Earlier this week, we were part of an amazing group of Rhode Island wedding vendors who took part in a mock wedding at OceanCliff. This mock wedding had one goal: to create a training video for how our event and wedding vendors can help couples host events that align with the state’s public health measures and lay the foundation for a SAFE and happy 2021 wedding season!
Organized by the Rhode Island Coalition of Wedding & Event Professionals, this project was developed in conjunction with Rhode Island Commerce and the RI Department of Health, the RI Department of Business Regulation, and the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as BinaxNOW for rapid testing. We’re thrilled to be sharing more about some of the procedures that will be in effect for 2021 events, hopefully starting in the spring.
What are the testing requirements?
Both guests and vendors will be required to have a negative test before entering the event. If venues are set up as a testing site these test can be done onsite otherwise a test must be taking within 48 hours.
You can take a test at a certified venue testing location. Your test results are then be texted to the individual, and anyone with a negative test is able to enter the wedding celebration, with their mask on. Additionally, a COVID Safety Officer (CSO) will be apart of the venue’s team and they will be responsible for entering data related to contract tracing. The CSO will also be fully up to date on any COVID-related protocols and help ensure all vendors are complying.
What are the ceremony requirements?
Seating will be outdoors whenever possible. Of course, masks are required for guests and chairs will be set up in pods. This is pretty much what we do anyway – sit with our own families! Now there’s just more space between everyone. Finally, any microphones used during the ceremony will be cleaned and wiped down between users.
What do receptions look like?
All tables will be sanitized by the venue staff (who will be masked!) before guests enter and again when they leave. Seriously, tables will be 6 feet apart measured by the venue staff. You’ll sit in a “pod” with the people from your own house. And guess what? You don’t have to get up to go to the bar now! Drinks will be brought directly to you. Win! Food will be plated individually. Including all appetizers… can you say “win” again?! You get to try everything on your own little plate. Honestly, we kind of think that’s awesome! While seated at your table, you can remove your mask – just as you can in restaurants. It is up to your guests to use their discretion while seated.
Can we dance?
Yes!! DJs are still part of events, likely behind a plexiglass barrier to protect themselves. Dancing will occur in the same “pods” as your table. It sounds funny, but really…. we all do that anyway! Seriously, who walks around the reception and dances with every guest?! Not too many people. So get your groove on! Parent and first dances can still occur. During those special moments, masks for those involved in the dance can be removed.
Anything else we should know?
We’re expecting an increase in the guest count, so be sure to watch guidelines for that! Venues will be responsible for acquiring the tests – not the couple. In fact, as the couple getting married, you’ll work closely with the CSO at your venue, as they’re there to help you. This is not resting solely on your shoulders! We want to help make this successful and SAFE for our all of our incredible couples!
Need the highlights from our mock wedding?
Guest Count Increase
COVID testing for all vendors and guest for the day of your event.
Pod Dancing
Having a certified COVID staff member the day off to help with regulations so events can go on!
We want to say thank you to everyone who participated in this mock wedding event. Truly, 2020 was a hard year for all of us in the event industry and we all knew we had to do something to help 2021 look different for us and for our couples. We hope that those in the wedding industry find the training video we filmed useful and informative!
If you want to read more, please check out our recent press:
Because all of the venues are trained, their COVID Safety Officer will review the procedures with you.
All vendors will be required to complete a rapid test with a negative result before entering the event to work. Some venues will be able to test you on site, otherwise you can test within 48 hours of the celebration. Thanks to technology, results are sent via text to each individual.
Yes, it’s still safe to have your make up done! Your beauty staff can wear their PPE during your prep.
In addition, COVID-19 Safety Officers will log test results for contract tracing requirements at each venue.
The venue team prepares seating including measuring the 6 feet between tables, wiping down seats, and will be masked during the event.
Ceremony seating will be grouped by family/household outdoors. Seats will be wiped down during setup. During the event, microphones will be sanitized by the entertainment vendors.
Guests will enter the cocktail hour and be seated immediately. Drinks and food will be served to the guests at their table. Tables are grouped by household. Masks can be removed while seated. Additionally, kitchen staff is preparing meals while remaining socially distant and waiters will be masked.
DJs will be behind plexiglass partitions. Dancing can occur in “pods” near your table, with masks on. During special dances (parents/first dance), masks can be removed by those involved. Additionally, DJs/musicians will sanitize microphones before and between toasts.
Vendor Team:
Venue: OceanCliff
Videographer: Montage Media Productions + Mike Picard Motion Pictures
Florist: Golden Gate Studios
Music: Kenneth Ferrara
Officiant: Mike Egan
Men’s Attire: Anthony’s House of Formals
Jewelry: Perception Jewelry
Bride’s Attire: Spark Bridal
Beauty: Ali Lomazzo Beauty
Rentals: Uniquely Chic Vintage
