There are quite a few additional considerations to address when planning a home reception in today’s COVID world. Here are some pro tips:

Size matters

Given the current situation with rapidly changing restrictions on gatherings, we are seeing many couples host small, intimate ceremonies at home, followed by “micro wedding” receptions in their backyards with their immediate families and closest friends.

Creating a wedding venue in your backyard requires a lot of planning. We recommend keeping it small so it doesn’t become overwhelming and everyone stays safe. Small doesn’t have to mean lacklustre, it can still be an elegant, fun, memorable day.

Postpone your reception

Many couples are rescheduling their full wedding receptions to be held one year after the wedding day, marking their one year anniversary.

This allows the couple to move forward with their timeline as they’ve planned it while keeping everyone safe. Plus, they get to have the wedding reception they’ve always envisioned at a safer time.

This approach really offers the best of both worlds and even gives couples more time to plan and enjoy their time as newlyweds.

Plan your space

Count your guests by household groups to determine how many guests you can seat together and the size tables you will need to accommodate them. Then make sure you have enough space to spread each table 6-feet apart.

Consider a served meal

Things like food trucks or grab-and-go dining will be safer. It’s best to avoid buffet-style food service at this time. Also, utilize disposable flatware. There are some cute options online!

Keep it clean

Make sure you thoroughly clean and sanitize restrooms, doorknobs, and any surface your guests will touch before and after your event. Also, offer masks for guests to utilize when they are not seated at their own table and individual hand sanitizer bottles.

Prepare for the weather

Bring in a tent for shade or day-of rain, but also have a rain date. If it rains the morning of or the night before your celebration, the ground will likely be too soft and muddy for an event. Make sure you have a backup plan. It’s also wise to consider having your lawn treated for ticks and mosquitos before the event.

Get creative!

Social distancing won’t stop you from having to-die-for centerpieces or amazing live music in your own backyard — get creative with your decor and entertainment.

Inspiration for Your Micro Wedding

Couples have come up with some very sweet ideas to tie their micro-wedding and their full reception together such as:

*   Putting aside a special bottle of wine at the micro wedding to open at their full reception a year later.
*   Planning socially-distant photos or video and displaying them at their full reception a year later.
*   Planning to freeze their cake and try it a year later in front of their guests at the full reception rather than cutting a new one.
*   Preserving their flowers by drying them or having them cast in resin to display at the full reception.
*   Asking their DJ or live musicians for a copy of their playlist or setlist and incorporating the music into their cocktail hour at the full reception.
*   Wearing their wedding dresses and suits twice! It’s so amazing to see couples get more use out of their wedding day ensembles.
*   Ask guests to leave advice notes and read them to see if they came true a year later.

Whether you plan to tie the knot in your city apartment or in the garden of your home, there are plenty of beautiful and creative ways to mark this special occasion and seal your love for a lifetime.