While spring and early summer are often the prime time for weddings, a fall wedding has many benefits: cooler weather, colorful backdrops, and beautiful, falling leaves. Planning a wedding and reception takes plenty of time and effort, especially during this time of the pandemic. Engaged couples have to consider their venue, the type of food service they desire, and the health and safety of their guests. At Marco Island Weddings, we would be happy to provide essential services to make the reality of your wedding reception match the reception of your dreams.
How Big is Too Big for Your Venue?
Choosing a wedding and reception locale is often on the top of any couple’s to-do list. Will it be an outdoor affair or an indoor celebration? Will you have the wedding outdoors and the reception at another venue? Will you keep your guest list as it is or will you have a smaller wedding in the wake of the virus? These are just a few of the questions that the couple has to consider when making a venue choice. Outdoor weddings and receptions have some advantages during this time. Fresh air and plenty of room to roam around will provide a natural barrier to the virus. However, choosing a large indoor venue with plenty of room to space tables apart can work as well. Some couples are choosing to have a small reception to make sure all guests have the ability to social distance.
Blue Wedding Glass and Napkin
Style Your Reception Accordingly
After choosing a venue, the couple will likely look at food service opportunities at the reception. Wedding buffets have long been popular, providing an excellent meal at a great value and flexibility for guests to choose their own meal. Buffets can still be a great option! Using plexiglass shields and providing servers to dish up the food can make a buffet a reasonable and safe choice. If couples choose a seated dinner, make sure to provide plenty of distance between tables, and allow for room between guests at each table. The option of a formal dinner works well during the pandemic because guests can remain seated with only a few servers moving among the tables.
Respect Your Guests With Safety Measure
Perhaps the most important decision that couples need to make as they plan their pandemic wedding and reception concerns the safety protocols to put in place on the day of their celebration. Couples should make sure to follow the guidelines of their state and local governments. If masks are required, make sure to provide masks for guests at both the wedding and reception. Encourage guests to wear masks that reflect their personality or match their wedding day attire. Couples should also consider arranging hand sanitizer stations throughout their venue. This will ensure that the guests not only enjoy their celebration but remain healthy as well.
Photo: Gulfside Media
There are so many choices that couples have to make when they are planning their wedding, Due to the pandemic, couples have even more things to think about to make sure they provide a safe locale for both the wedding and reception. Our advisors at Marco Island Weddings can stand by you as you make these important decisions ranging from where to have the reception to what type of food to serve and how to make sure all safety precautions are followed for your guest. Our goal is for each couple to have the wedding day of their dreams!