As we near the one-year anniversary of state-wide shutdowns and quarantines, brides in Texas find themselves once again facing the difficult question of how to move forward with their wedding plans.
Should I even move forward? Is it safe for my grandparents to come? Planning a wedding in 2021 presents newly added levels to the stress that brides and grooms already go through when planning their wedding.
So, what’s a bride to do?
As of March 10th, 2021, masks will no longer by mandated by the State of Texas and occupancy levels are not required to be reduced. But COVID doesn’t exist in a vacuum of government regulations. Everyone knows that it’s still a “thing.” And remember, even though Texans are starting to get back to a semblance of normal life as vaccines roll out and we develop herd immunity, family and friends that may be attending your wedding from out of state may not feel the same level of comfort as you. How do we cater to their needs?
1. Give people an option on your R.S.V.P. cards.
Many venues in Texas give couples the option to host an outdoor ceremony followed by an outdoor cocktail hour. I have worked multiple weddings during COVID where some of the guests came for the outdoor festivities and left before moving indoors for the dinner reception. But when a guest receives a R.S.V.P. card, their choices are typically black and white: are you “happily accepting” or “regretfully declining?” These binary options stick brides and grooms with steep catering costs for guests that don’t stay for dinner. In order to counteract this new-found wedding quandary, we’ve started designing R.S.V.P. cards that give guests the option to choose which events they will be attending. I’ve found that oftentimes, guests appreciate knowing that there are parts of the festivities that are outdoors so they can be comfortable while still attending parts of your big day.
We would love to design something personalized and special for you. Get in touch with us here
2. Sanitation stations, but make it cute
I think by this point, we’ve all seen the cute Bath and Bodyworks hand sanitizer favors that people are giving out to guests. They have festive options for scents too. My favorite is and will always be “Champagne Toast,” but, as we all know, I’m the queen of wedding branding. There are so many great options for monogrammed disposable masks and custom labels for mini sanitizers. SPREAD LOVE, NOT GERMS!
3. VIP seating areas
If you have certain guests coming to your wedding that are more at-risk for COVID (or any illness, really), consider including a VIP section at your reception. Give your special guests the social distance they require by placing their tables at a safe distance away from the rest of the guests. Depending on your budget, you could add in rope and stanchions or even a small pipe and drape on 3 sides of the table. Think VIP booths at a nightclub! My one piece of advice for brides and grooms that are considering this would be to ask your VIP guests if this is something they are comfortable with. No one wants to be sat away from the group unless they are ok with it first!
4. Take a deep breath and enjoy the planning process
Planning your wedding is such a joyous time in your life. Unfortunately, when things start to feel out of control, the process can become quite cumbersome. Take a deep breath and remember to have fun with your partner while you plan out all the details of your big day. There are many steps that a couple can take to keep their guests as safe as possible! I promise that by making the extra effort to give your guests some safe options, they will be very appreciative, your love and commitment have gotten you this far. Trust in the undenied fact that love always prevails and wins.