This article is part of our Planning a Wedding in a Pandemic: Covid-19 series.
Planning a wedding has never been an easy feat to begin with. The arrival of COVID-19 has made it all the more challenging with the need to constantly adhere to prevailing (and changing) government measures.
As of 22nd October 2020, couples are allowed to host only one reception for up to 100 persons (or lower based on the venue’s safe capacity) with additional requirements on zoning and grouping of guests. (Please refer to the official GoCovid’s site for the most updated rules and measures.)
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With the venue’s safe capacity and limitations being the starting point from which to determine what can and cannot be done, we speak to several venue operators in Singapore on how they’re managing with the restrictions as well as any tips they have for couples when planning their guests list.
In this article, Janet Sim, Director of Sales of 1-Group, gives us an insight on how things are being managed at their restaurant properties across the island.
Featured Venue:
1-Group owns and manages a portfolio of iconic F&B establishment in Singapore and the region. Their wedding arm, 1-Host sees to the nuptials that take place at popular wedding restaurants under their label including the likes of The Summerhouse, The Garage, Botanico, Alkaff Mansion and 1-Altitude.
On Zoning Requirements and Table Set Up –
With effect from 3 October 2020, if the venue permits, receptions with 50 to 100 persons must adhere to a zoning requirement of not more than 50 persons in a zone. Zoning rules also include the need to have a 3-metre gap and a continuous physical barrier or a solid partition of 1.8 metre or taller between zones.
In addition to being able to adhere to the stipulated guideline of capping 50 persons to a zone and having at least a 3-metre spacing, 1-Host’s service staff are also tagged to a specific zone to minimise intermingling.
For those looking at a more unique wedding setup, it is a relief to know that 1-Host encourages the use of long tables across all their venues. Not only is it more visually appealing, but it also works to reduce the risk of transmission as well.
Long tables are more unconventional and modern, and it is also advisable as it reduces the possibility of any virus spread.
Janet Sim – Director of Sales, 1-Group
On Guest List Planning and Venue’s Flexibility on Changing Guest Attendance –
For the safety of all guests, receptions with more than 20 attendees must be split into a designated core “wedding party” comprising up to 20 persons and groups of up to five people for the remaining guests. At least 1 metre safe distancing must be observed between groups, as well as between the “wedding party” and other groups, at all times.
Given that only a group of 5 people can be seated together, Janet advises couples to group them in 5s for easier management.
1-Host also understands the challenge couples are facing with changing guest RSVPs as they get closer to the wedding date. They remain flexible to accommodate to requests so long as they have a minimum of 10 working days for the culinary and operation team to adapt to the changes needed.
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On Additional Measures Implemented by the Restaurant Group –
As mandated by the government, guests will be required to take their temperature, check in and out via SafeEntry before entering the premises, and download and activate the TraceTogether app before attending the event.
On top of measures required by the government, 1-Host has put into place additional precautions during these times.
The venues have also included hand sanitizers and disposable masks upon request. Other than that, the dishes are all plated individually so that hygiene levels are further elevated. As 1-Host have been holding events and weddings for over a decade, the planners are all very experienced and the service crew have all been very well-trained and can adhere to the standards.
Janet Sim – Director of Sales, 1-Group
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On Approaching the “New Normal” –
The wedding industry and couples alike have started looking into the permanent effects the pandemic has brought to this key celebration of a lifetime. Likewise, 1-Host is also adapting to this “New Normal” as we speak.
With outdoor spaces being more well-ventilated as compared to indoor areas, 1-Host has seen an increase in interest from wedding couples for their spacious al-fresco areas across their venues. More than that, they’re also working to streamline wedding celebration both online and offline.
We are also exploring bringing the physical wedding experiences to online. Guests can attend the weddings virtually and food from the wedding venues can be sent to them as well.
Janet Sim – Director of Sales, 1-Group
With understanding the venue’s configuration and limitation as a starting point, we hope this article has been helpful for couples who are planning their wedding during this pandemic. They could serve as a guide for the questions you can ask your venue operator as well. Do keep in mind that regulations and measures are likely to change and to communicate with your venue first-hand before making any decisions pertaining to the reception.
Check out more about 1-Host venues here. A special thank you to Janet from 1-Group for sharing her inputs with us.
If you’re a couple thinking of starting off your planning journey now and have questions, feel free to drop us a message here.