Planning Weddings During Covid: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
You’re starting to plan one of the biggest days of your life. It is fun, exciting, and inspiring – but also confusing; especially during a global pandemic. Below we have answered the top 5 questions to ask yourself when planning a wedding (during COVID).
Q: What are our top priorities for our wedding day?
A: Take time to talk through what matters most to you on this memorable occasion:
Close friends and family should attend the event in-person – assess your guest count to meet COVID gathering modifications, and consider a hybrid model of in-person + virtual
Gotta have an amazing dance party – consider a virtual at-home dance party after the ceremony! Send cocktail packages to guests and encourage costumes and a customized playlist so everyone’s dancing!
Great bites and bar options – talk to your caterer about any needs for menu and/or service modifications
Ensure a safe and seamless guest experience – talk to your venue about how social distancing works in the space, and consider custom-made signage that suits your theme which clearly directs guests on best practices (wearing masks, washing hands, etc.)
Q: How can I ensure the safety of my family & friends?
A: Luckily, there are many great options to ensure guest safety while still keeping the experience the same! The easiest way to keep family/household units together is by creating a seating chart. This way your guests can be assured they are seated safely, and you gain an additional element to showcase your theme and personality thru the seating chart/display.
Many venues also have hand sanitizer stations, flow signage, and symptom signage placed in accessible, but discreet locations.
Q: Have I talked with all my wedding vendors? What does each contract say?
A: Make sure to communicate with all currently booked vendors individually to go over contract language – ask about how a reduced guest count or change in venue might affect agreed-upon terms.
Q: What AV services can my venue provide?
A: Audio-visual has become even more important for weddings while planning with COVID in mind! Venues may have limited (or limitless) capacity for AV services, such as live streaming, lighting with videography in mind.
Q: What options do I have for food and beverage service?
A: The only real change with service, is that self-serve options are no longer allowed. This means no buffets, punch bowls, or beverage dispensers. However, many caterers in the area have re-worked their menus to include various tiers of plated service and have different options for single serving beverages.
Photo & Video: Pacific Northwest Imagery | Venue: Leftbank Annex | Catering/Bar: Elephants Catering + Events | Floral: Wildflower Wedding Portland | DJ: Only The Best Sound Mobile DJ | Officiant: Your Best Day Ever | Linens: The Party Place and Sperry Tents Oregon | Hair: Hair by Hilary Woodward | Makeup: Golden Lashes | Coordinator: Marian Peteros | Couple: Genela and Mike
