Special Event Genie® a wedding and event management company has done extensive research in what is needed to hold a safe and successful wedding, event or party during this Covid-19 pandemic. To continue with Part 2 in this series:
6) CEREMONY OR PRELUDE:
We’ll design custom display signs that clearly show everyone where to enter following a one-way path, and where to exit via another one-way path.
7) COCKTAIL HOUR:
Guests will be served beer and wine in individually sized containers they can open themselves. RE: wine and champagne, we’ll purchase four-packs of mini bottles with twist-off caps for champagne and red and white wines. While it’s possible to place the cocktail tables six feet apart, guests might to wait in line. Thus, it’s probably best to have an outdoor bar with a bartender serving drinks. Or, another option is to have the bartender take a guest’s order and deliver it on a sterilized tray to their dinner table. Tray passed appetizers will work as each guest will be given a little plate with a sampling of each of the appetizers on their plate. If guests should want to wait in line at the bar, we’ll install a protective shield, but note that this may not be protective for outdoor venues.
8) RECEPTION:
Special Event Genie® suggests a combo floor plan of both round and rectangle tables to keep guests socially distant. We’ve done this on many previous occasions and it was quite beautiful.
We’ll also set up a hand washing or sanitizer station upon entry to the reception and/or buffet area.
9) BUFFET SERVICE:
The buffet line will have guests only on one side of the buffet table with all entering in and exiting out in a one-way path. A protective shield will be required as well as a server for each dish. At the beginning of the buffet line, the gloved server will handle plates for guests and your guests will then tell the server what foods to place on their plate. Your guests will receive their plates only at the end of the line. If a guest comes back for seconds, the server will provide a new, clean plate. Silverware and some foods can be served individually wrapped.
10) FAMILY STYLE DINNERS:
If family style dinners are provided for your wedding or event, another option might be to give each guest their own serving utensil or tong. This however will only work if guests do not share utensils or leave their utensil in the serving dish after serving themselves.
11) PLATED DINNERS
We highly recommend plated dinner service even though this option may cost more than buffet or family style service. However, under these pandemic circumstances, we’ll do our best to work out a favorable option with your caterer or venue.
Whichever reception option you choose, we’re here for you every step of the way.
