Oh 2020, what a year it has been! For those in the event industry or planning a wedding, 2020 has thrown some unprecedented challenges our way. With COVID-19 reshaping the way we hold events and government imposed restrictions evolving in response to the crisis, it can be difficult to plan a way forward for your event. To help you keep your events or upcoming nuptials on track, we’ve compiled an overview of everything you need to know for planning a COVID safe event in Queensland.
Image Credit: Vogue
What are the new restrictions?
In response to the recent cluster in Queensland, a range of new measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Under the Queensland Government Movement and Gathering Direction (No.3), those living in the Listed Local Government Areas are restricted to private gatherings of up to 10 people inside a home or public area.
Outside of Queensland’s restricted areas, a maximum of 30 people can gather in a home or public area. Parties, wedding receptions and ceremonies at home or in a public area such as a park or beach, now fall under these restrictions. These restrictions do not apply to venues with a COVID-safe plan, such as churches, restaurants and pubs. The same restrictions apply as before and venues with a COVID-safe plan are limited to a maximum of 100 guests.
Image Credit: GC Event Hire
How to keep guests safe on your special day
Banquet tables and communal dining are off the list (at least for now!). To help slow the spread of the virus, guests are required to maintain 1.5 metres between them, and this also applies to guests seated at different tables. Members of the same household are not required to adhere to the social distancing guidelines. In addition, encourage guests to practice good hygiene by providing hand-sanitising stations at entry and exit points.
Marquees
There has been much confusion surrounding marquees and whether they are considered an indoor or outdoor venue. The Queensland Government define an indoor space as an “area, room or premises that is or are substantially enclosed by a roof and walls, regardless of whether the roof or walls or any part of them are, permanent or temporary, open or closed.” Therefore, a marquee without walls can be considered an outdoor venue. However, all areas within must comply with the 4 square metre rule.
Image credit: GC Event Hire
Sit-Down Service
While delicious food and celebration are still a priority for couples, the way in which food is served has dramatically changed. Under the stage 3 guidelines, self-service food options are no longer allowed. While self-serving options such as grazing tables, canapes and shared platters are off the menu, there are still plenty of options available. Our number one tip is to serve shared menu food on individual plates and provide separate cutlery for guests.
Wedding receptions
COVID-19 has completely reinvented wedding receptions and events. Since the 24th July 2020, all guests must be seated when eating or drinking at a licensed venue. Bar service is still permitted but guests must go back to their table after collecting their beverage.
Dance Floors
It’s time to temporarily hang up the dancing shoes! Under the stage three restrictions, dancing is not permitted anywhere within a venue. However, an exception can be made for the married couple and their parents. Example – the newlyweds can have their first dance on the dancefloor, but their guests must remain seated.
We love these great suggestions though from Gabbinbah homestead.
Want to know more about how you can safely host an event during COVID-19?
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