Photo credit: Nicee Martin
As the host of an event or wedding, you should be mindful of your guests’ levels of enjoyment and safety. Good music and great food always make for an amazing time. You also want to make guests feel as comfortable as possible, this may be their first public event since the pandemic started. There are so many intricate details involved in planning an event or wedding. Hosting your event or wedding during a pandemic takes the planning to a whole other level. Even though the world (and every regulation) is changing, that doesn’t mean that you have to cancel your event or wedding. It does, however, mean that you should think outside the box while planning. Before you start partying in a pandemic, here are 6 things to consider when planning your next celebration:
Food Service Options
The most common catering options are usually plated service, family-style, and buffet style. In times like these, you might have to think outside of the box for your catering style. Staff-served buffets will help with portion control as well as not having to worry about guests accessing the food. Self-serve buffets and family-style settings are not encouraged currently as these methods call for very close interactions between guests.
Plated meals - highly recommended because it minimizes the amount of interaction between guests and other peoples’ food
Staff-served buffets - this option will help with portion control as well as not having to worry about guests accessing the food
Catering deliveries - If you are hosting a virtual event, there are some caterers that are offering unconventional delivery options. As a fabulous gesture, some hosts have surprised their guests with dinner delivered to their homes.
Photo Ops
Who doesn't love taking pictures with family and friends? But, how do you do that safely during a pandemic?
Open-air photo booths - instead of the booths, check out companies that offer those gorgeous sequins background or even custom backdrops that you and your guests can stand in front of
Avoid big group photos - you know, those group shots with all of your guests in one picture
Take photos with small clusters of guests; preferably in immediate family groups or those in the same household
Stylish Safety Precautions
We know that Coronavirus sucks, BUT we also know it is very real. Your guest's safety and comfort should be at the forefront of your mind when planning an event. Nothing says thoughtful, like reassuring your guests that you are being cautious in your party plans.
Branded/Custom PPE - purchase (customized or plain) masks or mini sanitizers for guests
Colorful Social distance wristbands - these multi-color indicators can help other guests gauge the comfort level of their fellow guests
Cute Signage for sanitizing stations such as: "Please take a mask to wear today while celebrating with us in the safest way" or "Spread love not germs". Check out the link below for some more ideas.
Cancellation Insurance
You should have wedding/event insurance no matter what, but don’t forget cancellation insurance. Wedding insurance is general liability insurance typically required by venues and protects against 3rd party bodily injury or property damage.
Event cancellation insurance protects your event-related revenue or expenses against cancellation due to circumstances beyond your control; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean Coronavirus. Be sure to ask your agent if you can add an endorsement to your event cancellation insurance policy to cover canceling an event due to a communicable disease.
Cancellation insurance provides coverage for the loss of revenue derived from or expenses committed to an event due to a cancellation, abandonment, interruption, curtailment, postponement, or relocation caused by covered perils as defined in the policy as covered perils.
Cancellation Insurance is specialty coverage and is “elective” in nature, the premium is determined based on the revenue or expense at risk.
Live Stream Your Event/Wedding
Some guests may not be able to attend your event/wedding for various reasons - COVID-19 restrictions, leary about large gatherings, or just unable to make it. Livestream is a great way to allow guests to still feel a part of the celebration.
Some popular platforms are:
Zoom
Facebook
WebWed Live
Wedfuly
Venue Logistics
Always check with your venue to see what they are doing to help with social distancing and COVID-19 guidelines. Some options to ask about are:
Where and when possible, try to host your wedding/event outside - always thinking about location and time of year
"One-way" entryways and exits for guests - use one door for going in the venue and another for going out
If possible, request the venue windows and/or doors be left open to ensure better ventilation
Socially distance chairs and tables during the events - consider having fewer seats at each table while also being strategic with your seating arrangements
Avoid valet parking
When throwing an event or wedding, you want to make sure your guests are comfortable. These are just a few specifics to get the ball rolling. 💫To learn about some additional event considerations, click here for a FREE download.
Again, there are a ton of (over 5,000) details to work out when planning an event or wedding. If you have any questions or would like to book a certified event/wedding planner, contact me for a free consultation. Happy Planning!
xo
~Danie Marie
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