Wedding COVID Restrictions, Your Q’S Answered
What are the wedding COVID restrictions in NSW right now?
Wedding planning can be stressful at the best of times. Never more than recent times. But, we’ve got your back! We’re here to make things as easy and as flexible as possible to allow you and your loved ones to still have that celebration of love you’ve been dreaming of. (While of course, adhering to any restrictions that may be in place to ensure the safety of you and your guests.)
To check in on the restrictions at the time of your wedding the best place to visit is the NSW Government website. But for now we’re sharing some of the most common questions we’ve been getting from couples about the changes to their day due to wedding COVID restrictions.
Photo: Stories by Jess
What happens if restrictions change on the day of my wedding?
This has happened with one of our couples. Just 2 hours before guests were set to arrive, regional NSW restrictions changed which meant the wedding couldn’t proceed exactly as planned. But we reached out to the couple as soon as we could, reduced the numbers and rejigged the table configuration to create a more intimate celebration that was still super special for this beautiful couple. You could also set up a live stream of your wedding to include the people that may not be able to make it to the venue. Another option is to move forward with a smaller ceremony on the day (10 or 20 people, depending on restrictions), followed by a bigger celebration with all your favourite people at Ancora at a later date.
What happens if there’s an outbreak or snap lockdown and some of my guests can’t make it?
If some of your guests are unable to attend, please notify our team as quickly as possible so we can discuss the options. This may mean transferring funds to your bar tab, or adding something to your special day such as welcome cocktails, champagne tower or another special touch. Alternatively, our kitchen can provide some catering for a recovery lunch or dinner for you and your guests to collect and enjoy the following day.
What happens if I live interstate and unable to come in to NSW due to restrictions?
If you are unable to travel to the venue due to a lockdown or restrictions, you will need to postpone your celebration for a future date. Our team will work closely with you to provide all available dates and guide you through this process.
What’s the capacity of the venue when there are active COVID restrictions?
With the restrictions so regularly changing, it’s best to check in with your planner about the capacity allowed in our venue at the time of your wedding. But if the 4sqm per person rule is in affect, our capacity is 75 guests.
Is it possible to transfer to another venue?
Absolutely! As part of the PLB Group, we are lucky to have two sister venues as alternate options. Osteria Weddings in Casuarina, NSW and The Acre Boomerang Farm on the Gold Coast, QLD. We can discuss transferring your wedding to another venue in order to accommodate your wedding as best as possible within the restrictions at that time. This has been a popular option for Queensland couples to transfer their celebration to our Queensland sister venue. (Fees apply. Subject to your date being available at the alternate venue.)
What COVID safe precautions do our guests need to be aware of?
Our venues operate in accordance with all government requirements under our COVID safe plan. Including mask wearing requirements, square more rules, overall caps on guests numbers, restrictions surrounding events being seated, dancing etc. These requirements do change regularly. Please feel free to contact your planner with queries regarding current requirements. Or visit the NSW COVID information page.
Do we need to wear masks at our wedding?
If the NSW Government mandates masks must be worn at the time of your wedding, then yes, your guests and all the staff working at your wedding are required to wear masks. However during the ceremony, the celebrant and couple are not required to wear masks. Also when guests are seated and eating/drinking during the reception, masks are not required.
If I’m unable to fly in to Gold Coast airport, what are the alternatives to get to your venue?
If you need to fly in to get to our venue, we’re lucky to be just a short 10 minute drive from Gold Coast airport. This is the easiest way to get to us. However if COVID restrictions don’t allow this, there is a very convenient back up option. Ballina airport is just a 1 hour drive south of us. Plus, being a regional airport they have some pretty cheap fares at the moment.
What do we do if there’s no dancing allowed at my wedding?
If dancing is limited or not permitted for your wedding, many couples opt to incorporate interactive games or entertainers to create a fun and memorable experience, that is unique to you! Things like a cabaret performance, musician or even a comedian. Our team would love to chat through some of these ideas with you.
We hope this has helped offer up some confidence during such an uncertain time. When wedding COVID restrictions impact your plans, we’re here for you!
Keep updated with the current COVID restrictions in NSW here.
If you would like to chat to our team in more detail, contact us here.
If you are booked couple wanting to chat to your planner, you can email them here.
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