With everything that’s going on in the world right now, I wanted to take this Wedding Tip Wednesday to talk about ways that you can keep your guests healthy at your wedding. Even if your wedding will not be occurring during the anticipated peak times for COVID-19 flare-ups, it’s a good idea to consider making slight modifications to your wedding day to make your guests feel comfortable and cared for. Read on to see some ways you can show your wedding guests that you care about their health!
Spread Out Seating
We are now all very familiar with the term “social distancing”, and spreading out the chairs at your wedding can allow for your guests to still be a part of the festivities, but without being in such close quarters.
You can add in additional elbow room at your ceremony by spreading out the chairs within each row, and adding in extra room between each row of chairs. During reception, you can spread out each guest’s place setting at the table, allowing your guests to still be able to mingle, but at a safer distance. Be sure to express these wishes to your venue, planner, and catering staff, so they can all modify floor plans and dinner service accordingly.
Have Catering Staff Serve Appetizers and Buffet Items
You might have originally planned on having a pretty display of appetizers laid out during cocktail hour, but it may be a good idea to consider having those appetizers become butler-passed. Some guests may feel uneasy about reaching in for food that may have come in close contact with other guests. If they are able to be served individually by your catering staff, it will greatly cut down on guest contact with the appetizers.
Similarly, the idea of touching serving utensils at the buffet that other guests have touched might make some people a bit wary. Instead, a great alternative is to have your catering staff be the ones to dish out the food to your guests. This is another great way to reduce the chances of guests spreading germs to one another as they fill up their plates with delicious food!
Spend More Time Outdoors
Spending time in an open-air setting allows for more air circulation, which can prevent the spread of germs. Some great ways to get some fresh air on your wedding day are to move your ceremony outdoors, or to do some dancing under the stars!
Let your planner and venue know of any changes you’d like to make to the floor plan, if you are wanting to give your guests some fresh air. If the weather permits, moving some festivities outdoors can be a great way to make your guests feel more at ease!
Make Some Beverage Service Changes
There are also some modifications you can make to your bar service, to help things remain hygienic. An option to consider is to eliminate the use of garnishes in the drinks. Garnishes such as fruit, mint, etc. are sometimes in open containers, where they may pick up airborne germs. If the drinks you plan to serve would be incomplete without a certain garnish, you can request that your bartender keeps them in enclosed containers, so they remain nice and fresh!
Another bar modification you can make is to use disposable cups. By using a fresh cup with each drink, guests reduce the chances of coming into contact with someone’s used glass, where there may be germs present.
Provide Hand Sanitizer
I know, I know, at this point in time, I might as well be saying to provide diamonds to your guests! However, if you are able to get your hands on a few bottles of hand sanitizer, this can really help your guests stay healthy.
You don’t necessarily have to get a bunch of small bottles for each guest, but if you are able to get a few bottles to put on each guest table, or in strategic places around your venue space, your guests will really appreciate it! You might even want to have fun with it too, by adding on a bow to match your wedding colors, or a hand sanitizer pun, because we could all use a laugh these days!
I'm Here to Help
As always, I am here to help your wedding day be a complete success. I understand that this is such a trying time for engaged couples, so I’m here for you if you have any questions about the effects of COVID-19 on your wedding. Even if you are not a client of ours, I’d still be happy to help in any way I can.
We will stay strong, we will persevere, and we will get through this together! Sending all my love to each of you!
