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Planning a Wedding During COVID-19 and What to Consider 

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The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many couples’ wedding plans, forcing them to rethink how to move forward with their nuptials in an ever-evolving public health crisis. It’s crucial for couples to take the right actions and navigate their current reality and confronting the realities of COVID-19 makes wedding planning a whole lot more challenging than normal. The big question is how do couples go about planning their wedding during COVID-19? As special as the occasion is, currently the big concern is the health and safety of every individual that participates in the celebration. As you plan your wedding during this time, here’s a look at some of the things to consider. 

Keeping the Wedding Party Small 

When it comes to group gatherings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a limit of fewer than 50 persons, while federal guidelines recommend no more than 10. A small wedding generally had around 50 guests, a medium-size wedding 100 guests and a large wedding more than 150. These recommendations could mean big changes for your wedding plans. Social distancing is crucial in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and with the need to for everyone but the bride and groom to be spaced at least six feet apart during the wedding ceremony and reception keeping the wedding party small is a good idea. This goes for the guest list as well. At a traditional wedding everyone is packed together, and you want to avoid that in the face of this pandemic. You want to limit the chance of transmission, and with less people at your wedding, that chance is minimized. Know what your state guidelines are regarding the number of people you can have at our wedding and shape your wedding party. 

Provide Buffets Servers 

The reality is that, in the face of this pandemic, wedding buffets with long lines of guest and self-serve dinner service from shared utensils is a big no-no. There is no current evidence to support that COVID-19 is spread through food ingestion but gathering around a shared food source close to each other creates the opportunity for transmission. Make sure your caterer provides servers for the buffet service and guests space themselves when going to the buffet. A buffet is not ideal when it comes to abiding by the social distancing guidelines, a plated event with table service may prove safer. Minimize the touching, rather than appetizer stations, arrange hors d’oeuvres on individual plates placed at the guest tables. 

Give Practical Mementos 

No couple will want to sacrifice fun altogether at their wedding during the current pandemic. Instead, they’ll more likely emphasize good, clean fun during their beautiful celebrations. How about your mementos reflecting that? Pick face masks that match your wedding theme, colors or aesthetics, and give hand sanitizers in personalized and stylish dispensers as wedding favors. 

Even though COVID-19 has forced many couples to postpone their nuptials, it isn’t stopping many others from having their wedding. Many couples have opted to change their original plans to meet the current health and safety requirements for gathering/events. From changing the size of the wedding party to skipping the buffet, some couples are making their wedding a reality during COVID-19. Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from getting hitched. 

Please keep Exchange Hall in mind for future events. In an effort to ensure our community doesn’t spread COVID-19, we will remain closed till the state moves to a Phase 4 reopening. If you have questions regarding our venue, please give us a call today. 

Scenic Drives for this Spring

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The spring season is a great time to enjoy all the state of Massachusetts has to offer. A great way to enjoy Massachusetts is to take a scenic drive on a nice sunny, spring day. As a listed location on the National Registry of Historical Buildings, we wanted to write a blog on some of the nearby historic buildings that are great to swing by on a Sunday drive!

Concord-Lexington, MA

Massachusetts is the birthplace of America. From the pilgrims landing here to the start of the Revolutionary War. The Isaac-Davis trail, which begins in Acton, was pivotal in the success of the United States in the Revolutionary War. On this “trail” which is mostly paved now with roads accessible by vehicle, you will see numerous historical homes that have been preserved since the 1700’s! Nearby, you can drive by Wrights Tavern which was operating during the Revolutionary War and played a role in aiding Patriots during the war. It is now an exhibit of the Concord Museum. Within Concord, there are an additional 27 National Historic Sites! See the Wikipedia page to see the rest of the sites.

Salem, MA

Salem is infamously known as the town that held witch trails back in the 1800s. The city of Salem has more than 40 registered Historic places! In addition to a rich and interesting history, Salem is on the coast which makes for a beautiful drive along the ocean. Be sure to stop by the John Ward House which is one of the oldest homes in the US! Constructed in 1684, the John Ward House is now a part of the Peabody Essex Museum. Downtown Salem also offers restaurant and shops to round out the rest of your Sunday drive!

Plymouth, MA

Plymouth is a Massachusetts South Shore staple and where the Pilgrims land in 1620. In addition to seeing Plymouth Rock, be sure to check out Cole’s Hill. This National Historic Landmark contains the first cemetery used by the first pilgrims. It is nearby Plymouth Rock and is a public park which boasts ocean views. A great place to hold a picnic after a drive. Like Salem, MA, Plymouth has a bustling, yet quaint, downtown area great to explore during a spring afternoon.

Acton, MA

In addition to stopping by Exchange Hall, Acton has a few more locations that are on the National Historic Registry. The Jones Robin House is located on Great Road and was one of the largest Farmhouses in Acton during the 19th century. It is currently an art gallery which is open to the public on Saturdays from 10 am- 5 pm.

