The reception is where all the hugs, dance moves and delicious food typically happens. Making that happen without touching, getting close to each other and while following your local guidelines can be tricky - but it doesn't have to be any less special! It is important that you take steps to avoid any stress on your guests and the two of you on your wedding day. If you're lucky you have put together an amazing team of pros who will help make this all come together, but just to be helpful here are a few tips we've put together to help you think through some logistics. 
As Texas releases more information on opening wedding venues and safe ways to celebrate we will continue sharing tips and ideas to help keep your wedding planning as simple as possible. For now here are some ideas to start your planning process based on the phase we are currently in. 
For the BEST up to date information be sure to check in with the CDC Guidelines and with your local or State policies and recommendations. Overall - guests, pros and families need to stay 6 foot apart when at all possible. ​If it is not possible, individuals should use a face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
​
Okay so now that you know where to find the official good stuff, here are some tips and ideas to put it in action and to plan ahead. 

Seating charts sound scary and like a pain to many brides or grooms planning - but at the end of the day it makes things very easy on your family and guests. As things slowly begin to open and grow towards normal tables should be limited to seat no more than 6 people and of course families will be seated together. That being said - seating charts? Should be a piece of cake! It also will let you make sure you have enough tables set. We recommend only seating families (living under the same roof) together if possible. 
Check out this photo above - it has seating for 6 and still looks amazing! Just because the layout may change a bit does not mean that your vision has to so don't lose hope - get excited about the unique twists you can put on your day!

The cake may sound tricky - BUT we'll talk more about this in Part 3 so check it out!
Now, as for the seated meal we mention earlier.... Food stations are a HUGE trend right now and all you need are options that are easy to eat but maybe a little more elegant than "finger foods". Guests may not be able to scoop their own food (that's not very fun anyways right?), but you can turn it into an experience. Carving stations for meat, Chicken & Waffles station with a waffle iron, or even a stir fry station where guests name their toppings/vegetables and tossed right in front of them.
Dessert stations are a FUN way to do just what we're suggesting - locally we have Beth Marie's who always wows guests with a fun, unique service that will be sure to let everyone forget the distancing they are doing.
​By keeping the meal option versatile you can provide more cocktail tables and guests can easily spread out at a safe distance. At our venue, we often have couples utilize the outdoor areas on a regular basis with food and for photos. 

As guest counts are limited it gives more versatility in your floor pan! Consider adding a second bar - indoors or out to provide a second area for guests. Same goes for your buffet line, if your catering team can staff it then create two separate lines to decrease the wait time. For those bar and buffet lines - make sure you use appropriate materials but think of a way to easily mark where guests should stand and space from each other to keep the 6 foot distance.
Now we know skipping the dance floor can be a big bummer, but trust us- keeping people 6 feet away when the right song comes on is not easy. Especially if you get to work with amazing DJs like we do. Think of it this way though - everyone can get their own dance bubble thanks to that awesome table spacing you created, so when that song comes on they won't be able to get in a giant group huddle but they can still bust a move from a safe distance. 
PS - ask your professional DJ about the other activity options they have up their sleeve, there are some FUN options that can bring smiles to you and your wedding guests that you'll remember always.

As the couple you two will want to make sure you have plenty of PPE including hand sanitizer for all your guests. Posting signs about keeping distances, hand washing, etc. and put your own spin on them to keep them light hearted and as a way to look back and laugh at this time.
We should all have a good idea by now that the goal is to stay 6 foot away and if it is not possible, individuals should use a face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced. Providing masks for your wedding party or guests can be thoughtful and also make for a fun photo-opp. Since you'll need to stay 6 feet away from each other without one, why not have some custom made or pick a fun design.
​

Photos by
- Haley Katherine Photography (First Photo)
- Lauren Bloom Photography (Second and Fourth Photo)
- Blackall Photography (Third Photo)

Okay so things have changed and rocked our worlds, but at the end of the day we all just want to CELEBRATE and share special moments with our families and friends. The key is knowing how to do that without putting anyone at risk, and of course to follow any policies and guidelines in place. Does anyone else agree that wedding planning is stressful enough as it is though? Now there are even more details to pour over to create a safe environment to welcome your guests into. The good news? This is new territory for all of us! Okay, so maybe that sounds a bit overwhelming to you but trust us - creating and thinking outside the box is what event industry pros DO. We are creatives - we may not be able to pick up a brush and paint a stunning scene but we can and do problem solve and find ways to make each event unique every single day. 

