The new post-COVID/coronavirus world will leave us with many new customs, cast aside many old ones, and above all, it will change many of the habits that we take (did we take?) for granted, and the world of weddings, of course, is not exempt from that reality.
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At the time of writing this post, and very slowly, the strictest restrictions are being lifted and we are moving toward new routines that, fortunately, return to a certain “old normal,” but that naturally adapt to the conditions imposed upon us by the pandemic.
Weddings and celebrations in general, as we know them, will still take some time to return, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Weddings will be modified as long as the coronavirus lasts. We see it as an opportunity to rethink how we celebrate and connect with our loved ones. Boutique weddings or micro-weddings are a trend that has existed for some time in the U.S. and Europe (there they are called elopements) even before COVID-19, and they aim to leave out all the accessories of a wedding and focus on what is truly important: the couple and their love. These types of super-intimate celebrations give you the possibility to customize your wedding to the maximum and be able to share 100% with each of your guests, which is impossible at larger weddings. It also gives you the perfect excuse not to feel obligated to invite people you don’t really want to invite ;).
On the other hand, they are obviously events that involve a lower investment! While in some areas the budgets don’t change much based on the number of guests, there are others that shrink drastically when we have few guests 😉 At Rodríguez + Mansilla, we actually have an exclusive proposal for photo and video coverage of micro-weddings with very special rates. If you would like us to send you a proposal, you just need to contact us.
Some characteristics of micro-weddings (aka: “weddings in times of Coronavirus”):
The first and most noticeable thing is the change regarding the size of weddings in the context of Covid-Coronavirus: at the time of writing this text, the maximum number of invited people allowed at events is 20; but beyond the “regulatory” limitation, from a common-sense perspective, it is logical for weddings to tend to shrink in that sense, because the fewer people sharing the space, the lower the risk of contact and contagion.
Another characteristic is that they must be held outdoors. This allows us to take advantage of venues with plenty of greenery, as was the case with Espacio Pilar, which allowed Trueba DJ’s to set up a beautiful outdoor dance floor that, of course, everyone took advantage of (and WE took advantage of!) to show off some moves amidst the abstinence from events.
Something to keep in mind regarding this restriction is that the limitation on the number of guests applies while they are there at the same time; meaning you can easily organize “batches of guests”. For example: you can organize the ceremony and then a mini-reception with your closest family, elderly relatives, etc., and then have a “swap” and have your friends arrive so you can dedicate more time to dancing and enjoying with them. Let your imagination run wild!
What are the protocols for weddings in this context of Pandemic / Covid / Coronavirus?
Beyond what specific regulations may say, the venues and people involved themselves (ourselves included!), try to take every proposed measure to the extreme, minimizing any risk of contagion, but in general terms, the protocols for post-pandemic weddings are as follows:
- Events with a maximum of (for now) 20 people.
- Guests must remain in outdoor spaces at all times.
- Cleaning of footwear with sanitizing mats upon entering the venue.
- Temperature checks for everyone upon entry, both guests and vendors.
- Mandatory and constant use of face masks.
- Spraying of decor elements with 70% alcohol.
- Setting up a specially distanced area for elderly guests.
- Glasses and tableware identified for each diner and sanitized with 70% alcohol.
- Hand sanitizer distributed and available throughout the venue.
- Tables separated to maintain social distancing.
- Vendors communicating via walkie-talkies.
Of course, all of this has also brought about some new “wedding ideas – COVID Edition” that are sure to stay!
Personalized glasses, custom coasters with each guest’s name, face masks specially designed with the wedding hashtag, small bottles of hand sanitizer personalized for each guest… a large number of small “anti-coronavirus” details that end up serving the purpose of preserving hygiene and health, but also help to make the event more warm and personal.
In the world of weddings, there is no COVID that can stop us. We make the most of EVERYTHING!
Beyond all the technical info, with how eager we are to get back in the game, we joined this GREAT production of this “mini wedding” with the goal of showing that WITH GREAT CARE, by maintaining protocols and respecting the limitations that this situation implies, you can still celebrate, have a great time with loved ones, and enjoy a beautiful day.
The dream team that participated in this production:
Wedding Planners: Veinte Producciones
Wedding Dresses: Ceci Echegaray
Venue: Espacio Pilar
Decor: We Create Pilar
Catering /Bar: Kiria
Photography: Rodriguez Mansilla
Video: Lucas Todaro
Makeup and Hairstyle: Las Pitucas
DJ: Trueba Group
Headdresses: Trihada
Bouquets and Boutonnieres: Blossom
Shoes: Secret Door
Groom’s Suit: Don
Stationery and Details: Remind Press
Bride: Paloma Moline
Groom: Iván Figini
