Monthly Archives: June 2020

Advantages of Intimate Wedding Ceremonies

 in Ceremony / COVID-19 / Guests / Personalization / Weddings  tagged ceremony / COVID-19 / intimate ceremonies / wedding ceremony / wedding guests / weddings by

The advantages of intimate wedding ceremonies are significant. With a smaller guest list options exist for all aspects of the ceremony. You might be opting for a smaller number of ceremony guests due to safety and health restrictions, or just because the idea appeals to you.

Either way, consider some of these options and advantages of intimate wedding ceremonies:

  • Choose a circle or semi-circle ceremony space layout. These connect you to your guests in a visual and emotional way.
  • Opt to forego a wedding party, simplifying planning and expenses and keeping the focus on you as a couple during the ceremony.
  • Invite guests to participate: identify someone to hold your bouquet and someone else to hold the rings.
  • Leverage skills and interests of your guests as readers, musicians or DJ for the ceremony, and even as photographer if you’re lucky enough to have a talented family member or friend.
  • Include spontaneous moments. Perhaps you want to speak to your families and express appreciation for their assistance and support. Or near the end of the ceremony you can invite them to voice their wishes for you going forward.

It’s not uncommon for couples to express concern about being the center of attention with all eyes on them during the ceremony. But smaller guest lists offer less of a “show” feeling to the ceremony and offer you less stress and more connection with your guests. Your ceremony can also be more intimate, sharing inside stories that family and close friends will understand. You can be more open and vulnerable to each other in front of a small group of close family and friends.

While large ceremonies have their own beauty, the advantages of intimate wedding ceremonies make them a great option for many couples. Whether it is to keep you and your guests safe in the time of COVID-19, or to best fit your personal style, make sure you discuss an intimate ceremony option with your wedding celebrant when planning your wedding day.

Social Distancing at Weddings

 in COVID-19 / Weddings  tagged COVID-19 / Social distancing / wedding ceremonies / wedding ceremony / weddings by

Social Distancing at weddings is a daunting thought, but you can make it work. While the COVID-19 virus continues to be a threat in our country, especially to older Americans and those with some pre-existing conditions, many areas are relaxing rules about gatherings. Weddings in particular are currently allowed, but we are being asked to continue to practice social distancing to help keep each other safe and healthy.

I recently performed a small wedding where social distancing was observed during the ceremony. Each household sat on their own bench which were widely spaced. The couple and I kept our distance from each other, too, except for the few moments of the ring exchange.

Social distancing at 2020 wedding.

The couple chose to forgo their initially planned large wedding party in order to keep the number of attendees down. This wedding took place when gathering sizes were even more limited than they are today, but you’ll need to consider the size of your wedding party given social distancing requirements. You might consider having your honor attendants (best man, etc) stand with you, and have the rest of the wedding party walk in, and then be seated with their households for the ceremony.

The couple in the ceremony above kept their original wedding date, and modified the wedding plans as needed. Other couples are making different choices including postponing to later this year or even next year, hoping that the virus won’t be an issue. There is no right answer in these uncertain times, but making the decision considering what is most important to you about your wedding day will ensure that you’re making the right choice for you as a couple.

While social distancing at weddings is possible, it is more practical if you have a smaller guest list. The ceremony space is something you have reasonable control over, setting chairs apart from each other, identifying groupings for the households you know will be attending, etc.

You’ll also need to consider your reception plans with an eye toward social distancing. Table placement, seat assignments, and certainly unstructured activities like social hour and dancing must be considered. Your wedding plans may need to be modified to accommodate current limitations, but social distancing is possible at weddings, and most importantly, you’ll still be married at the end of the day, and will be embarking on your unique marriage journey.