Weddings are a special occasion for everyone involved. It’s a day that marks the beginning of a new journey filled with love and companionship. However, with the ongoing pandemic, weddings have been hit hard, and it has become challenging to celebrate them in a traditional way. Social distancing and safety guidelines have to be followed to keep everyone safe.
So, if you’re planning to tie the knot anytime soon and are worried about how you can have a socially distanced wedding, this blog post has got you covered. We’ll walk you through several steps that you can take to make your big day special and safe.
Consider a Virtual Wedding
Virtual weddings are the safest bet if you want to keep everything as safe and socially distanced as possible. This route may be preferable for couples with family members who have underlying health conditions. A virtual wedding will allow you to share the important day with your loved ones in a controlled and safe manner. You can livestream your wedding ceremony on various platforms, including Zoom, Facebook Live, and Instagram Live.
Reduce Your Guest List
One of the most effective ways to have a socially distanced wedding is by reducing your guest list. You don’t have to invite everyone you know. Consider having an intimate wedding with close family and friends. A smaller guest list enables better social distancing, and it reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission at your wedding.
Select an Outdoor Venue
Outdoor venues are ideal for socially distanced weddings. They provide natural ventilation and more space for guests. An outdoor wedding also allows for creative seating arrangements, such as picnic-style seating or seating arrangements around fire pits. Keep in mind that selecting an outdoor venue can be weather-dependent, so have a backup plan in place if the weather becomes inclement.
Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Hand sanitizers, face masks, and face shields are essential items to have at your wedding. You can place hand sanitizers on tables, and you can include personalized face masks and face shields as part of your wedding favors. In doing so, you’re providing an extra layer of protection for your guests, and you’re encouraging good hygiene practices.
Simplify the Menu
A buffet-style wedding reception might not be the best option during the pandemic. Consider having each guest’s meal pre-packaged and served individually to minimize contact between your guests. Additionally, opt for simple menus that require minimal food preparation to lessen the amount of time that your caterers will spend at your event.
Create Socially Distanced Seating Arrangements and Dance Floors
Social distancing can be challenging to enforce, but you can make it easier by having effective seating arrangements. Tables should be spaced out at least six feet apart, and seating arrangements should be for one household or for a maximum of six people. Consider having a seating chart to direct your guests to their assigned tables and seats, and clearly mark those seats that are off-limits.
Dance floors are also an integral part of weddings. To make your dance floor safe for your guests, create “dance zones” and mark them with tape or other materials to indicate their boundaries. Guests should also wear masks while on the dance floor.
Conclusion
Planning a socially distanced wedding is not as daunting as it may seem. In fact, it can be quite enjoyable and intimate. By following the steps mentioned above, you can ensure that your wedding day remains special and safe for all involved. Remember, the most important thing is that you’re marrying the love of your life, and that’s all that really matters.
FAQ
How to let people know you are doing a small intimate wedding?
Planning a small intimate wedding can be a great way to have an intimate gathering of loved ones without feeling overwhelmed by the stress and expense of a larger wedding. However, letting your friends and family know that you are planning a small wedding can be a delicate task, especially if some of those people have been anticipating a bigger event. Here are some tips for letting people know that you are having a small wedding.
First and foremost, it is important to tell key people about your plans. This might include your parents, your siblings, your best friend, or other close family members. These people should be among the first to know about your plans, as they will likely be your biggest supporters and will help to spread the word to other family members or friends.
In many cases, it makes sense to consider the tone and timing of your announcement. For example, if you know that some family members or friends may be upset by the news, you might choose to deliver the message in a more sensitive way, such as through a phone call or face-to-face meeting. Similarly, it is often best to deliver the news well in advance of the wedding date, so that people have time to adjust their plans and expectations.
Another strategy is to invite friends or family members to pre-wedding events like a bridal shower or bachelorette party. This can be a great way to celebrate with those who may not be able to attend the wedding itself, and can help to soften the blow if word gets out that your event will be smaller than expected.
Finally, it is worth remembering that it is ultimately your wedding, and that you have the right to celebrate the way that makes you and your partner happiest. While it can be tough to navigate tricky social situations, honesty and empathy can go a long way in letting people know about your plans for a small, intimate wedding.
How do people with social anxiety have weddings?
Social anxiety can be a challenging condition to navigate, especially when we are faced with events that require social interaction, such as weddings. However, people with social anxiety can still have weddings and celebrate their love with family and friends by using anxiety management techniques.
