WE’RE GONNA GET MARRIED! - Weddings North Magazine

WE’RE GONNA GET MARRIED!

BY SUE SMITH-GRIER

That sentiment holds special meaning for all the couples who had to scrap wedding plans last year due to lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. The Brainerd lakes area is home to some of the most sought-after wedding venues in the state and in some cases the Midwest. Postponing weddings last year was a necessity and hard-felt blow to couples and venues alike. But, like the wise old sage said, “This too shall pass.”

2021 got off to a rocky start, but as the wedding season approaches, the sailing may not be quite as smooth as pre-pandemic days, but there will be sailing. This promises to be one of the busiest years for area wedding destinations as venues are now open for business.

The pandemic is not over and things can change from minute to minute but for now couples can look forward to saying their vows among family and friends. Some popular sites are scaling down a bit to accommodate social distancing practices and guests will need to wear masks, but the good news is the weddings are on. This is especially good news for all those couples who had to scuttle their plans last year.

A Different Kind of Celebration

Some resorts, like Madden’s on Gull Lake, were able to have small outdoor celebrations last year. This year, along with events in the outdoor pavilion, they will also be able to accommodate indoor parties. Like other venues, they will be following COVID-19 guidelines as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization.

Bonnie Stroinski, director of marketing and group services for Breezy Point Resort, said, “Dancing will be allowed, but guests will need to wear masks.” She also pointed out that tables will be spaced according to social distancing guidelines. Most wedding locations are following the same protocols and guests are encouraged to stay within their household bubbles and limit close contact time with people outside their bubble.

Expect to see staff wearing masks and encouraging social distancing practices at the different resorts. Some resorts, like Grand View Lodge, have a prerecorded message detailing their COVID-19 response. The different venues will have updates as they become available.

Following Protocol

Many places will be fully open by June 1 with the main difference from past years being a scaledown in occupancy and masks required for staff and guests. Occupancy numbers are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the governor’s office and Centers for Disease Control protocol.

Sanitation is another way in which venues will be keeping guests safe. Grand View Lodge will have all types of water sports available and lounging on the beach. This year, everything will be wiped down and sanitized after use by guests.

Asked about following protocol, Crow Wing County Fairgrounds Manager Gary Doucette said, “We are all adults and by now everyone knows what to do to stay safe.” By the time the wedding season gets into full swing many people will have had vaccinations and between following social distancing practices and wearing masks the chances of contracting COVID-19 should be the lowest they have been since the beginning of the pandemic.

Preparing Staff

Some venues, like Breezy Point Resort, are taking extra steps to make sure their staff members are fully trained to handle face-to-face encounters. Their staff will be taking a COVID Compliance Advisor class as well as following Centers of Disease Control and Department of Health guidelines. “As we progress through the year, we’re feeling really good about meetings and face-to-face events,” said Stroinski.

Making History

While all the changes may be inconvenient and somewhat frustrating, there is another way to view it. When your descendants look at your wedding pictures and see the wedding party in beaded and sequined masks and masks that match the tuxedos, you can tell them all about the great pandemic of 2020-21. This era will be in the history books and you and yours will have unique pictures to mark your place. Your wedding will be one of the most memorable of all time.