That being said I know you want the tips and ideas - so we've put them together here for you to check out. Every state has their own policies so be sure to check in with your area and apply those as well - but these tips are a great way to practice healthy habits as we start to see wedding ceremonies begin again and love stories begin. 

Easy way to do this & NOT stress out your guests? Have an usher or 2! They can welcome guests (from a safe distance), and show them where to sit. 
In Texas we do expect these to loosen up a bit as we reach different phases, so keep up with the newest policies and give your ushers the job of directing your guests. Odds are, most of them may be a little too tired of the news to keep up with seating at ceremonies. 

OR our personal favorite: keep it intimate and have only your Maid of Honor or Best Man by your sides and the rest of the party seated. If you have not hired a wedding planner this is a FANTASTIC reason to do so! They will cue everyone professionally and safely, open doors (gloved) and make sure you know where to stand.

For your rings we suggest keeping them in one of your pockets for safe keeping. When your officiant asks for them hand one directly to your almost (you're so close at that point!) spouse. If they are performing a blessing they can do so without holding them. This will eliminate the rings bring touched by.... planner > ring bearer > ring bearer's parent as they make sure they don't get lost > best man > officiant > the couple YIKES. 
​Simple is easy, best and healthiest!

If you haven't considered whether to have a videographer, now is the perfect time to think it over! The video can last a lifetime, and even better - you can share it on your social media for those who could not make it. 
Grandparents are not going to want to miss out, but we know that you don't want them risking their wellbeing to do so. Keep it easy on them, and let everyone live in the moment! Ask your videographer if they can also record with a cellphone livestreaming for you or assign the task to someone - a tripod set up is a great idea to but PLEASE ask your photographer team where a good place would be.

- Signs are a great way to make announcements look pretty 
- Communicate before (explaining if they are feeling xyz to please stay home), request no hugs or handshakes but that their presence alone let's you know they care!
- DJ should make professional, helpful reminders to ease them into enjoying the day while keeping distance

It sounds like a bummer, but if we're being honest a lot of these are already very common to a certain stage and are simple, easy transitions to keep your guests comfortable and focused on what truly matters - you two beginning a life together! 

Part 2 coming soon so be sure to check back with us!

Photos by White Orchid Photography
Ring Box The Mrs Ring Box
Sign Designed by

GET MORE INFO ON OUR VENUE BY CONTACTING OUR TEAM

We've got just as many giveaways.... and who knows maybe an extra surprise or two up our sleeves. This month was definitely more fun getting to do these weekly giveaways with you guys! We don't normally get to do things like this and we're SO grateful for your participation and joining us.

If you've missed the first couple weeks we've had here's a little recap of what to do...
- we'll be posting throughout the week with how to win
- follow the directions & you'll be entered
- you have to follow us & let us follow you back (so we can see your posts)
- for entries with photos: sending any photos/videos to us via DM also works!
- each prize has it's own way to win: best photo, random winner, etc
Anyone can win: wedding pro, couple, neighbor, even if you just randomly stumbled on our page!

Prizes are delivered via email (giftcards) or mail.

*Bonus is only open to any couple who has not booked our venue, tours within the window of time and books before the end of the month.*

If you have any other questions you can contact our team HERE.

Okay so our email gave you a little insight on what to plan for & expect so you can make sure you are ready to ROCK the fun & win some prizes! We have to say we have loved having you guys participate - couples, neighbors, family, local wedding pros you've all made it so much fun. If nothing else, we hope it's given you something to smile about and a reason to pause your show and tune out the stress. Even if it's just for a minute!

Groom's cake or dessert (if you're not into cake we get it don't worry - we've got you!) in your choice of flavor. Now that is something SWEET! 
Same as the other bonus weeks - all it takes it having a tour now - the end of the month (video call of course!) and if we're the fit for you then you get this little extra with your date.

This awesome tiered peanut butter cookie cake by Heavenly Taylored Sweets
Photo by Blackall Photography

Don't forget this is the last week to have your video call / tour to get that FREE ENGAGEMENT session! For more details on the specifics give us an email and we'll fill you in. It's pretty simple though, tour (via video call) this week & end up booking us this month and you get a 60-90 minute photo session with one of the talented photographers we get to work with! 

Ready to set up a video call & tour to chat more? 
Or just need some extra info? 

Contact our venue team & let them know you're participating in the Month of Giveaways!
CLICK HERE TO GET AHOLD OF THEM