The new normal is masks, soap, and sanitizer everything. These are methods we've incorporated into our daily lives to keep ourselves and others safe from getting sick. As states begin to open back up and allow weddings and small events, you may have clients eager to get back to planning their wedding in 2020, so how can you and your team move forward and implement methods of cleanliness on a larger scale? The safety of your own team, the couple, guests, vendors, and the local community should be a number one priority. Being safe is what will allow us to continue to do what we do. But there’s so much to think about and so many tactics to implement, so where can you start?
We’ve compiled a helpful resource guide on steps you can take and guidelines you can require to ensure your events are safe and adhere to the CDC Considerations for Events & Gatherings.
Determine Status
Every state and community’s spread of Covid-19 is different. The first step is being in adherence with state and local health officials. Depending on what your state regulations and cases are, you and your couple can determine what the best choice is. Postponement, cancellation, or a smaller size gathering incorporating the following steps.
Communication
Communicating with your couple is of utmost importance. Be very transparent on all of the methods your team is implementing to ensure safety while also discussing with them how they can communicate safety to their guests. If your couple is not taking safety procedures into consideration, make sure you communicate what you are and are not comfortable with. There should be some safety non-negotiables that you can all come to an agreement about.
Education
Hold a training with your staff about recognizing signs and symptoms, when they should stay home, and when they can return to work. Create policies that encourage and support employees to stay home if sick. You can create a handout that can also be sent to attendees so they’re informed about what they should consider before attending the wedding.
Temperature Checks
A fever is one of the symptoms of Covid-19. Check the temperature of all staff before they begin their shift to ensure that their temperature is below 100.4°F.
Wipe Downs
Have staff clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the venue between uses or as much as possible. Examples are handles, railings, tables, and grab bars.
Sanitizing
Provide personalized sanitizer bottles that contain at least 60% alcohol and sanitizing wipes in welcome bags for guests.
Masks & Gloves
Masks and disposable gloves should be required for all staff. Gloves should not be reused. Masks should be required for event attendees. To make it fun for guests, masks and gloves can be provided in the wedding color palette in the welcome bags as well.
Outdoors
Skip indoors and go outdoors. Smaller outdoor gatherings are lower on the spreading risk scale with the maintenance of 6ft distancing. The CDC states that the spread of Covid-19 is lower in open outdoor spaces with a lot of ventilation.
Handwashing Stations
Require employees to frequently wash their hands any time they're touching and handling new things or in contact with anything that others are in contact with. Have handwashing stations installed throughout the venue so guests can wash their hands as much as needed.
Plated vs. Buffet
Eliminate the need for guests to be in close proximity to each other and being in close proximity to food that others will be ingesting. Opt for plated dishes, or prepackaged meals that are carefully and safely plated by staff that's trained and following safety procedures.
No-touch Trash Cans
This is an easy no brainer. The less things people need to touch the better!
Transportation
Encourage guests not to carpool, minimize driving with only the people in their household, and avoid crowded transport methods. If the couple wants to provide transportation to the venue, there should be at least 6 feet in between passengers, and seats and railings should be wiped between uses.
Restrooms
Ensure bathrooms are being cleaned frequently, are stocked with soap and other necessities, and that they're being monitored by staff so only a limited number of people are in the restroom at the same time.
Now that you have some tips on cleanliness, hop over to Creating Wedding Designs for Distancing to learn about creative methods to design weddings with physical distance. With the right hygiene procedures, design, and discipline we can do our part in minimizing the spread of Covid-19 while still celebrating the union of love.
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