You should be dancing – at your wedding, that is. COVID-19 health restrictions have kept couples and guests off dance floors. But that’s changing in Ohio and New York, where they've amended public health orders to keep revelers safe. If you’re more than ready to boogie on down, pay attention to some helpful tips for your wedding-day dance floor.
New Health Orders in March 2021
Ohio and New York have enacted guidelines for dancing at large public gatherings. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Ohio’s revised orders now allow socializing in congregate areas. Participants must wear masks except while they’re actively consuming food or beverages. Its guidelines also lift occupancy limits at banquet halls, which were at 300 people under previous orders.
New York also permits socially distanced dancing but with stricter guidelines. The Guardian explains that wedding guests can dance with people seated at their same table. They must wear masks and maintain a “dance zone” of 6 feet away from other groups. Weddings may have up to 150 guests under the state’s current orders.
Depending on infection rates and vaccination progress, other states may follow suit. Before you make plans to shake a tail feather, you should check out your state’s health orders. The New York Times offers info on COVID-19 restrictions by state. Most of these include mask orders and rules for large gatherings. During planning, revisit these guidelines regularly and make note of any changes.
Time To Twist and Shout?
Each state has a unique approach to stopping COVID-19's spread. With that in mind, it's up to you to evaluate any potential risks to you and your guests. Wedding Wire's Kim Forrest mentions limiting dance floor capacity as a helpful precaution. She also suggests inviting each table up separately to dance, echoed somewhat in New York's revised orders.
Both Forrest's and New York's guidelines seem sensible if dancing's on your agenda. Brides' Maggie Kreienberg recommends no more than 10 guests per table at events. If you go with the per-table approach to your dance floor, you'll need to pay attention to its size. Many dance floors consist of individual tiles measuring 3x3 or 3x4 feet each. Floor capacities are smaller with social distancing. With that in mind, you may need up to twice as much room if you want two groups on the floor at once.
You also want to confirm whether your venue has enough space for safe dancing. Throwing your bash outdoors gives you a key advantage: It's easier to have a larger dance floor. If you're hosting at a smaller indoor location, consider letting only one table dance at a time. Position your dance floor with its edges at least 6 feet away from the DJ booth, bar, food stations, and tables.
Other Useful Planning Tips
Once you've worked out the dancing logistics, you need to communicate these details. Kim Forrest recommends sending a COVID-19 wedding safety email to your guests. This message should lay out your precautions in thorough yet easy-to-read language. Sending it around the same time as your invites gives your guests enough time to decide how to RVSP. Be sure to include the same info on your wedding website. Placing it on a separate page can help with navigation and readability.
It’s not a party in the U.S.A. yet, but Ohio and New York are among the first to allow dancing at weddings in 2021. Every couple should think through the associated safety measures and risks. But if your wedding-day vision includes dancing, there are ways to do it safely. Research your state's rules, incorporate social distancing, and keep your guests apprised of the deets. With this advice, you can provide your guests with a fun and safe environment.
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