The creative team executed this shoot with COVID safety in mind, so other models weren't included. To help inspire more ideas for your pre-wedding event, here are some additional tips to write in your planning book:
• Help shower guests stay safe and chic with lovely personalized disposable masks. It'd make for a light-hearted photo opp with your guests as a "sign of the times!"
• Consider livestreaming your event for your elderly or high risk loved ones who might not be able to physically attend.
• Choose chairs and tables that can be easily wiped down with sanitizing wipes. Forego tablecloths for guest dining tables right now and save them for the low-touch surfaces such as the dessert or favors table.
• Think about having guests send gifts ahead of time or directly from retailer. Small and big businesses are already online waiting for your order, so save some time and less contact with pre-gifting if relevant.
• Be selective with the guest list. It's okay to not invite everyone, especially if you aren't sure on how safely they are managing their pandemic lifestyles. Event FOMO guilt is real, but so is spreading viruses to the most vulnerable in our lives.
• Embrace and encourage socially-distanced games. While COVID is no laughing matter, we have to find ways to make light of the situation for mental health's sake.
• Serve boxed meals or snacks. Keep touch points to a minimum and have everything your guest needs right in front of them at their seat.
• Assign thoughtful seating. Have guests know exactly where they are seated. Consider grouping people who live together or are in a support bubble together at the same table or vicinity. Think about each person's situation and be intentional about their placement.
• Communicate, communicate, communicate. Above all, letting everyone know what to expect in a COVID wedding shower and what's expected of them is so important. Fun and celebration are still vital to the experience, but again, everything looks a bit different than what we are used to. Share precautions, help ease nerves, and give peace of mind.
Editor's Note: As of writing this and as of November 16, 2020, there is a 25-person limit to social gatherings in Virginia. Appropriate COVID signage at your venue's entrance is required as well as masks covering mouth and nose while moving around your venue. The six feet rule is still in effect. Households and support bubbles should be considered when planning your seating arrangements. Safety can be beautifully executed with a professional wedding team and research! Please celebrate with health and each other in mind. We know it might not look as you initially imagined, but we believe love is never canceled, and to keep it that way, we encourage safe pandemic practices when gathering together. Find up-to-date COVID-19 information as it relates to weddings and events on Virginia Department of Health's website and see other pretty and practical COVID wedding ideas on Tidewater and Tulle.
Want to learn how to make these chic color-stained place card holders? We featured the easy DIY tutorial with all the instructions and materials you'll need!
VENDOR CREDITS
Production & Styling: Chelsea LaVere for Tidewater and Tulle | Photography: Gari-Ann Kia Photography | Venue: The Historic Post Office | Event Coordination: VIBEvents Group | Event Rentals: Mad Hatter Vintage Rentals | Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Jahara Jennae | Wood Stain Paint: DecoArt | Calligraphy: J. Jennae Studios | Blank Wood Place Card Holders: Timber Rebirth via Etsy | Face Masks: David's Bridal
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