As a wedding planner, I keep getting asked “when is a safe date?”  I don’t have any more of a crystal ball into the future than you do, but here is my educated guess.  Gavin Newsom just announced the four stages of reopening the state of California which I think is good outline for anywhere. It’s the final stage that includes events like conferences and concerts.  That only becomes available when we either have proved immunity or a vaccine readily available.  While he hasn’t listed weddings in one of the phases, you have to consider the similarities.  Were you planning on having all guests travel in and stay at the same hotel?  Do you have visions of a packed dance floor with everyone sweating to the latest pop anthem from one of our favorite divas?  This is just a small example of what is going to be considered “socially unacceptable” until we’re all in stage four.  However, I don’t think it’s all or nothing between now and then.  Depending on where you are located, there is an in-between. If you’re okay with forgoing some of these typical wedding practices, you can have a covid-friendly wedding during these uncertain times.  Here is a list of tips you might want to consider…

Determining Your Guest Count

Until there is literally no risk, everyone is going to feel different about their willingness to attend something in a large group.  Poll your guests in advance to help determine your guest count.  “If we have a wedding in six months where you can practice social distancing, will you attend? “This will help determine your numbers for vendors.

No Guest Left Behind

Someone might be at-risk or beholden to travel restrictions that make them unable to attend.  Now is the time to embrace technology and offer a way for them to be connected.  Stream your ceremony and other key moments for guests who can’t physically be there.

Lean into Precautions

Order branded masks for all of your guests.  Put your logo or wedding hashtag on travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer.  Your guests will follow your lead on what’s important.

Cater Safely

One reason everyone has been cooking up a storm in quarantine is the sense of control it offers.  Nobody wants to feel at risk by how or what they eat.  For now, we have to forgo family-style meal service and buffets.  Servers should be in gloves and masks.

Cut the Physical Bar

Anything that encourages the congregating of a large group is a no-no.  You can put down markers highlighting a six-foot distance for anyone waiting in line or forgo the bar and have all drinks tray-passed or poured tableside. 

Design a Safe Floor Plan

Many guests will feel more comfortable dining if they’re not at a table with strangers.  Take a break from the common table of ten and utilize more deuces and four-tops.  If they’re spaced 6’ from the other tables your guests will feel more inclined to relax.

Alternate the Entertainment

We all need to pause on the notion that a packed dance floor is the symbol of a successful party.  Be creative with how to entertain your guests during the wedding.  

I know some of these solutions might not seem ideal.  But we’re in unprecedented times and all have to do our part to make the situation better rather than worse.  If you listen to your heart and health experts you’ll land on the perfect solution.

As reopening procedures differ by city, state and country, be sure to consult with local authorities and their policies before planning an in-person event.