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The Bubbly Soirée

1 week ago

Here are some quick FAQ questions in regards to the latest proclamation released by the Governor on June 19th about weddings.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions, this can be tricky and confusing.
And please, let's keep weddings open and abide by the rules.
Thank you!

Note: The answers below are based on our conversations with the Department of Health and the WHA (Washington Hospitality Association) who has direct contact with the Governor along with our experience working with the local and state Government as we work to safely open weddings and events. Our responses are our interpretation based on current guidelines and our experience. We know these answers may adjust down the road as guidelines change however, we hope this brings a unified answer and direction for the Wedding Industry. This document will be changed as new details and restrictions adjust.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: The new guidelines make no mention of outdoor spaces in Phase 2 and Phase 3.

Our interpretation is that outdoor spaces would have the same capacity restrictions as indoor events; Phase 2 allows for indoor weddings at 25% capacity up to 200 and Phase 3 allows for 50% capacity up to 400, so as long as the 6’ distancing restriction can be met. As you are making your sample floorplans be sure to consider the rain plan. In case of rain, the 6’ distancing restriction must be met.

The event must comply with all PPE and social distancing requirements, as laid out for Faith-based events. These guidelines can be found here.

FAQ 2: No indication has been made to define “venue” and whether this would apply to private property events as well.

In confirming this question we have confirmed that privately run events on a private property is considered a venue and shall adhere to the same rules laid out in the document. The caterer and the venue will be responsible for adhering to the restaurant regulations for anything related to food service and the host will be responsible for ensuring the venue (private property) is set up per the rules outlined in the document.

FAQ 3: Who is responsible for ensuring that each wedding maintains all requirements needed to comply with?

In the June 19, 2020 memorandum it specifically states who is responsible:

The activities described in this memorandum may resume immediately if:

• The wedding or funeral planners can meet and maintain all requirements needed to comply with the guidance for Phase 1, 2 and 3 Religious and Faith-based Organizations; and

• If food is served at a reception for a wedding, funeral, or memorial service, the venue must comply with the guidance for Dine-in Restaurants and Taverns; and

• They conduct only those activities that are allowed under their county’s phase status.

In reviewing these requirements and getting answers to our questions we have confirmed that Planners are responsible for enforcing all requirements (ie. mask wearing, social distancing, etc.) and if there is not a professional Planner hired for the event then the Client/Couple bears responsibility.

We are currently working to push the burden of responsibility to the Client/Couple and not the planner. We feel "planner" refers to the ultimate decision-maker for the wedding or funeral, which would be the client. The professional planner does not have decision making authority and only operates as a consultant and operations manager. The language is vague enough that it may be possible enforcement officers or the courts could apply interpretations to hold planners liable. We urge caution and encourage strong plans to be in place with your clients.

Caterers, and venues, are responsible for ensuring that the guidelines are followed during the reception under the Dine-In Restaurants and Taverns guidance. Planners should work closely with the Caterer and Venue to ensure all rules are followed.

Note from Department of Health: The venue is responsible for ensuring that all signage and setup follows the requirements. If the venue is a private wedding facility, it would most likely be the business who is responsible. This should include education of clients, signage, contract requirements (if applicable), and exclusion of guests if not compliant. Venues should have a conversation with clients prior to the wedding about the process, how non compliant guests will be handled,and ask clients to set an expectation for guests. Businesses in Yakima County are required to enforce the masking policy, but other counties do not currently have the same requirement.

FAQ 4: Can we have dancing? What about Live Music or a DJ?

Open dancing is only allowed under Phase 4 as this falls under Taverns and Bars, and Nightclubs. Per the Department of Health, “Open dancing would be difficult to accomplish while maintaining 6 feet for social distancing, but I will get clarification from the Governor’s office on this question.”

DJs are allowed to work weddings as long as social distancing requirements are met and the DJ is not singing.

