Although COVID-19 has created some obstacles, engaged couples still have many options for celebrating their wedding. For example, event spaces in Illinois can host smaller parties to celebrate this special occasion. If you’re planning a wedding reception, here are several ways you can promote proper social distancing.

How Can You Distance Guests in an Event Space?

1. Limit the Guest List

Stay within state guidelines and reduce your guest list to the current event size recommendations. If possible, go even smaller. While you may not be inviting more than 50 people, you can stream the event so that guests who choose to stay home can still experience the wedding. If you don’t want to pass up a bigger party, consider using the reception as a micro-celebration and hosting a larger gathering when social distancing is no longer necessary.

2. Provide Preventive Party Favors

Apart from encouraging your wedding guests to stay six feet apart from people that they don’t live with, you can provide unique gifts to further improve safety. For example, you can provide everyone with a monogrammed face mask and custom hand sanitizer bottles to use during the celebration. These are excellent gifts that will provide a memento of the night.

3. Spread Out Tables

Rework your seating chart so that each table only has guests who live together sitting there. Since these groups will be more intimate, opt for smaller tables to avoid wasting space. Then, arrange the area so that each table is several feet away from others.

4. Serve Plated Dishes

Rather than having guests gather around a buffet, provide plated dishes to limit interaction in the dining area. You might also arrange tableside beer and wine service, as this keeps guests from standing in line to order from a bar.

5. Reinvent the Photos

Getting socially distanced snapshots offers unique challenges, but it isn’t impossible. For group photos, your photographer can employ unique staging techniques—such as by staggering people in the background and foreground with a six-foot buffer zone. This allows everyone to take home a memory of your special night, while maintaining safety.

Located on a picturesque vineyard in Maryville, IL, Bella Vista Winery offers an excellent spot for couples to get married and celebrate with loved ones. Originally designed for up to 350 guests, you can arrange their spacious ballroom to create a socially distanced event space for intimate and memorable receptions. With support from the on-site restaurant, they also provide safe reception meals and beverages—including selections direct from the winery. For more details about these amenities and services, visit them online. To tour or book the space for your upcoming event, call (618) 228-9111.