How Social Distancing Will Affect Future Weddings
As a current bride, you’re probably wondering how social distancing will affect weddings in the rest of 2020, especially as you start to get deeper into your planning process.
In our new reality of quarantine and social distancing, a lot of couples have resorted to virtual weddings or postponement to follow preset safety guidelines. But, it won’t be this way forever. Eventually, weddings will resume, as states start to reopen, just in a slightly different manner than we are used to. First, let’s discuss what a socially distant wedding is - it’s not a virtual wedding, but an in-person celebration that adheres to the social distancing measures put in place to protect us from COVID-19. That means a more intimate celebration that could end up saving you money and taking away a little bit of pre-wedding stress. If you want to know how social distancing will affect future weddings, check below for a few of the adjustments brides will have to factor into their plans if they go forward with a late 2020 or early 2021 wedding!
Fewer Guests
The easiest way to follow social distancing guidelines is to limit the number of guests that you invite to the wedding. We know that can be difficult, especially when you have to consider you and your partner’s family and friends. But, chances are many venues will limit capacity anyway, so keep your ceremony and reception intimate. Only invite those that are close to you and your partner that you see or talk to regularly. This allows you to keep your guests in mind when tailoring the event.
Photography by Marcela Plosker
Face Masks and Other Precautions
via Pinterest
To ensure your guests feel safe and comfortable, there will be safety precautions you will have to implement for your ceremony and reception. That means every guest will be required to wear a mask and try to remain six feet away from those they do not live with. It’s also likely that hand washing or sanitizing stations, as well as thermometer scans, will be implemented at the wedding venue. If your wedding venue doesn’t offer these precautions, make sure to hire vendors that will install the stations for the duration of your wedding.
Outdoor Venues
Outdoor venues are always a good idea (yes, even in the colder months), especially in the time of social distancing. Outdoor venues will allow for more fresh air to be circulated during your wedding, further decreasing the chances that any contaminated particles will be passed along. Plus, the great thing about outdoor venues is you can add a tent, lounge, heaters, twinkle lights, or any type of decor that will make your wedding feel more intimate.
Photography by Courtney Chau Photography
Reimagined Floor and Seating Plans
Photography by Courtney Chau Photography
Six feet baby, that’s the new wedding protocol! Take some extra time during your wedding planning to create floor and seating plans that will allow guests to mingle, but also be safe. The days of long, family-style tables are long gone! Keep your tables six feet apart and try to limit the number of people you have at a table to 10 or less. If you’re able, you can also look for a venue that has multiple conjoining rooms or an outdoor lounge so you can spread out the party instead of keeping it to one ballroom or courtyard.
Awareness of Food Presentation
Most receptions opt for a plated service when it comes to the main dinner, but cocktail hours are meant for well, cocktails and finger foods. In the age of social distancing, any buffet style or grab-and-go hors d’oeuvres platters will have to be replaced with individual containers. This isn’t to say that you can’t serve finger foods at all, but just be mindful of how they are presented or served to your guests.
Photography by Emma King Photography
Shorter Celebrations
Photography by Jessie Wyman & Christina Anne
Celebrating into the wee hours of the morning might not be possible for a lot of socially distant weddings. These kinds of weddings typically end a little earlier than normal, say around 9 or 10 p.m. if you’re hosting a later wedding. But, that just means you can put more thought into your wedding favors. Give guests something to take home that doesn’t make them feel sad they only got a few hours of celebrating your union. If you’re able and it’s safe to do so, invite a few key family members and the bridal party back to your place for a few after party drinks.
Share this with a bride who is planning a wedding for sometime over the next few months and check out our blog for other quarantine-friendly wedding tips.
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