With so many changes happening this year, event planning is more stressful than usual. Whether you were planning to tie the knot this year, or to celebrate the birth of your newborn baby, events now look completely different. While times are uncertain, and we are all being extremely cautious, you can still celebrate your big day on a (much) smaller scale! Below are some tips on how to host your event during COVID-19.
1. Ask for information
The first thing you should do when thinking about hosting an event during COVID-19 is reach out to your venue! Your event venue should’ve spent the last few months preparing to open its doors safely and in accordance with government recommendations. Your venue will be your number one resource for event planning during COVID-19. Contact St. Joseph’s today to ask about their guidelines and safety measures for hosting Small Events.
2. Scale it down
While a wedding with 300 guests can be an incredible party, a small wedding of 50 guests can be just as fun. This is your chance to cut down your guest list, and only invite your nearest and dearest to your small wedding. Do you really need your cousin’s boyfriend’s aunt at your wedding reception? Use this opportunity to surround yourself with the people who are most important to you, and throw a beautiful & intimate small wedding.
3. Talk to your guests
You can’t host an event at a venue if no guests will come. Talk to your guests and gauge their comfort levels with attending events during this time. Just remember, event venues have implemented mask policies and social distancing guidelines to ensure the safety of all guests and staff, so attending an event shouldn’t cause too much anxiety!
4. Rethink your menu
With new guidelines in place, some food service styles may not be allowed at this time. Consider serving a fully plated meal, or a meal served family style, and avoid buffet style service. Check out the variety of menus offered by St. Joseph’s Banquet & Conference Centre: wedding packages, social event menus, corporate event menus. Pro tip: ask your event venue about customizing your menu to suit your family’s needs, and to work within current safety guidelines.
5. Get ready to assign seating
Weddings oftentimes will already have assigned seating, but event planning during COVID-19 has taken seating to a new level. You now need to keep in mind your guests’ social cohorts and immediate family members that they live with, instead of just who you think your guests will hit it off with. While this may mean a little extra effort on your part, your guests will thank you for considering their safety and wellbeing.
Even though event planning has changed in 2020, you should still find the time to celebrate your big milestones. A little extra effort in planning your event will go a long way. You deserve to celebrate your important moments. Let us help you do that. Contact St. Joseph’s today.