The Guidance for Religious and Faith-based Organizations with which we must comply states, “No choirs shall perform during the service. Singing is permitted, but individuals must not remove their face coverings to sing – it must stay on for the duration of the service.” We interpret it as meaning that solo musicians may perform but must wear a mask.

FAQ 5: Do we need to wear masks?

Face masks are required both indoors and outdoors during the ceremony and reception. During dinner, while seated, a face mask may be removed. All staff, vendors and onsite employees must wear masks.

Weddings must follow the mandate for religious and faith-based organizations which states that they must specifically ensure operations follow the main L&I COVID-19 requirements to protect employees, members, and visitors:

Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and face coverings as appropriate or required to employees for the activity being performed. Require employees to use PPE as appropriate or required for the activity being performed. A facial covering must be worn by every individual not alone at the location unless 3 | P a g e their exposure dictates a higher level of protection under Department of Labor & Industries safety and health rules and guidance. Refer to Coronavirus Facial Covering and Mask Requirements for additional details. A cloth facial covering is described in the Department of Health guidance, www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/ClothFacemasks. pdf.
All employees, members, and visitors in attendance shall wear face coverings before, during, and after the service (whether indoor or outdoor).

FAQ 6: For venues on private property hosting a private event, do they need to wear masks since it is not a public space? From governor.wa.gov: "Starting Friday, every Washingtonian must wear a facial covering when in a public space, as mandated by the public health order signed by Wiesman. This includes both indoor and outdoor public spaces.”

Note from the Department of Health: Public spaces, per the health order, public spaces are spaces accessible by the public. This includes businesses. So this would be a good clarification for each business owner to determine based on their business status and the use of their private property for business purposes. If the property is private for a private event, wearing a mask is still highly recommended for the protection of those attending and workers that may be there.



FAQ 7: The order on masks also says, "In addition, individuals may remove face coverings under certain circumstances, including while eating or drinking...and while outdoors in public areas, provided that a distance of six feet is maintained from people who are not members of their household.” Many venues are outdoor only venues, and can accommodate the 6-foot separation during most portions of a wedding given their occupancy. If venues can accommodate this fully outside with 6’ distancing, does that mean guests don’t have to wear a mask?



If physical distancing can be maintained, masks do not technically need to be worn. However, with the health order referenced above, the intent would be that masks should be worn to minimize risk.

FAQ 8: Are Photographers Allowed at Weddings?

Yes and they should follow L&I requirements, ensure physical distancing, and take proper precautions such as hand washing, staying home when sick, etc.

FAQ 9: Can the Ceremony & Reception be held in a different location?

No. The Ceremony and reception must be "co-located." This means you can not be married in a church and then travel to a reception in a different location.

FAQ 10: Are other events allowed if they follow the outlined rules?

No. The only events permitted under this variance are weddings, funeral or memorial services. Wedding services are defined as the wedding ceremony and receptions that are co-located or adjacent to the ceremony. Wedding services do not include engagement parties, bridal/groom/couples’ showers, bachelorette/bachelor parties, or rehearsal dinners. These other gatherings, celebrations, or events are not permitted beyond what is outlined for each Phase.

FAQ 11: Are vendors included in the overall count allowances?

In Phase 1 under Religious & Faith Based Organizations it mentions, “excluding organization staff” under “in-home services.” In the capacity rules for Phase 2 and 3 they do not make that exception. To be safe, all individuals should be included in the count toward total capacity.

Any organization volunteers (non paid) are included in the maximum number of permissible individuals and count towards the guest count.

FAQ 12: Do the couple and wedding party need to wear a mask during photos and the ceremony?

The couple getting married may be considered the same household so they do not need to wear masks with each other. The wedding party (assuming they are not also part of the couple’s household) does need to wear masks if they are within 6ft of non-household persons. It would be prudent for the wedding couple and party to arrange photo opportunities in a way to minimize being within 6ft of each other. In addition, making sure that if anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID remains home. ... See MoreSee Less