The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted 2020, forcing many people to quickly cancel their events. There have been many stories of couples having to postpone their weddings in an effort to keep their guests safe, especially those with wedding dates in the early days of the pandemic. The Philippine government also imposed a ban on mass gatherings, which further forced soon-to-be-weds to reschedule their big day.
The Philippine government recently lifted the ban on events, but have implemented a limitation in the number of guests that are allowed to attend events like weddings. The maximum number of guests as of writing is set at 30 people. With the lifting of the ban, some couples have decided to push through with their weddings in 2020, albeit with a much shorter guest list. As a result, intimate weddings have become a trend in recent months.
If you are planning to have an intimate wedding of your own in 2020, know that you’ll need to implement a few measures to ensure your 30 guests stay safe. Make sure you keep the following in mind as you start planning your intimate wedding:
Creative Hand-Sanitizing Solutions
Sanitizing almost every item, you come across while outside is now the norm. Event planners, such as Enderun Events, or Venue Owners, will help couples think of creative hand-sanitizing solutions for their guests, including a staff outside distributing hand sanitizers, or the guests having personalized water bottles. These solutions can also mean no more buffets, meaning every meal will be plated by the caterers and ready to be served to the guests.
Wear Masks
Everywhere, masks are now required to be worn to prevent the spread. Therefore, even at weddings, the bride and groom, including its guests and staff, should also wear a mask. The masks can be taken off during pictorials or when eating; however, it is advised to wear it during the entire wedding ceremony and reception.
Choosing an Indoor Venue
Having an outdoor wedding is no longer an option during this pandemic as weddings need to be held indoors to keep safe. If you planned to hold it outdoors, it is now the time to look for another venue to keep you and your guests safe. For you and your guests to not feel confined in a closed space, you may consider incorporating open-air or outdoor elements to the venue.
Practice Social Distancing
Having a smaller guest list does not mean it is safe to not practice social distancing. The seats’ arrangement should be spaced at least 6 feet or 2 meters apart from each other. Marriage officiants should also stand a bit further away from the couple during the ceremony and that the venue, in general, has a lot of space for it not to be crowded.
Do A Live Stream
Many airports have been blocked, and some guests might not want to travel or attend the event due to feeling uncomfortable and worried about their health and safety. With the guest list now smaller, with some guests removed or some who cannot attend, couples can opt to live stream their wedding to the extended guests to watch the event. With the current advancement in technology, the guests can even feel as if they are really inside the venue themselves.
