Entertaining changed quite a bit with the COVID-19 pandemic. Large gatherings such as weddings and birthday parties were put on hold. Many people are still cautious about crowds and maintaining their distance, even from close friends and family and even as safety protocols have been loosened.

Those who are planning weddings can take various steps to help protect the health and safety of their guests.

Keep the guest list small.

While you may want to invite as many people as possible, keeping the guest list small can help you keep better track of contact tracing should anyone develop symptoms or feel ill. It also limits the number of people with whom you come in contact.

Maintain social distancing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to urge people to remain at least six feet apart from one another to reduce the likelihood that respiratory droplets will land on another person. Leave room between seats and tables, and discourage crowding around entertaining or display areas at the reception.

Wear masks.

Masks can be worn when maintaining distance is not possible. Although masks may not always be comfortable or fashionable, there are ways to incorporate them into the theme of your wedding. Ask everyone to wear a specific color or style of mask, or purchase extra masks for guests in case they forget to bring theirs.

Offer individual portions.

Self-service buffets and beverage bars may be risky. Instead, food can be served to your guests to minimize the number of people touching food or handles.

Have individual drinks.

Individually portioned beverages such as canned soft drinks, beers or small bottles of wine may also help limit the spread of the virus rather than having people pour or ladle drinks out of communal offerings.

Provide hand-cleaning options.

Encourage guests to wash their hands frequently, and make sure there's plenty of soap in the bathroom. Individual paper towels, while not as eco-friendly as reusable cloth towels, also can improve bathroom hygiene. Keep containers of hand sanitizer in high-traffic spots around the reception area as well.

Check for symptoms.

No one wants to play bouncer at his or her own wedding, but put someone in charge of checking to make sure guests are well and are not experiencing symptoms. The CDC urges anyone who is feeling unwell to avoid gatherings.