So, you’re engaged! Or maybe you’ve been engaged and had to postpone or reschedule your wedding. Now what? There are some considerations to take into account to keep you, your guests and vendors safe.
Consider a Smaller Event
This may be a given, but we know how hard it can be to cull down your guest list. Be sure to pay attention to any state restrictions on numbers of people for your gathering. In Minnesota 250 people total are allowed in spaces where weddings are held, but there are important things to note with this.
You must take into account that currently event spaces can only run at 25 percent capacity. Check with your venue as soon as possible to find out how many people they can accommodate so you can take vendors into account, which will help you narrow down how many guests you can invite.
Spacing of six feet must be maintained at all times between different households. There will need to be enough space in your venue to accommodate this. Check out this post for ideas on how to properly social distance at your wedding.
Don’t forget that the 250-person cap must include any vendors and event staff, so your guest list should not be 250—you need to make sure everyone accounted for in the space does not exceed 250 people.
Types of Small Weddings
A “small wedding” is typically defined as 50 people or less. This helps you easily accommodate vendors and staff while keeping anyone you invite a bit more safe than they’d be at a larger wedding.
If you’re willing to go even smaller, a “micro wedding” would be 20 guests or less. This typically accommodates for both immediate families and perhaps a few close friends.
A courthouse wedding can still be a beautiful option. You’ll need a few witnesses, so be sure to check how many guests are allowed, if a photographer can attend and if any decorations are allowed.
An elopement is the smallest way to tie the knot, and usually happens without the knowledge of family and friends. You could always celebrate with everyone down the road if you so choose.
Ceremony Only
You could skip the dinner and dance altogether, or postpone the reception for a later date. Opting for a ceremony only makes it easier to properly socially distance.
Whether you have 2 guests or 50, a smaller event opens up the option to have a larger celebration down the road. Perhaps a one year anniversary party?! Just remember that opting for two separate events could incur additional costs.
Virtual Wedding
No matter how many you decide to invite to your wedding, there may be people you’d like to have there who cannot attend. Video conferencing has made it incredibly easy to connect with loved ones during this time, so why not stream your ceremony for those friends and family who can’t make it?
Benefits of a Smaller Wedding
It can feel overwhelming to plan a wedding during uncertain times, but no matter how many people join you for your big day, it will still be beautiful and wonderful. Here are some benefits to having a smaller wedding.
Potential Cost Savings/Shifted Priorities
Saving money is a great benefit and having a smaller wedding sometimes helps reduce your budget. With fewer guests, you can focus your budget on things that will help you document the big day. Maybe a videographer was out of your budget before, but now with fewer guests you can fit it in. And no matter how many guests attend, your photographs will help tell your love story to everyone after the fact.
While you can expect to save money in some areas, it is important to keep in mind that you may have additional costs elsewhere. For example, you may need to hire a cleaning service to help keep high-touch areas clean throughout the event.
If you decide to forgo a reception, you can splurge on a dinner for just you and your new spouse, or with close family members to celebrate.
Different Venue Options
The smaller the wedding, the more venue options you’ll have. Think of all the amazing locations: rooftop, patio, backyard, restaurant, museum, garden, taproom, lake cruise—the list goes on and on. Just remember to keep your venue large enough for social distancing, even if you decide to have a small wedding. Explore some unique options and let your imagination run wild.
Intimacy
A smaller gathering allows you to truly spend quality time (socially distanced, of course!) with everyone who attends.
Make it a Wedding Al Fresco
An outdoor wedding has never been a better idea. Not only are weddings in the wild so magical, but they offer additional safety for you and your guests and vendors. Of course, you’ll need a secondary plan for inclement weather, but that’s what tents are for—plus, rain on your wedding day is good luck!
Forgo a Large Wedding Party
As fun as it can be for some, for others selecting a wedding party can be stressful. What if you didn’t have to choose a wedding party? It can be just as special with you, your spouse and your officiant up at the altar together while your close friends and family watch from the front few rows.
Even without a wedding party, you can still allow close friends and family to be involved in a special way.
Lean on each person for things they’re great at--maybe some could help with decorations and making the venue shine. Perhaps others could sing, play an instrument, or do a reading during your ceremony.
You can still invite a few people to be with you as you get ready for the big day, just be sure there’s enough space for social distancing.
If you want, you could still appoint someone who would plan a bachelorette/bachelor party or a shower.
Consider a Cleaning Service
Even with stay-at-home orders loosening, it’s important to keep up with cleanliness and social distancing. It may bring some peace of mind to everyone attending your event (vendors included!) if you bring in a cleaning service. Sani-Set is just one option in the Twin Cities area that will come in and clean before, during and after your event. While this is an added cost, it’s worth it to keep everyone safe.
No matter how your wedding comes together, just remember to stay positive. Your big day is about you and your soon-to-be spouse and it will be wonderful no matter what happens!