Getting Married this Year? What are your reception plans?

View quoted message Those are great, thank you!

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I've found zoom the easiest so far, we're just going to pay for one a one month subscription so we can have more than a hundred and it'll last beyond 40mins. One of our guests is going to be put in charge of the tablet (we bought a cheap tablet tripod off of Amazon and are going to figure out placement the day before so it's out of the way of the photographer but still has good sound/sightlines, and 5 mins before the ceremony he's going to admit anyone in the waiting room, then voila we're ready to rock and roll. Here's the link for the plates we found on amazon, they are super cute! https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B081LR3X6J/?coliid=IGVYA5QQUCPV5&colid=38OB0PS5K0BUC&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

View quoted message Hey, that's awesome! We're actually planning something quite similar with 50 people. I have been aiming to do charcuterie boards as well, and have been investigating into doing them on wooden circles placed in pie boxes for sanitation reasons. I should look into the wooden plates! Our tables are going to be set up by bubble and each will get their own selection of sandwiches/soup. I've been trying to decide where to livestream the ceremony, as there are several options that range in price and complicatedness. Considering ZOOM but not sure yet.

With stage 3 happening in our area in Ontario we're hosting a small backyard ceremony/reception of 30 on our original wedding day of Sept 6. We're going to zoom the ceremony to the remainder of our 85 guests and invite anyone local to view our first dance which we're going to do in the circle of my fiances parents street/cul de sac. We're asking that anyone who drives/walks by wear a mask. We've essentially invited 3 different bubbles to our ceremony (they are all family), and are going to seat them together in the bubbles for the dinner. Each guest is being given a mini hand sanitizer, and we've ordered 15 masks in our wedding colors for guests who would like to wear them. We've also requested that if they've been in contact with anyone with COVID, or have any symptoms to stay at home. Each guest is going to get a mason jar to write their name on for drinks for the evening, and we aren't doing any shared bottles of liquor - just beer, wine and coolers/ciders. We've created really cute little individual charcuterie trays using these wooden disposable plates from amazon to make 'covid friendly' cocktail snacks, and dinner will be served by one person who will wear a mask while dishing up the bbq. Then in June we're hosting a real reception at our original venue with everyone (fingers crossed!)

View quoted message Awesome! Glad you are able to find somewhere outside 😊

The original plan was to rent a patio but the restaurant we wanted to book refused to get back to us. My fiancé’s friend just bought a house and they are nice enough to let us host our wedding there. Before they move in. It’s big enough to have two tables plus a head table.

We pushed our reception to next October, but my parents have suggested we have a small reception after the ceremony at their house with 20 or so people.


Everything is so dependant on what the world looks like in the fall that I'm a little cautious about making big plans.

View quoted message There is an exemption for masks while you're eating but otherwise, all indoor businesses require staff and guests to wear masks unless you have a health condition. The business needs to also have a policy on how to serve non mask wearers.

View quoted message That is not true. Wording of the bylaw depends on the city you're in, but generally masks are mandatory for any indoor business. It's up to the business to implement a policy for non-mask service but they can be fined for allowing a no-mask free for all.

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I am scared about the mask bylaw too! I can't imagine having a dinner reception and just my wedding in general with everyone wearing masks...

View quoted message That’s really good to know! I’ll have to call my venue because they’re also a restaurant, but that’s a huge relief if that’s the case!

View quoted message Masks are required for public spaces not private events or private spaces which an event hall is.

Im Ontario it is now 100 outdoor 50 indoor but i think it will increase by sept. Ford said it can increase at anytime in stage 3.

Most of Ontario is opening back up to stage 3 I hope this is good news for you!

We’re on the fence still. We’re September 27 but our ceremony and reception are indoors and we have a mask bylaw where we’re hosting it. We also have to fly to Ontario for it and we may have to quarantine upon return home. Needless to say, we have a few things to consider still.
We’re honestly considering eloping this year and postponing the party until next year.

Hey Nicole! I am in the same situation as you... We hope to get married the first weekend in October with our chosen 50 people, and cross our fingers that the number goes up. Stage 3 is supposed to be announced today! Either way, we are not going to postpone our wedding.

Thinking of you!!

View quoted message Yes! We were considering something like that too! Seeing if a patio could be rented out. Guess we'll see in a few hours!

We are doing our ceremony for 50 and holding out hope social gatherings will be increased to at least 25 so we can at least have dinner with our parents, siblings and spouses, and best man and maid of honour. If it opens to 25 we will have a catered dinner at my mom’s house. If restaurants open, we plan to see if any are willing to accommodate a group of 50, so we can still dine in the same place if not at the same tables

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Wait it out and cross your fingers that a social gatherings of 50 will be allowed, like how it is right now in BC. Best case scenario, you get to have a drink with each other, maybe a small bite. Worst case scenario, people can only stay for your ceremony and a select few can stick around further.

View quoted message Thanks Hank. I have already cancelled our reception hall and catering, and we are doing our ceremony outside in a relative's back yard. Just trying to figure out what/if we can do something for the reception part. Definitely a confusing and frustrating time!

Based on what I've been reading here, the general consensus is small ceremony now and full reception next year, or postpone the whole wedding altogether. You're technically allowed 50 people or more indoors for a ceremony as well as long as you're only using a max of 30% of the space's capacity but you would all have to wear masks. Yes, Ontario is restricting receptions to 10 at the moment.

There are a number of us who are set for later in the year (November onward) that are waiting to see what's going on with government regulations and so forth. Personally I asked my venue for a backup date.