks can even be customized with the wedding date and names.

Face masks can also be incorporated into the wedding theme in creative ways. For example, they can be included as wedding favours, with bonus points for including a mini hand sanitizer as well. Games and friendly competitions can also be organized, where guests who forget to wear their masks have to perform a fun task.

It is important to note that some guests may not be vaccinated due to health, religious, or personal reasons. In such cases, it is recommended to provide an option for them to attend the wedding safely, such as wearing a mask. Ultimately, the combination of social distancing and mask-wearing offers the best protection against the spread of COVID-19.

Set up hand sanitiser stations

Social distancing and other safety measures have become a necessity at weddings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is not mandated, setting up hand sanitiser stations is an important precaution to keep guests safe and healthy. Here are some tips to create effective hand sanitiser stations for your wedding:

Placement and Number of Stations:

The number of hand sanitiser stations required depends on the size of your wedding and the venue. It is recommended to place them near the entrance and exit, restrooms, and doorways. Consult with your venue and wedding planner to determine the best spots to ensure that your stations are easily accessible and well-distributed to avoid overcrowding.

Working with Vendors:

Collaborate with your caterer, rentals company, and florist to ensure you have the necessary equipment and decor for the hand sanitiser stations. The rentals company may provide tables, linens, and even hand sanitiser dispensers. The florist can add floral arrangements to match your wedding's colour palette and style.

Type of Dispensers:

Touchless hand sanitiser dispensers are ideal from a hygiene perspective as they minimise contact points. However, they can be expensive and harder to find. If you opt for pump bottles, consider adding custom labels to dress them up. Providing sanitising wipes is also a good idea, as guests can use them to press the pump, reducing direct contact with the bottle.

Signage:

Add creative and well-worded signage to your hand sanitiser stations to remind guests to sanitise their hands. You can coordinate the signs with your wedding's colour scheme or theme, or even include fun and light-hearted messages.

Monitoring and Refills:

Assign someone to monitor the hand sanitiser stations throughout the wedding to ensure they remain well-stocked. This person can also direct guests to other sanitising spots if queues start to form.

Individual Hand Sanitiser Favours:

Consider providing each guest with their own personalised bottle of hand sanitiser as a wedding favour. This not only encourages good hygiene but also offers a useful and stylish memento of your special day.

By incorporating these hand sanitiser stations into your wedding, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your guests while still celebrating your special day in style.

Frequently asked questions