Love in the Time of Hygiene: 10 Tips for a Health-Conscious Wedding

Weddings are meant to be a celebration of joy and love. As you plan your big day with your future spouse, remember that prioritizing the safety and well-being of your guests is essential!

Here are 10 strategies critical to guarantee a hygienic and organized wedding where everyone can enjoy themselves without worry.

 

1. Wear Masks

COVID restrictions have eased and people no longer need to wear marks. However, they’re still an excellent idea at a big event like a wedding. If you have elderly guests or people at risk of contracting an infection, asking attendees to wear masks will help make your celebration a safe experience.

 

2. Provide Drinking Water in Clean Containers

Offering drinks in clean containers provides an excellent way to welcome your attendees, especially if you’re hosting an outdoor wedding in the afternoon.

Instead of bottled water, consider serving beverages in Mason jars to help save the environment and encourage proper hydration. Set up a station where guests can refill their containers as needed.

 

3. Offer Special Accommodations for the Elderly

Provide seat options with cushions or armrests to support elderly guests. Avoid placing them near loudspeakers and high foot traffic areas to ensure they remain comfortable during the event.

Consider seating older loved ones in places with easy access to sanitation and bathroom facilities. Assign a few ushers to assist them when needed, such as moving from the ceremony setting to the reception area and carrying food plates.

 

4. Set up a Children’s Area

One of the many challenges couples face during wedding planning is whether or not to invite children. If you’ve decided to make your ceremony kid-friendly, remember that there are ways to better manage the presence of children.

Consider designating a space with child-friendly activities to keep them entertained throughout the event and minimize their interaction with adults. Children love exploring the environment by touching, which makes them come into contact with germs. To avoid the spread of disease-causing germs, stock the kids’ area with hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol and sanitary wipes.

5. Set up a Hand Sanitizer Station

The COVID-19 pandemic taught people to clean their hands properly. Your wedding venue should have an accessible sanitary station to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Washing your hands can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses by 16% to 21% and gastrointestinal issues by 29% to 57%. Boost your efforts against disease-causing germs by providing each guest with sanitizer or setting up a sanitizing station at the venue entrance.

 

6. Ask the Venue About Ventilation

A well-ventilated area can help reduce the risk of spreading respiratory viruses and bring fresh air indoors. Ensure that HVAC systems operate correctly when hosting an indoor wedding. Keep windows open to allow fresh air to circulate in the room.

If you’re having an outdoor celebration, consider implementing the following safety measures:

• Protect guests from bugs: Incorporate natural repellents, such as lavender and tea tree oil, to prevent bugs from ruining your ceremony.
• Offer fans: Beat the heat with handheld paper or electric fans. You can also set up a bar cart nearby that offers cool refreshments.
• Add drapings: If your venue doesn’t have enough shade structure, install draperies to protect guests from the sun without fully enclosing the space.

 

7. Downsize Your Guest List

Trimming your guest list can be challenging but sometimes mandatory. Since the COVID pandemic, many venues updated their room capacities to pass social distancing guidelines. Ensure that you’re not exceeding the standard capacity by making necessary adjustments.

If your guest number exceeds the venue capacity, consider removing people you haven’t spoken to in years. Decide who gets a plus one and who does not. People may be upset, but it’s crucial when spaces are limited and you want to prioritize everyone’s health and safety.

8. Have Clean Bathroom Options

Ensure sanitary restrooms are visible but away from central areas. Provide your guests with signs that lead them to the bathroom. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, consider renting a bathroom trailer with foot-activated flushing to lessen the risk of contact with germs.

 

9. Establish Safety Rules

Include a brief list of safety guidelines in your wedding website or invitation. Setting these rules means communicating your boundaries to feel less stress and more joy on your wedding day. Some reminders you can include are the following:

• Bring and wear a mask during the ceremony
• Take a COVID-19 antigen test a day before your wedding
• Remind guests to get vaccinated or boosted
• Request people who are sick not to attend the ceremony for their safety

 

10. Inquire About Dietary Restrictions

Request your attendees’ food allergies and dietary requests months before the wedding to ensure an enjoyable food experience. Make sure your caterer has the flexibility and expertise to accommodate unique nutritional requirements. Inquire about their food preparation and handling practices to know they serve high-quality food.

 

 

Have a Safe and Joyful Celebration

While weddings are joyous occasions, it’s essential to acknowledge that safety concerns might arise during such events. Implementing guidelines and reminders can prevent potential issues and ensure a smooth celebration. These tips will contribute to a joyful and safe experience for you and your loved ones.

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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