Can you social distance at a wedding? How do you plan a social distance wedding? How do you social distance at a wedding reception? Ahh, so many questions about social distancing at wedding receptions thanks to COVID-19! But we’re here to help with the answers! Subscribe here for the latest and read all about social distance wedding tips below.

Are you wondering how to plan a social distance wedding? Do you want to make sure you don’t forget anything while social distancing as a guest at an upcoming wedding? You’ve come to the right place! We’re apprised of the rules and we’re here to guide you with tips on how to plan a social distance wedding.

There are easy ways you can plan ahead for social distancing at weddings — at the ceremony, cocktail hour, and at the reception. Here are the top ways to socially distance at your wedding (or as a guest at an upcoming reception) and also, what you need to tell guests ahead of time and provide to them upon arrival. Hope it helps + stay healthy out there!

1. Include COVID-19 or Social Distancing Wedding Rules for Guests.

You don’t have to plaster them inside your invitations, but it is a great idea to have a list of ways you are social distancing or preparing ahead for COVID-19 restrictions at your wedding. This will make guests feel safer knowing there are safeguards in place.

In addition, by having the social distancing wedding rules in place well ahead of time, guests can know what they are expected to do (i.e. wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, etc.) and everyone will be “on the same page” and encourage everyone to practice social distancing during the celebration.

Inside Your Invitation

You may include a card inside your wedding invitation with a few notes on how you’re preparing for COVID-19. Have it printed on a separate enclosure card like this.

The best place to include these details is on your wedding website. (Not sure it’s for you? Read: 3 Reasons Why Every Couple Needs a Wedding Website.)

Include a link to your wedding website on your invitations and guests will read all the information they need to know on your website. You can even choose matching designs that match your invitations, like this set from Minted:

If you don’t have a wedding website, it is the best thing to have for your guests to stay up-to-date in one central place. You can get a FREE wedding website here.

2. Discuss Proper Safeguards That Are in Place with Your Wedding Venue

The staff at your venue will work with you on what needs to be done to social distance wedding guests and let you know what they are doing to keep guests safe. Having a chat with them about the plans for your upcoming day will make you feel more comfortable. If you have any questions or uncertainty, ask them! They’ll be the number one resource to tell you how they plan to keep guests as safe as possible and how the staff is responding to COVID-19 for weddings.

Many venues are also increasing their sanitization practices, so don’t be surprised if you see staff wiping down the bar, kitchen, bathrooms, etc. frequently and wearing masks (it’s required!)

If you’re planning your own social distancing backyard wedding (or indoor), you can utilize all of these tips yourself! These social distancing wedding rules will help you to keep guests safe, and since you’re the one hosting the party, it’s important to follow all protocol to keep your guests safe + healthy.

You can include a helpful reminder at your venue with a sign like this to encourage guests to practice social distancing. This one is by CeciliaSebastianCo.

3. Provide Face Masks for Wedding Guests to Wear.

Guests should be wearing masks at all times, especially indoors. Face masks should be provided for guests at the entryway of your ceremony and/or reception sites. You can get them here.

You can include them in a basket with a sign, like this printable one: “Spread Love, Not Germs — Please Take One”. By WillowLanePaperie.

The masks can actually be customized + sort of cute! Here is one example from ForYourParty:

You can buy face masks for guests in bulk here (disposable) or reusable masks in bulk here. To add a light-hearted look and feel, you can create custom masks like these that are surprisingly fun.

4. Set Up Hand Sanitizer Stations.

Hand sanitizer should be readily available for guests in different areas of the wedding: the entryway of your ceremony and reception, on reception tables, at the bar, and in restrooms. In addition, you can give hand sanitizer favors to guests so everyone has their own individual bottle or spray. You can add these custom labels to your bottles to make them look nicer.

You can get these favors shown below from ModParty.

A sign and a basket to grab ’em makes it easy! This sign is by IvoryHouseCreative.

Add these fun “Wash Your Hands” disposable guest towels to encourage extra hand-washing in bathrooms. Buy them here from For Your Party.

5. Seat Guests Apart at the Ceremony.

Guests should be seated 6 feet apart at the ceremony, based on social distancing wedding rules; guests should be wearing masks at all times (especially when indoors). You can use markers (like these) on seats or pews to keep guests from sitting too close.

6. Social Distance Wedding Guests at the Reception.

When seated, guests should be sitting 6 feet apart. This means more tables, more centerpieces, more linens, etc., but it is all an important favor to properly social distance at weddings. Guests will appreciate the extra care and attention that went into planning ahead to keep everyone healthy.

You can add these fun napkins, like “quarantined for life” at tables. :) By ForYourParty.

7. Have an Extra Outdoor Space for Guests.

If possible, offer extra space for guests to mingle outdoors. This is, of course, if your venue space and weather allow. What does an extra outdoor space do for social distancing at weddings? That’s easy: guests will spread out more, which will easily increase social distancing at your wedding, and spend more time outdoors (so indoors won’t be as crowded).

8. Include Plexiglass at Your Bar.

Plexiglass is being used as a sneeze guard and has been installed inside many convenience stores, check-out lanes, and more in your daily life. Plexiglass is most likely already going to be installed at your venue, but it is a good idea to double-check just to make sure. It can be at the bar so when guests order a drink, it separates them from the bartender for a safer exchange.

You can buy this extra-thick plexiglass for your bar at LeftCoastOriginal to keep everyone safer, anywhere it is needed.

Don’t forget to add a little light-hearted touch to your bar — like these “Alcohol Kills Germs” napkins! So funny! By ForYourParty.

You’ll also want to use disposable cups at your wedding to eliminate contamination. You can get cute custom cups here from the same store (score!)

9. Switch from a Buffet for Plated Dinner and Dessert.

Most venues are changing out buffet lines for plated dinner, served individually tableside to guests. This makes an easier exchange for guests and eliminates the exchange of tongs and utensils at buffet lines, keeping everyone safe.

If you are suddenly changing your plans from a buffet to plated dinner, you may need to send an RSVP card with menu choices on it WITH your invitations. Here is an option, which you can customize here. By ForMyParty.

In addition, we’re seeing fewer dessert stands and displays in lieu of plated dessert passed out to guests. This is a great way to keep everyone safe.

10. Include Social Distance Stickers in Areas That Need Them.

Floor stickers (like these) are a great idea per social distance wedding guidelines. The most popular place to put them is probably leading up to the bar, where guests will be forming a line. You may also need them in line at a guest book table, so guests can stand in line 6 feet apart. Use these floor decals to remind guests to stand distanced.

Follow Social Distance Wedding Rules Yourself!

The best thing you can do to encourage others to follow social distance wedding rules is to follow them yourself. It is helpful for you to have a mask, the groom, and the bridal party. You can get cute + stylish face masks for your wedding at SymbolicImports.

Remember, HAVE FUN!

No one really plans on a social distance wedding, nor do they imagine guests wearing masks in all of their photos.

But the most important thing here is you’re getting married! Yay! That is an exciting thing and you shouldn’t let these social distance rules get in the way of your happiness! You’re doing your part to keep guests safe and healthy, and that is a very important part of planning a wedding day your guests will remember and enjoy.

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

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