Planning the Perfect Wedding Day Amid COVID-19
If you are planning a wedding during these uncertain times, read on for inspiring and creative ways to celebrate with safety at the forefront.
Monitor Local and National Public Health Updates
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, it’s important to stay informed of the current situation. Monitor the Public Health Ontario and Public Health Agency of Canada websites on a regular basis. As your wedding approaches, it is important to ensure that your special occasion abides by the rules that are expected to be in place at that time, while recognizing the situation is ever-evolving. For instance, if you’re planning an outdoor celebration, Ontario guidelines suggest a certain number are permitted to gather while socially distanced. This should provide you with a framework for which to build your wedding around. The number of guests permitted may change as the pandemic evolves so be sure to discuss flexibility options with your venue and caterers early in the process. Your wedding vendors are also actively monitoring federal and provincial public health updates and recommendations so use them as an additional resource and partner.
Remember that health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, and that includes the bride and groom, the guests, vendors, and any other individuals involved in the wedding.
Consider Wedding Insurance
Wedding insurance is something you should consider early in the wedding planning process. Different types of wedding insurance can be obtained such as insurance for your wedding rings to insurance for certain circumstances beyond your control. Get in touch with an insurance broker to determine the right insurance policy best suited for you to give you peace of mind and to feel confident that your wedding is protected.
Selecting Wedding Vendors
As you begin selecting your wedding vendors, request an initial discussion to understand the protocols they have put in place to ensure the safety of those that will be present on your wedding day. The safety protocols should be aligned to that of public health guidelines and recommendations set by provincial and federal governments. This is also a great time to ask your vendors about flexibility options they may offer as health guidelines evolve. For instance, can vendors accommodate a late change to your wedding plan, such as the number of guests, should public health guidelines change.
Get Creative With Your Venue
You will have to work very closely with your venue coordinator to understand guest limitations, and how to make the best use of the space. Your vendor should clearly communicate their mask policy, as well as social distancing requirements. Ask your venue coordinator about creative layouts and floor plan ideas for the ceremony and reception so that your guests can stay 6 feet apart while indoors.
Keep Your Guests Informed
As your wedding plans evolve, keep your guests informed of changes along the way that may impact them. Consider creating a wedding website so that your guests can regularly visit for the latest updates.
If guests are expected to use hand sanitizer upon entering the venue, wear masks while indoors, and socially distance throughout the day (all of which we recommend) then this should be clearly communicated. Include these expectations on your wedding website to inform your guests ahead of time. Consider adding an extra card with your mailed wedding invitations that lists out expectations and reminders for the wedding day. They can refer back to this card on the day of the wedding for ease of reference.
Sprinkle Around Some Signage
You can get creative by incorporating signs that offer directions on how to keep you and your guests safe during the event. For instance, signs for one-way traffic, assigned seats, masks, and hand washing will help serve as regular reminders to ensure a safe celebration.
Incorporate PPE Into Your Wedding
Have PPE available for your guests at your wedding. Consider offering this as a wedding favour and offering it to each guest upon arrival. Face masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves should be available to ensure your guests are covered throughout the event. You can also get creative by inscribing your wedding date on custom masks and mini hand sanitizer bottles.
Plan a Memorable Meal
Connect with your caterer early in the process to plan an intimate wedding meal that addresses allergy-related needs and safety. For instance, consider pre-plated hors d’oeuvres and individually plated meals, as opposed to an open buffet where there may be shared serving utensils. Ask your caterer for recommendations on creative catering ideas that ensure safety protocols are followed so that you and your guests enjoy a memorable meal together.
Safety Protocols on Your Wedding Day
Consider asking individuals from your bridal party or one or two of your relatives to take on certain duties to ensure your guests are following safety protocols. For instance, your brother can help remind guests of social distancing rules where necessary, while your best friend can gently remind guests to put their masks back on after the meal. This can also be done by your wedding planner or your venue coordinator.
Add a Virtual Wedding Option
Each one of your guests would love nothing more than the opportunity to celebrate with you on your special day! It’s important to remember, however, that it may be difficult for some guests to make it. Some may be advised by their health practitioner to stay home, while others may be caring for a loved one that is considered high risk. Some may find it difficult to travel during this time or yet travel restrictions may not allow them to make the trip. As we navigate through this pandemic, please be kind and show compassion to those who cannot make it on your special day.
Consider live streaming the wedding so that guests that cannot physically be there can still participate and share in your love and joy on this very special occasion.
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