We know it can be hard to navigate all the restrictions surrounding social gatherings, and when it comes to planning your wedding, safety for your guests and vendors is so important! So here are 5 tips (plus some extra advice from local industry professionals) for a safer and socially distanced wedding this summer.
one
Supply Masks & Sanitizer
Make sure to have extra masks on hand just in case a couple of your guests forget! Having sanitizer at the table by the entrance is a great way to encourage everyone to sanitize before entering. We’ve seen some weddings give out mini hand sanitizers as guest favours too!
Photo 1: Dana Cole // Photo 2-3: Jalisse Photography
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Socially Distanced Ceremony Seating
Separate your ceremony seating into groups of cohorts/households, and make sure each group is distanced 6 feet apart. Adding place cards to each chair will help your guests easily find their seats and make a pretty addition to your ceremony decor as well!
Photo: Katelyn Anne
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Safe Seating at The Reception
You’ll want to have your tables more than 6 feet apart, and have your guests separated into their cohorts/households. If you need to seat guests from different households at the same table, make sure there is a safe 6 feet of distance between place settings. Add place cards to each setting to help your guests easily find their table and seats!
Photo: Rebecca Frank Co
four
Serve Individualized Favours & Desserts
Try serving individual desserts, rather than one large cake! These desserts can also double as cute favours if you want to package them for the guests to take home.
Photo: Justine Milton
five
Sign People In
Signing your guests in when they enter the venue can help you with contact tracing, and have your guests sign a waiver/agreement when they enter so they know the restrictions in place, and what’s expected before the event has even started.
Photo: Nikki Collette
Some other suggestions:
- Have your MC briefly go through the rules at the beginning of your reception so all your guests are on the same page
- Have a planner/coordinator there to help you sign people in, and enforce the safety protocols
- Check in with your venue to see if they have any additional rules (or ideas!) in terms of safety and guidelines
- Make sure your “getting ready” space has enough room to easily allow for 6 feet of distance between everyone – bridal party, family AND vendors.
- Make sure you’re staying up to date with all the current provincial restrictions and guidelines
Find the most accurate and updated health information at WHO and CDC. And check out the Government of Alberta Website for the latest details regarding restrictions on events and gatherings in Alberta.
Here’s some more advice from local wedding planner, Moments by Madeleine:
“At Moments by Madeleine Weddings & Events, we take safety seriously! We developed a strategy for weddings occurring under restrictions that allows us to communicate guidelines and expectations clearly to guests and vendors before the wedding day, so upon arrival your guests can focus on your love story rather than paperwork. Our team sends out an email to the entire guest list the week of the wedding with their venues guidelines and the most current Alberta government restrictions. We also attach a link to an online risk waiver that lists the guidelines to be followed and asks guests to sign off on having no COVID-19 symptoms. This is a complimentary service for all of our couples who are getting married during these times! On the day we have a team member check guests in at the venue entrance to ensure they’ve signed their waiver and have everything required by the venue/government, (ie. wearing a mask, hand sanitize on the way in etc.) You will see signage that reminds guests to sanitize and lists our top guidelines, don’t worry we’ve invested in some gorgeous wedding appropriate signage for you!”
Our top safety tips to include on your wedding website or a guest email:
• Hand sanitize upon entry and often throughout the event.
• Wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
• Be mindful of physical distance with guests outside your household/cohort.
• Every guest has their own level of comfort, check in before going in for that elbow bump!
• If you feel unwell, please stay home! We know last minute cancellations are typically not recommended but we want to keep you and everyone safe!
Featured Wedding:
Planning & Design: Moments By Madeleine // Photography: Katelyn Anne Photography // Videography: Twisted Film Works // Florals: Flowers By Janie // Ceremony Venue: Deane House Stationery: Debbie Wong Design // Bride’s Gown: Novia Mia // Groom’s Attire: Supreme Menswear // Officiant: Ceremony By Bruce // Signage: Mountain Grove Studio
See more of this Real Calgary Wedding Ceremony Feature on the Blog
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