In the midst of a Pandemic it can be challenging to plan a wedding reception with the upcoming winter months. It’s too cold to have the reception outside, but it may be unsafe to have everyone inside. We know your pain. Here are some tips for planning a safe winter reception.
Work with your venue. The wedding venue that you chose may allow the same number of guests as you already have planned. Make sure you are on the same page with your venue and plan ahead to know what they would do if Covid-19 regulations change in the midst of your planning. Share with them your ideas and concerns with your upcoming event.
Assign times to your guests. If your venue has a certain amount of people allowed to attend at one time, give guests a specific time frame for them to come for and visit. You can include this information on your wedding invitations. When doing this kind of reception it is vital to get RSVPs and to explain to them the importance of coming on time. This is a great option for seeing all your family and friends.
Patio heaters. Patio heaters are a great way to have a half indoor half outdoor reception. Since it’s easier to be socially distant outside, giving your guest options is a great idea. Patio heat lamps can be bought off of Amazon for a little price tag. If you’re on a tighter budget you can ask to find out if the venue offers includes it in a package or has some to rent at a lower cost. You can incorporate decoration that builds upon an outdoor theme, such as outdoor s’mores.
Keep it virtual. Set up an online option for your guests. This way you can still celebrate with everyone while keeping them safe. You can also invite a small number of close guests to be there in person, following health regulations. Depending on your budget you could hire a camera crew to help, or just have the help of your family and friends. Set up virtually so other family members and friends can watch and participate in your reception virtually. This is a great option for keeping all your guests safe.
Drive-thru reception. This has become a popular option during the pandemic. Have the bride and groom stand by as cars drive past and wish them well. This is great for keeping everyone safe from Covid-19. However, it can get pretty chilly outdoors for the bride and groom, so it’s a great idea to layer up or set up patio heater lamps. Brides could include a warm dress coat or even a big winter cloak to stay warm.
Keep sanitation available. No matter what option you decide to use, it’s important to keep sanitation items available for guests, such as hand sanitizer and disposable face coverings. If you want to take more precautions, you can offer having temperature checks at the door. Finally, set up tables and chairs apart to meet social distancing standards.
Please comment and tell us what you are planning for a safe winter wedding –