Surrounding States

Since New England has such a rich history, Massachusetts isn’t the only place you can see a historical site. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont all have numerous historical sites that are nearby and can make for great drives during the spring. See their linked Wikipedia pages above to see some historical locations to visit!

Massachusets Marriage License FAQ

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Getting married is an exciting time in one’s life, but it can also be a hectic one. There is much planning involved and you may not have all the answers. Getting a marriage license in Massachusetts is pretty simple, but you may not know how to go about it, or how to proceed afterward. Here are some FAQs regarding marriage licenses in Massachusetts!

Q. Is Massachusetts residency a requirement to obtain a marriage license in Massachusetts?
A. No. Residency is not required for marriage in Massachusetts.

Q. For how long is a marriage license valid?
A. After receiving your marriage license, you have 60 days to get married.

Q. Where is a Massachusetts’ marriage license recognized?
A. You can get married in any town or city in Massachusetts.

Q. How do I go about applying for a marriage license?
A. Both you and your fiance must be present at the city/town clerk’s office when applying for a license.

Q. What are the required documents for getting a license?
A. You’ll need a birth certificate or passport and your Social Security number.

Q. What is the waiting period for a marriage license?
A. There is typically a 3-day waiting period before the marriage license can be picked up. A court order can waive the 3-day waiting period.

Q. What is the cost of a marriage license in Massachusetts?
A. Each Massachusetts town/city sets their own fees.

If you have additional questions regarding marriage licenses within the State of Massachusetts, we encourage you to reach out to the town you plan on registering your marriage within. If you have questions regarding Exchange Hall’s capabilities regarding wedding receptions or even ceremonies, give us a call today!

Thanksgiving in Acton!

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With Acton being the scenic, New England town it is, Thanksgiving in Acton can conjure images of the traditional, American Thanksgiving. But before you sit down and give thanks with family and friends, what are your families doing the morning of Thanksgiving? If your involved in the cooking process, your most likely busy, but for everyone else, here is a blog highlighting some of the fun activities happening around town!

Thanksgiving Football

A tradition like no other. Occurring generally after the high school football season has ended, these rivalry games between neighboring towns are usually most seniors last chance to play in front of friends and families. The winner of the annual Thanksgiving game has bragging rights for every time they return home for the following years for Thanksgiving. The annual game between Acton-Boxborough vs Westford Academy will take place at 10:00 am at Leary Field in Acton, MA.

If you would rather throw the pigskin around with friends any family at a manicured field, the lower fields of Acton-Boxborough High School may be a viable option. Casual games of touch football are known to occur there on Thanksgiving with ample room for more than a few parties to share the field.

10th Annual 5k Turkey Trot!

While not on everyone’s agenda during Thanksgiving week, fitness conscious people need an excuse to eat all those calories from the day before! If this sounds like you, sign up for the 5k Acton Turkey Trot! This race annually brings in over 2000 participants and even more spectators cheering them on. The race starts at 10 a.m. and it is on the following day after Thanksgiving (Friday, 23rd ). Starting at the high school, customs are welcome, and part of the proceeds goes to helping the Acton food pantry and youth running groups!

Thanksgiving in Acton Ma

If you are traveling to Acton to attend a thanksgiving, we welcome you to our town. While turkey trots and high school football are not unique to Acton, MA, we are thankful for the community we are a part of and the traditions that have become a part of our Thanksgiving. If your first time in Acton, come by Exchange Hall and check out our outdoor Fall decorations! From all of us here at Exchange Hall we say Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!

Tips for Planning a Fall Themed Sweet Sixteen

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Celebrating the “Sweet 16” birthday has become especially popular over the years. For parents, throwing a Sweet Sixteen party can quickly feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never been through one yourself! Autumn is a great time for Sweet Sixteen parties. Here are a couple of tips for planning a fall-themed Sweet Sixteen.

Choose a Venue (Ideally Exchange Hall!)

If fifty (or more!) screaming, excited kids running around with soda and cake in hand sounds like a strain on your home, then you should choose a venue for your event to take place. This should be one of the first steps you take, since wedding receptions, award ceremonies, and other events will be competing for locations. In choosing a venue, make sure it fits your needs—double check how long you can be there and if they provide referrals for vendor services (like a DJ). We have experience in hosting sweet sixteens and birthday parties, and happy to help with your plans.

Embrace Fall Decor

If the sight of pumpkins and colorful leaves gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, translate that sensation into your Sweet Sixteen celebration. This can range from homemade save-the-date cards, displaying colorful pressed leaves and opting for tablecloths and table runners in vibrant shades of bordeaux and dark orange.

Are you planning an autumn-themed Sweet Sixteen? We’d love to hear what you have planned, and let you know how we can help. Contact Exchange Hall at 978-263-8500 for more information and assistance.