Planning a Wedding Through Covid-19

Though we all wish we could’ve left COVID-19 in 2020, the pandemic is ongoing and so are weddings. Most of us have gotten in the groove of keeping a mask in our cars and using hand sanitizer every five minutes, but if you’re one of the thousands planning to get married this year, those habits don’t exactly bring down stress levels. At Kate Elizabeth Events, we want to help you make your wedding safe and enjoyable during this era of pandemic weddings.

Keeping wedding guests safe

About 380,000 couples got married over the course of last year, and thousands more like you are planning to marry in 2021. So congratulations! It’s a really exciting time to get married — and by exciting, we mean obnoxiously gripping, right? 

Don’t worry, we’re not here to pretend that planning a wedding amidst COVID-19 is a complete breeze, but we can guarantee a wedding that is memorable, beautiful, and as seamless as possible amid the uncertainty. 

With that in mind, you will have a unique opportunity to provide extra safety precautions at your wedding like masks and hand sanitizer stations. We will assist you with keeping the event classic while also ensuring your wedding guests comfort. 

COVID-19 friendly wedding extras to the traditional wedding 

We know, there are a lot of decisions you have to make compromises on. You might not be able to invite every single person on your original list or travel to Italy, but you don’t necessarily have to compromise on everything. Here are some of our favorite ideas we have for your Utah wedding that might stretch beyond the traditional.

Wide open spaces and seating 

Leaving enough room for COVID-19 doesn’t have to be drab. We have found beautiful ways to incorporate lounge spaces, sanitizing stations, games and photo opportunities throughout the space. These unique areas allow additional space between tables while still allowing guests to safely explore the space and not feel secluded. 

Social distancing wristbands or masks 

Give your guests different colored wristbands or masks that indicate what their social distancing preference level is. For example, pink could represent someone trying to keep their distance and blue could represent someone that is ok with hugs or handshakes. This way no one questions how to greet one another and your guests feel as safe and comfortable as possible at your wedding.

Pre-recorded speeches 

Just in case someone isn’t feeling well the night of the wedding, have those asked to give a speech at your wedding record it beforehand. You can even coordinate with your photographer and videographer to help the recordings look cohesive and include them in your official wedding video! Not only would this option be a great backup, it doubles as a thought out memory you can look back on again and again.

Place extra signs around your venue to show guests where they can sanitize 

You’ll want to provide hand sanitizer or refreshing stations for your guests to wash their hands as often as they’d like. Even a simple arrow can make a difference for those that are more worried about COVID-19 than others.

Keeping your wedding venue pandemic friendly 

If you don’t want to compromise on the number of wedding guests, we suggest searching for a larger venue or planning for an outdoor wedding and reception so everyone can properly social distance, and feel safe attending. The Lodge at Blue Sky and High West Distillery are a couple of our favorite larger wedding venues here in Utah.

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Wherever you decide to host your wedding, Here Comes the Guide provided a list of 40 things to ask your venue during a pandemic.

1. What is the venue’s policy on postponement?
2. Would there be fees associated with postponing our wedding?
3. If we need to reschedule our wedding, do you offer reduced pricing for weekday weddings or off-peak seasons?
4. If we are unable to postpone the wedding, what is your cancelation policy?
5. How much is the deposit, and is it refundable or transferable to a new date?
6. If we do need to reschedule, is there a time limit in which we must reserve a new date? For example, some venues require couples to select a new date within 12 months of their original date.
7. How far in advance of our wedding date will we review and consider whether or not we should postpone?
8. If we need to postpone our wedding until next year, will you have available dates?
9. Do you require wedding insurance?
10. If your venue is temporarily closed, what’s the best way to contact you?
11. Do you offer any elopement or “marry now / celebrate later” packages?
12. How many total guests can you accommodate?
13. How many guests will be permitted to sit at each table?
14. Will we be able to live stream the wedding? If so, will you facilitate the technology?
15. What is your internet/WiFi service like?
16. Do you have a mask requirement for your guests? What about for employees?
17. What kind of cleaning and sanitation will be done prior to our event? What about during the event?
18. Can we set up hand sanitizing stations or mobile hand-washing stations?
19. What safety measures do you have in place for staff? (i.e. are there health / temperature checks upon arrival?)
20. How far apart will the tables and chairs be spread out to keep our guests safely distanced?
21. What are some creative layouts / floor plan ideas for the ceremony and reception?
22. How can you encourage social distancing during cocktail hour, knowing that we will have clusters of people?
23. If the event space is indoors, what kind of ventilation is available? Can we leave the doors and/or windows open?
24. What is the traffic flow like for guests? Is it possible to set up “one-way” doors for entrances and exits? Do you have an event space with automatic doors?
25. If you require valet parking, how will it be handled safely? Will you permit people to self-park if they choose?
26. Can our entire event be held outdoors? If so, will that affect our event curfew?
27. What is the outdoor capacity?
28. Are there restrictions on amplified music outside?
29. Can we have a dance floor outdoors?
30. What’s the plan for bad weather? Normally the wedding would move inside in the case of inclement weather, but how would this work in regards to social distancing?
31. Is it possible to set up a tent?
32. Do you provide heaters and/or umbrellas for the outdoor spaces?
33. If the event is outdoors, what restroom access will we have? How will the restrooms be kept clean?
34. Will we need to rent additional portable bathrooms?
35. How will food be served and/or presented?
36. What additional measures are being taken in the kitchen to ensure food safety? What are the sanitation practices for the service staff?
37. Can we still have a buffet or food stations? If so, what modifications will be available? (e.g. plexiglass over food, disposable serving pieces, etc.)
38. How can we avoid clustering at the bar?
39. What kind of bartending service will you provide? Is table-side bar service an option?
40. Are you still offering on-site tastings to help us choose the menu? Or is there an option to pick up some tasting samples?

We know a pandemic wedding isn’t ideal for most Utah brides, but with Kate Elizabeth Events, we know that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on elegance or making the most of your wedding day. Send us an inquiry today to see what we can do for you.