One of the first things that people with social anxiety can do to prepare for their wedding is to practice self-care and relaxation techniques. This can help to alleviate feelings of overwhelm and calm anxious thoughts. Some practices that may be helpful to implement in the days or weeks leading up to the wedding include meditation, yoga, daily physical movement, and getting enough sleep the night or week before the event.
Another helpful strategy for people with social anxiety is to prioritize what needs to be done and then save the rest for later. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and people with social anxiety may feel pressured to do everything perfectly, which can exacerbate their anxious feelings. Therefore, by setting priorities and focusing on the most important tasks, they can help alleviate some of the pressure, stress and anxiety that they may be feeling.
It’s essential for people with social anxiety to communicate their needs and anxieties with their partner or a trusted friend or family member. Letting others know how one is feeling and asking for help can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress. Family or friends can offer support, and sometimes, just having someone to talk to can make a big difference.
Finally, seeking professional help from a therapist before the wedding can be a valuable tool for people with social anxiety. They can work with a therapist to develop a plan to manage their anxiety and learn helpful coping skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a common treatment method that can be particularly useful in managing the symptoms of social anxiety.
Having social anxiety does not have to prevent people from celebrating their love with family and friends on their wedding day. By implementing anxiety management techniques, prioritizing tasks, and seeking professional help, people with social anxiety can overcome any obstacles they face and enjoy their special day.
Do shy people get married later?
Shyness is a personality trait characterized by feelings of apprehension, self-consciousness, and discomfort in social situations (Cheek & Buss, 1981). Although there is no direct link between shyness and marriage, research has shown that shy individuals tend to have fewer romantic relationships and experience more difficulty in forming close relationships than less shy individuals. As a result, many people wonder if shy individuals get married later in life compared to their less shy counterparts.
Studies have found that shy individuals have a harder time initiating and maintaining romantic relationships. Shyness can make it difficult for individuals to approach potential partners, express their emotions, and engage in conversation, making it harder for them to form initial connections with others (Asendorpf, 1990; Cheek & Buss, 1981). It takes time for shy individuals to feel comfortable with others, which may explain why they tend to have fewer relationships and marry later in life.
Additionally, a study by Caspi, Elder, and Bem (1988) found that shy individuals got married at a later age than those who were not shy. The study followed individuals from adolescence to adulthood and found that shy individuals were less likely to be married in their early twenties than those who were not shy. Furthermore, the study found that shy individuals who did get married were more likely to get married later in life than those who were not shy. This finding suggests that shy individuals take their time when it comes to choosing partners and entering into marriage.
While shyness is not a definitive predictor of getting married later, studies suggest that shy individuals tend to have fewer relationships and enter into marriage at a later age than those who are not shy. However, it is important to keep in mind that shyness is a complex and dynamic trait that is influenced by many factors, including genetics, culture, family upbringing, and personal experiences. Therefore, it is essential to view shyness in its entirety and not oversimplify its relationship with marriage or any other aspect of life.
How to have a wedding without being the center of attention?
For many people, having a wedding is one of the most exciting and memorable moments of their lives. However, for some people who suffer from social anxiety or are just naturally shy, the idea of being the center of attention is overwhelming. Fortunately, you can still have a beautiful and intimate wedding celebration without feeling like you’re in the spotlight all the time.
The first thing to consider is having a smaller guest list. When you eliminate a large number of guests, you create a more intimate and private setting, which can help ease any jitters you might have. You can limit your guest list to only your closest family and friends, which will enable you to have a more personal relationship with everyone in attendance.
Another option to consider is eloping. Eloping has been increasingly popular in recent years, and it can be a perfect option for those who don’t want to feel the pressure of having a large wedding with lots of attention. You and your partner can choose to elope in a special location that is more meaningful to you both, and it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.
If you do choose to have a more traditional wedding ceremony and reception, there are still ways to reduce the focus on you. For example, you can have a smaller bridal party or opt-out of a grand entrance. Instead, you and your partner can quietly make your way into the reception, or even opt for a private first dance.
The key is to do what makes you comfortable and happy. Your wedding day is about you and your partner, and it’s essential to make choices that will allow you to enjoy and remember the day for years to come. Don’t be afraid to talk to your wedding planner or chosen vendors about your concerns and preferences, as they can work with you to create a wedding that is both meaningful and comfortable.