Event management firms took a beating after functions such as weddings were postponed due to the COVID-19 lockdown. However, the firms are all set to make a strong comeback with 'COVID-19 protocol weddings'.
The events will be held as per the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization and the state government.
First, the venue has to be prepared as per the government instructions. This includes increasing the space between seats and arranging the stage. Currently, 50 people are allowed to attend weddings.
The companies have also trained their employees on implementing the protocol. The firms expect that several of the weddings that were postponed due to the lockdown will be held in the coming months.
Entry of bride & groom
People, including the bride and the groom, will be allowed to enter the venue after checking the body temperature using thermal camera and infrared thermal scanner.
Details of those who attend the wedding will also be collected. This would also help in preparing the route map in case these people came down with COVID-19 in future. Sanitisers and masks will be kept at the entrance itself. The venue will be disinfected before people enter the venue.
Seating arrangements would be made ensuring maximum space between chairs. Live streaming would be arranged for relatives who could not attend the wedding.
Raju Kannampuzha, general secretary, Event Management Association Kerala, said a hygiene protocol based on the World Health Organisation's guidelines has been formulated.
"We have decided to go ahead without worrying about losses. A committee of expert doctors have been formed. Also, a virtual platform to ensure social distancing. Up to 10,000 people will be able to see the live proceedings at the wedding hall," he explained.
Ram C Menon, co-founder of Impresario Event, said that his firm has developed a special software system for the COVID-19 protocol wedding. All employees, photographers, caterers, light and sound team will be monitored for two weeks before letting them take part in the function," he added.
The firms even promise that the wedding album will have photos such as relatives blessing the couple. This will be achieved by employing techniques such as augmented reality in photography.
No buffet, please
The buffet system would be avoided. Only one employee of the catering service will be present in the hall.
The firms are also checking the possibility of sending food parcels to neighbours and relatives, who could not take part in the wedding.