dueling pianos at a covid safe wedding reception
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reception entrance at a covid safe wedding reception

Planning a COVID-safe wedding reception might look different, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be difficult or any less fun. You can still have the day of your dreams with all the people you love! Keep reading to see ideas on how to entertain your guests while still keeping them safe.

Outdoor Wedding Reception Games

outdoor seating at a covid safe wedding reception

For crowds that aren’t big into dancing, or to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, yard games are super popular. You can get cornhole, ladder toss, or giant Jenga to set outside for your guests to play. I’ve even seen some couples use trash cans or buckets to make giant beer pong!

If you anticipate bad weather, or if you don’t want to risk it, you can plan to set up the games inside. If you want people to stay at their assigned tables but want entertainment, here’s an idea that is sure to blow your guests away.

dueling pianos at a covid safe wedding reception
dueling pianos at a covid safe wedding reception

Dueling pianos.

I seriously recommend Felix and Fingers. Your wedding will be the talk of the town for years, if not DECADES to come. They took song suggestions from the crowd, sang things from all genres, and even brought their own colored lights. They encouraged people to sing along, so it was not only a great show, but super interactive!  This is perfect for a socially distanced wedding.

Alicen & Brenton got married in November at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, so their guests’ safety was their number one priority. The dueling pianos entertained the guests after dinner at the Arterra Event Gallery in Lawrence.

dancing guests at a covid safe wedding reception
dancing guests at a covid safe wedding reception

Serving Food at a Socially-Distanced Wedding

Instead of the traditional buffet-style dinner, consider having pre-portioned food at various stations throughout the room. This prevents people from all touching the same serving utensils, and your ushers can direct a couple of tables at a time to prevent crowding.

Ask your caterer if they have servers that will bring plates to each guest at their tables.

Food trucks are gaining popularity in the wedding industry as well! This makes it easier for the caterer to distance from the guests.

If your venue has an outdoor option, see if you can make a few campfires. Set out a table with marshmallows, chocolate bars, & graham crackers. I’ve seen S’mores at a couple of weddings and they’re always a big hit.

smores at a covid safe wedding reception
smores at a covid safe wedding reception

At the Table of a COVID-Safe Wedding Reception

You’ll definitely want assigned seats at a COVID-safe wedding reception. To avoid awkward silences or restlessness, offer some table games! I’ve seen tic-tac-toe, decks of cards or even question starters to spark conversation. If you’ll have lots of kids at your wedding, print out coloring pages!

assigned seating at a covid safe wedding reception
assigned seating at a covid safe wedding reception
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Include These in Your COVID-Safe Wedding Reception

  1. Get personalized masks for your guests as party favors – you could even make them themed to match the decor!
  2. Set up hand sanitizer stations throughout the area.
  3. Make cute signs that encourage social distancing.
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newly weds at a covid safe wedding reception, lace wedding dress
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newly weds at a covid safe wedding reception
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newly weds at a covid safe wedding reception
newly weds at a covid safe wedding reception
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mother groom dance at covid safe wedding reception

COVID-Safe Wedding Ceremony

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covid safe wedding ceremony
covid safe wedding ceremony
covid safe wedding ceremony
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covid safe wedding ceremony
covid safe wedding ceremony
covid safe wedding ceremony
covid safe wedding ceremony
covid safe wedding ceremony
bubbles at a covid safe wedding reception

Congrats to the Hilbigs!

Check out more Covid safe weddings here on the blog Dakota + Jake; How They Went From a Large Wedding to Intimate an Elopement or How to Downsize Your Wedding

Covid-19 Safe Wedding Reception Ideas