Celebrating and Social Distancing

Part 1 - Wedding Ceremony
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Tips and Ideas to Keep People Healthy
​and Share an Amazing Moment

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. 

SEATING
Not that your guests were squeezing together to begin with BUT if you're here in Texas like us you will want to be sure:

- Keep an empty row in between seated guests
- Families who live together can sit together up to 6 people
- Keep 6 feet in between guests/families

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. 

​WEDDING PARTY
So if you haven't already thought through your ceremony details this will make decisions a lot easier! 
- Have bridesmaids / groomsmen walk in and out separately and you guessed it! 6 feet apart
- Have your officiant already in place
- Space your wedding party members 6 feet apart as well 

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.

WEDDING RINGS AND MORE...
So the goal is to keep contact and germs to a minimum, but you want to have rings (of course!) and other items in your ceremony. 
- Ring bearer: carry an empty box, sign or empty ring pillow instead
- Only the couple should touch and handle the rings
- Unity ceremony? Skip it or have your wedding coordinator set it up. They should be gloved up and can make sure your unity items are safe and germ free for you!

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!

​LIVE STREAMING
Okay technology is AWESOME you guys. We know that many of your grandparents and immuno compromised family members won't be able to make it. That doesn't mean they need to mis out though!
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- Set up a Zoom Meeting
- Set up a Private Facebook Group
- Live steam during your ceremony! 

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.

HELP YOUR GUESTS
Ultimately the goal is to celebrate and enjoy. That can't happen if everyone is worried about what to do, when to do it and where to be.
- Event team can welcome and direct your guests, opening doors answering questions, etc
- Officiant should make an announcement before the ceremony and after so that guests know to exit appropriately and head to the reception

- 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!

Part 1: Wedding Ceremony on Biteable.

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