Planning a Wedding Amidst Covid-19: Weddings for 50 People with Social Distancing Measures
I hate corona virus. I hate it very, very much. But with trying to develop a positive outlook while going through this, I think we can all agree that we’ve taken a lot in our lives for granted. The ability to give a hug to someone you love — heck, the ability to actually SEE THEIR FACES in person. The technology that gives us the ability to see them even when we’re not with them. Those very people and the love we have for them.
This time has given us the opportunity to realize who and what we really do love. It’s reminded us of little things that make us laugh, favourite moments that we’ve spent with people, and what makes us fee good. It’s reminded us that all that’s really needed is the person you love and the promises you’ll make to each other. So maybe you’re switching up your plans in favour of an elopement this year with a big anniversary party next year, or maybe you’re waiting it out so the big celebration can include everyone you love and everything you’ve been picturing. Whatever your case, we’re in a situation that has forced the most important things in our lives to the foreground.
I’d like to encourage you to move forward in your planning, with a shift in your focus to those special things.
Let’s imagine how a wedding can look AFTER the current ban on gatherings and 10 person limit is lifted.
Whether you’re in the position of postponing your wedding, or if you’re able to host your wedding this year but need to maintain social distancing measures, I want to offer some tips and suggestions for the best way to plan your wedding during this time!
Assuming social distancing measures will still need to be intact, there are some logistics we’ll need to consider that are outside of the norm.
If you’re able to cut your guest list to less than 50 (and remember that any vendors who are on-site will need to be included in that—serving staff, photographer and videographer, wedding planner, and so on), it would be recommended that you still host your wedding in your larger venue. This will ensure that your guests can spread around comfortably and spaciously.
You will likely not be able to serve a buffet meal. We may end up suggesting you still use standard 60” round tables, which typically seat 8 guests, but instead, seat 4 guests at them. Or, you could double up the standard banquet rectangular tables to make them wider king tables, and also reduce the number of chairs.
Looking forward into the rest of this year (and of course, having no actual science to this thought), I wouldn’t be surprised if, once the major onslaught of Covid-19 starts to settle down here in Manitoba (as it currently seems to be in China), we may still be limited to events with a maximum capacity of 50 guests.
This gives wedding professionals and our couples an amazing opportunity to re-imagine the way things have typically been done, to plan and design incredible weddings that are unlike what we’ve known before.
Photos by Casey Nolin Photography
One of my favourite weddings was this intimate dinner for 20, in the hallway of the 7th floor at the Fort Garry Hotel. The table was doubled up for width, the ceremony was in front of the fireplace, and it was SO romantic and well-thought through.
Like I said, I think we have a really unique opportunity to design a wedding that really tells your story and feels like the two of you. When your wedding DOES come to pass, the celebratory mood is going to be so amped up. What we really want is to see YOU in your wedding design.
You’ve got the time — so let’s find ways that we can really saturate every aspect with something special that reflects you. Some ideas:
-Ceremony: Who are those people who you really, really miss during this period of isolation? I know I am so excited to give both of my grandmothers a hug when this is over — one of whom had a small stroke a week ago and is in the hospital, alone. Could some of these people be incorporated into your ceremony with readings, or a prayer circle, or a blessing of the rings?
-Details: Music, or thank you notes/favours, traditions that you want to start for your future family, stories that you want to be told. You’ve been WAITING for this wedding celebration — let the details show it!
-Tasty Treats: Customize your menu to reflect your go-to date night treats or something you shared on your first date (or maybe serve the snack that’s getting you through isolation — for me, that would be the mini egg ice cream from local favourite, Fete).
How to Support Your Local Wedding Industry
I can’t tell you how encouraged I have been by the many comments and emails I’ve received from my couples, telling me they’re thinking of me and other small businesses throughout this tumultuous time. That gives me SUCH hope that once this mess is behind us, Winnipeg is going to be able to come out strong. I’ve always said that Winnipeg is such an amazing place to own a small business because our community really supports us. For that, we thank you all!
That being said, we’re all a little on edge, wanting to make sure that we can actually make it through this year with our doors open. I’m lucky that as an at-home studio florist, I don’t have the overhead of a shop (or a restaurant, or a bakery, or a rental company, and so on and so on). While my 2020 wedding season is uncertain, the rest of my future isn’t. I know I’ll be able to climb back up with relative ease once this is behind us. It’s going to be harder for other businesses, and what they’re needing is your support to make sure that they CAN service your future wedding date.
If you’re wondering how you can support your local Winnipeg wedding industry, let me give you a few ideas:
Rent! Don’t Buy!
I know the temptation of being able to re-sell something after your wedding is real, but consider how renting something from a local small business can help keep that business’s doors open. Amazon and overseas shopping sites don’t need your help right now! Linens, chair covers, vases, table numbers, cake stands...all things that people tend to think they can find “cheaper” deals online when there are many vendors in town who would love your rental.
Bonus: renting is usually better for the environment!
Some of my favourite rental companies include: Planned Perfectly, Trend Decor, C&T Rentals, Ornare Event Rentals
Shop Local
When you do buy, buy local. And buy from a small business. By keeping as many of our dollars in-province or in-country as possible, we will help our local economy get healthier, faster. Large companies that mass produce and mass print don’t need your business as much as the individuals in our community who are trying to pay their mortgages and their staff. So, here are some of my favourite local small businesses that service weddings!
STATIONERY: Robin Egg Blue Design, Leech Letter Co, Asarye Paperie, Too Pink Creative (note that Vista Print is not on my list - yes, they’re cheap, but spend a touch more and support both a stationery designer AND the local print shop that they work with)
ACCESSORIES (Hair, Jewellery, etc): Luna + Stone, Belle Box Boutique
FASHION (Showers, rehearsal parties, bridesmaids, etc): Mad About Style, Hush Collection
UNIQUE VENDORS: Laser all the Things
Elopement + Party
If I were in your shoes, I think I would still want to make my wedding official this year with an elopement, and then follow that up with a big after party in the winter or in 2021. If you choose to go this route, let’s make your elopement an amazing, intimate celebration and then kick it up a few notches for your reception at a later date. Talk to your photographer about adjusting your coverage to include an elopement (maybe 1-2 hours) this year, ask your videographer to make a video that can be shown at your party next year, order a beautiful bouquet and even a breathtaking floral installation for your elopement ceremony from your florist (hellooooo photo opportunities!), ask your officiant if she’s okay to go ahead with an outdoor, social distancing elopement ceremony, and so on. This allows many of your vendors to keep SOME revenue in 2020, which helps us ensure that we’re still able to be in business in 2021.
Photos by Casey Nolin Photography