Wedding Ideas
August 6, 2020
Weddings this summer and fall are going to look a little different than traditional ceremonies held in the past. Many couples who want to hold a physical ceremony will have to make some changes to their original plans. As a result, fewer guests will be allowed per table and outdoor weddings will become more commonplace. Guests will likely need to wear face masks as well.
Organizing a COVID-era wedding can be stressful. From finding outdoor wedding venues to searching for safe food services, planning a wedding can pull you in numerous directions. Check out these top outdoor wedding venues in Delaware along with tips for throwing a gorgeous, socially-distant wedding now.
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The Maple Dale Country Club offers an expansive outdoor space perfect for summer and fall weddings. Both members and non-members can reserve the facilities to hold their wedding ceremonies and receptions.
In addition to its outdoor space, the Maple Dale Country Club also features a ballroom that can fit up to 175 people. While you will likely have much fewer than 175 guests attending, it is still reassuring to know that there will be plenty of room to hold them. This gorgeous ballroom also provides expansive views of the golf course and landscape from the attached outside veranda.
Image courtesy of Sunnybrae Mansion.
The Sunnybrae Mansion is a 3-story brick building made of Georgian Revival-style architecture. Since 2008, this gorgeous mansion has served as a venue for weekend getaways and weddings. Inside, the mansion offers 10 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and spacious living and dining rooms for members of the bridal party. For the ceremony, you can recite your vows on the mansion’s outdoor gazebo or by the massive pillars in front of the reflection pool.
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Located in Bridgeville, the Heritage Shores Club is an expansive estate that offers numerous outdoor spaces perfect for holding your dream wedding. The clubhouse’s gabled gazebos and white accents create a romantic atmosphere while its open space offers a fine view of the ocean. Couples can also hold their receptions inside the Sugar Beet Market, which is perfect for smaller gatherings.
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The Farmhouse is a popular wedding destination in Delaware that offers 4 acres of breathtaking scenery. You and your partner can recite your vows in front of a gorgeous pergola and backdrop of trees. A small group of spread out chairs can be placed in front of the pergola as you bridal party stands near. When the ceremony is over, you can head back to the Farmhouse’s spacious reception area.
The CDC recently released guidelines on organizing weddings in the midst of the pandemic. Following personal prevention practices such as maintaining a 6 ft. distance away from people and wearing masks can reduce the risk of spreading the virus at these events. Holding your wedding outdoors and limiting tables to 6 guests each can also protect both your guests and staff at the ceremony.
You should also discourage guests from attending your wedding if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID or have been around anyone who has. While it might be disappointing for them to miss your wedding, it is critical for you to ensure the safety of your guests. To address this potential issue, numerous couples are live streaming their event for people who can’t attend in-person.
When it comes to catering, you should avoid serving your food buffet-style. Sharing utensils and congregating in groups around a food area can pose a risk to your guests. Plated dishes that are served as complete meals are your safest option. If you can hold a wedding reception outside, that will also help protect your guests from the transmission of the virus.
The Smokehouse Grill offers both on-site catering and drop-off catering services for couples. This means that The Smokehouse Grill can either serve its delicious food on-site using strict food safety practices or drop it off at the reception to limit the number of people attending it. Together, you can create a set-up that keeps all of your guests safe.
Just because you’re wedding will need to be pandemic-friendly, that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the decorations. In fact, you can take your unique situation and use it to add a special twist to your wedding.
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Keep your guests feeling safe and stylish with custom monogrammed masks. You can put your initials or even your wedding hashtag on these practical party gifts. You can also choose whatever colors or typography you want. When designing your masks, make sure they contain two layers of fabric and feature earloops for fastening securely to your face.
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You can also place clear bottles of hand sanitizer at each table for guests. Some couples will add their initials or a little quote on the bottles for decoration. These small accessories are not only great as extra table pieces but they are practical tools for staying safe during this social gathering.
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As you organize your tables, you need to make sure there are no more than six guests at a table and that the tables themselves are at least six feet apart. Adding special placeholders on different seats can encourage guests to sit farther apart from each other.
To avoid making people congregate in a small space, couples have also hung multiple seating charts around the reception area for guests to look at. Offering social distant bracelets that indicate your level of comfort when hanging near others can also be helpful. For instance, red can mean that you are keeping your distance from others while green can indicate that you are okay with hugging and handshaking.
Once you are finished searching for wedding venues in Delaware, it’s time to find a caterer. Contact The Smokehouse Grill today to pick a menu for your upcoming wedding.