Due to the unprecedented spread of COVID-19, a number of large-scale events have been cancelled in 2020. From festivals and concerts to trade shows and exhibitions, thousands of carefully planned festivities have fallen by the wayside. 

Of course, it isn’t just major events that have come to a halt. Even small-scale family gatherings, weddings and birthday parties have been cancelled amid the outbreak. Although postponing such events has been necessary to halt the spread of COVID-19, people have been understandably disappointed that their special occasions have been unable to go ahead as planned. 

However, lockdown restrictions are now being lifted and people are beginning to tentatively plan for the future. While it’s highly unlikely that major organised events will be back on the calendar for 2020, there is a chance that small to medium size festivities can resume in some form or another. 

If you’re eager to get together with loved ones again or you’re looking forward to dancing the night away at a long overdue party, it’s time to think about how your social life can resume in a post-pandemic environment. While lockdown restrictions have eased considerably, social distancing measures are still in place. Although there are plans for these to be relaxed too, everyone must still be mindful of adhering to the guidelines and respecting the restrictions that are still in force. 

With this in mind, take a look at these innovative ways you could modify your festivities to ensure they can still take place in 2020…

1. Virtual Guests

It’s expected that events will be allowed to take place well before the end of 2020 but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to invite hundreds of people to your next occasion. As restrictions are still likely to be in place for the foreseeable future, you may not be able to invite everyone you’d like to your event. However, the wonders of technology mean that everyone can still take part in your special day. 

Venues are becoming more accustomed to facilitating virtual guests, particularly those that want to reopen as soon as the law permits them to do so. This means you can setup a live feed of events to share with virtual guests. Ideal for wedding, baptisms and birthdays, you can celebrate in person with a limited number of guests but share your happiness with hundreds of people via virtual attendance. 

2. Outside Soirees

As the rules regarding socialising are relaxed, outdoor events are likely to be your best bet. In fact, it already seems that bars, pubs and restaurants will be making the most of beer gardens and café style seating to allow patrons to enjoy the outdoors. 

When you host an event outside, it’s safer for attendees and much easier to implement social distancing measures. This will potentially enable you to have more people at your event, without breaching the regulations or putting people at risk. 

Fortunately, it’s easy to find the suppliers, facilities and equipment you need to host any type of event outdoors. With marques, outdoor heaters, external lighting and fridge trailers from Ice Cool Trailers, you’ll have everything you need for the perfect outdoor event. 

3.  Household Groups

Currently, there are strict rules on how two households can meet with one another. Although future plans have yet to be confirmed, it’s likely that the government will continue to use this method to relax the rules further. This means that permission to socialise with other people may be based on ‘households’, rather than strictly by numbers. 

Planning your future events with another household will potentially enable you to resume your social life more quickly. Whether you choose members of your family that live elsewhere or friends that you’ve been unable to see in person, basing your 2020 event guest lists on households could give you increased flexibility and a fast-track to fun. 

Preparing for a ‘New Normal’

The far-reaching impact of COVID-19 has changed the way we live, work and socialise. There’s no doubt that it will take some time to get used to the changes that are now being implemented. While the restrictions will mean that we’re forced to socialise in different ways for the time being, a little ingenuity will enable you to reconnect with your loved ones and observe the relevant guidelines.

As the restrictions and social distance measures are regularly evolving, it’s important to keep up to date. Look out for new announcements and you might be surprised at how quickly your social calendar fills up in the latter part of 2020!