Celebrate Safely - Tips on how to tie the knot safely during the pandemic
Photography: Carasco Photography
After months of wedding postponements and cancellations from the pandemic setbacks, wedding celebrations are back but we are still not in the clear and are still dealing with Covid-19 pandemic.
If you're planning a wedding during the pandemic like millions of couples are, then safety - of the couple, guests and vendors should be top priority.
While you want to finally have your dream wedding, you must take precautions, have some COVID-19 protocols in place and ensure everyone involved is taken into consideration.
We've put together a guide on steps you can take during the COVID pandemic for your wedding so that you can celebrate safely.
Follow local and national recommendations:
First things first. All local and national recommendations should be followed. It's very important to check for updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) so that you are up to date on their recommendations.
Hire a wedding planner:
Right now, navigating through the many layers of planning a wedding during the pandemic is challenging for many couples. This process is going to be a whole lot easier with the help of wedding industry experts like a wedding planner.
One of the things I ask couples especially during this time is open and honest communication when working with a wedding planner. This goes a long way. Expectations are easier to manage once the doors of communication are open. It’s the only way forward.
Limit the number of events you host:
While a multi day celebration may have been your initial dream for your wedding celebration, with the newest developments and new information unraveling daily, this may not be the time to do so. For the safety of your guests, focus on the wedding day. There will be many more celebrations to come.
Skip the afterparty:
No one loves a well thought out wedding celebration like we do but… considering the times we are in, you may want to skip the afterparty. Keep in mind that the more parties you throw, the more exposure for you and your guests. Prioritize safety over a good time.
Prioritize physical distancing:
Wedding celebrations as we know it are definitely not the same. Physical distancing is highly recommended and something to keep in mind as you plan your celebration. You want to consider extra spacing as you plan the layout of your seating chart. Keep in mind that this will mean more tables and centerpieces but safety first. This is where your wedding professionals can help make this seamless and impactful.
Avoid self-serve food service:
Physical distancing is going to be challenging with self-serve food options. Opt for plated options. Your wedding planner, caterer and venue will work together to find the best options that works best with the style of your wedding while prioritizing safety.
Communicate with your guests and venue:
You definitely want to keep your guests fully informed. Guests that are well informed will be better prepared for your big day. Don’t beat around the bush. Be straightforward in your communication.
Consider having a wedding website. Your wedding website should be updated with your wedding details as well as all the safety measures you plan on taking to keep your guests safe.
Let your guests know your plans for vaccinated and unvaccinated guests. If you are only going to have only vaccinated guests at your wedding, be very clear about that in your communication. There are apps out there where guests can upload their proof of vaccination prior to the wedding.
Be clear on if you will have sanitizing stations, masks, on site testing for guests.
Update the wedding website periodically while following local and national guidelines.
You also want to also keep open communication with your venue. With the help of a wedding planner, this process should be seamless and your planner will make sure every box is checked down to the things you didn’t think of.
For the safety of you and your guests, we highly recommend hosting vaccinated guests only. I know this is not the way you saw your wedding planning going, but this is the reality of things now. I would also encourage all guests(even vaccinated guests) to take a PCR covid-19 test at least 48 hours before they attend.
Arrange for on-site testing:
This is an expensive option but if you are concerned to the point of no sleep and can afford it, then you may want to consider on-site testing for guests as they arrive and only allow guests with negative test results into your festivities. This information should be clearly communicated to all guest way before the event date plus clear directions on how this is going to work on the day of the event. Be sure to let your guests know that guests who test positive will not be allowed to attend for the safety of all other guests.
If this is the route you choose to take, be sure to allow extra time. Your wedding planner and vendors will be your go-to as they will help make sure this process is organized and seamless.
Ask your for digital gifts:
Try to limit physical contact as much as possible. Encourage your guests to use your registry and ship vs bring the gifts to you or go for digital gift cards instead. The less contact, the safer.
Opt for a digital guest book or offer sanitized pens(one per guest):
Encourage your guests to sign your wedding guest book digitally by sending their message on your website. Create a guest book page with a form that allows guests to send their love notes online. You can take those messages after the wedding and create a guest book.
If you insist on a physical guest book, place wipes and sanitizers by the guest book as well as pens (1 per guest) with a sign asking your guests to keep the pen after signing. To add a special touch, these pens can be customized with a special message for your guests.
Plan for multiple masks and sanitizing stations:
Sanitizing stations should be visible and available throughout the wedding with signs encouraging mask wearing and frequent sanitizing. You also want to encourage frequent hand washing.
While some couples are not too pleased with the idea of masks in their wedding photos, it’s one of the ways to keep everyone safe. Remember … Safety first!
Create a care kit and add to welcome bags/boxes:
Consider creating welcome kit for guests with masks, sanitizers, wipes and any other items and information they may find useful.
Be ready to make changes and comprises:
As much as we hate to say it… be prepared for any changes because we are in the middle of a deadly pandemic and certain things are completely out of our control.
While the idea of mask wearing etc was not even on our minds two.. three years ago, whether we like it or not, we are in the middle of it. You do not want the memories of your wedding to be of guests getting sick or worse by ignoring the recommendations given by the cdc, your city and state.
Everyone’s safety if of utmost importance and we all need to take precautions, plan ahead and do our very best to celebrate safely!
Can we help you put those worries aside? Our specialty is in a hands-on approach to planning weddings and events; orchestrating a one of a kind curated approach to life’s most unforgettable celebrations. Contact us today. Learn more about our services HERE!
Let’s start planning!
