So here we are almost a year later, and COVID-19 is still as much of an issue for weddings as it was when it started closing things down back in March.
If you’re the brave couple that has decided to trim the guest list and have a smaller wedding according to your state’s current restrictions, I’m sure you still want to ensure your guests are safe and comfortable during your intimate wedding. So here are some tips on how we’ve helped our clients create a safe environment for their guests during this madness.
Image: Ashlyn Murphy Photo
While we all know that not having a fever is in no way confirmation that someone isn’t actually infectious with COVID-19, we also know that anyone who has a fever should avoid contact with others. So setting up a temperature check as guests arrive is a feasible option to start with – but you do have to keep in mind that telling a dear guest they need to leave will not be a pleasant experience for either party.
If you’re doing temperature checks, advise guests ahead of time so they don’t feel uncomfortable or blindsided and know what to expect.
Image: Josephine Klein Photography
This goes without saying but be sure to have hand sanitizer available and easily accessible in as many places as possible. In addition to larger bottles displayed throughout the ceremony and reception spaces, you can also offer small individual bottles to each guest. Now, although you can customize your hand sanitizer bottles with fun sayings or your names, I don’t suggest giving hand sanitizer as a wedding favor. They have their place, but let’s be honest, they’re not necessarily fun wedding favors. Give guests whatever other favor you had originally planned, and offer the individual bottles as an extra little token, either in a gift bag (if you’re doing one) or by setting up a cute display with them on their way in.
When you have fewer guests, you also have a lot more flexibility with layout. So have fun with different ideas based on your guest list. You can either create a layout where different families or groups from the same household sit together or simply space all chairs out evenly 6 ft apart – the latter is a better choice if you love symmetry.
I know I lost some people on this one, but this is so important. Masks aren’t pretty, and they aren’t festive, we can all agree on that. But not only are they necessary to protect your loved ones and guests, but they’re also currently a federal mandate. To avoid a sea of different colors and designs, you can provide masks to your guests in the color of your preference and make them easily available as soon as they come in (they can always be placed on the same table as those handy hand sanitizers).
Image: Cat Galletti
Seating 8 guests per table in the usual wedding arrangement is a very bad idea right now, even if you only have 25 guests. If you live in a state where you happen to have a larger allowance for gatherings (ours is very low here in North Carolina), then you can always maintain the overall layout, but seat fewer people per table. Also, make sure that you try as much as possible to group people from the same household on one table. You may have a table with 4 and a table with 8, and that’s okay!
If you only have let’s say 10 or 25 guests, an option that I love is to create a really long and really wide estate table or two. To create this, push 2 3ft wide tables together so that you have a 6ft wide table. Then add as many tables as you’d like lengthwise, so you can space each chair about 6ft from the next and have everybody sitting at the same table. This will still get you that beautiful, estate table feel while keeping everyone 6ft apart in every direction.
Image: Sara Marx Photography
I know this won’t be possible for everyone, but if you have the option of doing an outdoor tented reception versus being indoors. This may help not only keep your guests more comfortable but also allow you to possibly host more of your guests (depending on where you are hosting your wedding).
In addition, you can ask for negative tests from your vendors that you will be in close contact with – such as your planner, photographer, or videographer. Please keep in mind that if this was not part of the original contract, your vendors may require that you reimburse them for the cost of the test.
I applaud you for moving forward with a smaller wedding despite Covid-19, especially if you had a large guest count, to begin with! I know it can be so hard to have to tell so many of your guests they won’t be able to come to celebrate with you. Live streaming can still allow them to share in your joy though, and you’ll always have the opportunity to throw an amazing 5 or 10 year anniversary celebration later on!
Image: Blue Rose Pictures