A message about re-opening our venues from Judd Sather, owner of One23 Events:
Revised Oct 21, 2020 - please check back for updates as we expect to update this weekly.
We are so excited to celebrate safely with you! Kind words from a recent wedding at JX Venue:
Kailey + Hunter ~ July 11, 2020
"Emily & the entire JX Event Venue staff helped me and my now husband make our special day happen. We had to switch venues a month before the wedding date because of COVID-19 and JX was so helpful, spacious, and worked with us to make our day happen. Our reception turned out absolutely wonderful especially since we had such a short amount of time to get everything switched over and planned at the JX Event Venue. In all honesty I am so glad that we had to switch venues because it was such a gorgeous place. I highly recommend the JX Event Venue!!"
"Is it safe or responsible to still have my wedding? What should I tell my guests?"
Many of our clients are pondering these questions and others with legitimate concerns. In everyone's circle of friends and family there are vulnerable adults that may not feel comfortable going to an event or wedding for quite some time. Some of our clients are have a time before or after their ceremony where these people can "drive by" the venues and speak with the couple while in the safety of their car. Some clients are seating their guests in 30-40 minute shifts for dinner to allow for social distance. It is comforting that with weddings, the guests are family and close friends, so they often know health history of many of the guests.
As clients approach the time to send their invites, it is totally OK to be authentic and honest about the changing times. Some clients are setting up a website or Facebook group to keep guests updated about changes that may occur after sending out the original invites. Here is some positive news on the recent curves of the virus.
"Do we have to wear masks?"
Currently masks are mandated by executive order for indoor spaces in MN. Masks may be removed while guests are eating and drinking or if a mental disorder / medical condition exists. We will not ask for proof of medical conditions or mental disorders. Masks will be provided if needed. Click here for more face covering information.
Click here for faith based guidance.
"What are your occupancy numbers?"
At this time, we can operate our Stillwater venues at 50% occupancy because we have full restaurant licenses. Please see occupancy details and safety plan below. Maximum capacity in this phase is 250 for Stillwater venues and Riverbend will continue to operate at full occupancy in Wisconsin. Here is the MN Stay Safe Plan.
Here are our current occupancy numbers for our four venues:
JX - 1200 full occupancy: so 600 guests at 50% (the current max capacity in this phase is 250)
Loft at Studio J - 337 full occupancy: so 169 guests at 50% occupancy
Riverbend - 300 full occupancy: no restrictions (Wisconsin)
Terrace at Stillwater Library - 500 (outdoor full occupancy): so 250 at 50% occupancy, 110 inside Margaret Rivers Room. Tents are encouraged so people can stay outside in inclement weather.
"Can we dance?"
At this time, dancing is allowed with maximized safety precautions suggested such as wearing face coverings on the dance floor, dancing only with people in your household, and maintaining social distancing. One23 Events recommends that DJs and Emcees give reminders as needed during events and pause music if there is crowding. HVAC systems will be on continuously over dance floor areas. At all venues, the size of the dance floor can be made extremely large to allow for extra spacing. If guests are not comfortable on the dance floor, then of course they need not participate. Click here to read more details.
Revised Oct 21, 2020 - please check back for updates as we expect to update this weekly.
We are so excited to celebrate safely with you! Kind words from a recent wedding at JX Venue:
Kailey + Hunter ~ July 11, 2020
"Emily & the entire JX Event Venue staff helped me and my now husband make our special day happen. We had to switch venues a month before the wedding date because of COVID-19 and JX was so helpful, spacious, and worked with us to make our day happen. Our reception turned out absolutely wonderful especially since we had such a short amount of time to get everything switched over and planned at the JX Event Venue. In all honesty I am so glad that we had to switch venues because it was such a gorgeous place. I highly recommend the JX Event Venue!!"
"Is it safe or responsible to still have my wedding? What should I tell my guests?"
Many of our clients are pondering these questions and others with legitimate concerns. In everyone's circle of friends and family there are vulnerable adults that may not feel comfortable going to an event or wedding for quite some time. Some of our clients are have a time before or after their ceremony where these people can "drive by" the venues and speak with the couple while in the safety of their car. Some clients are seating their guests in 30-40 minute shifts for dinner to allow for social distance. It is comforting that with weddings, the guests are family and close friends, so they often know health history of many of the guests.
As clients approach the time to send their invites, it is totally OK to be authentic and honest about the changing times. Some clients are setting up a website or Facebook group to keep guests updated about changes that may occur after sending out the original invites. Here is some positive news on the recent curves of the virus.
"Do we have to wear masks?"
Currently masks are mandated by executive order for indoor spaces in MN. Masks may be removed while guests are eating and drinking or if a mental disorder / medical condition exists. We will not ask for proof of medical conditions or mental disorders. Masks will be provided if needed. Click here for more face covering information.
Click here for faith based guidance.
"What are your occupancy numbers?"
At this time, we can operate our Stillwater venues at 50% occupancy because we have full restaurant licenses. Please see occupancy details and safety plan below. Maximum capacity in this phase is 250 for Stillwater venues and Riverbend will continue to operate at full occupancy in Wisconsin. Here is the MN Stay Safe Plan.
Here are our current occupancy numbers for our four venues:
JX - 1200 full occupancy: so 600 guests at 50% (the current max capacity in this phase is 250)
Loft at Studio J - 337 full occupancy: so 169 guests at 50% occupancy
Riverbend - 300 full occupancy: no restrictions (Wisconsin)
Terrace at Stillwater Library - 500 (outdoor full occupancy): so 250 at 50% occupancy, 110 inside Margaret Rivers Room. Tents are encouraged so people can stay outside in inclement weather.
"Can we dance?"
At this time, dancing is allowed with maximized safety precautions suggested such as wearing face coverings on the dance floor, dancing only with people in your household, and maintaining social distancing. One23 Events recommends that DJs and Emcees give reminders as needed during events and pause music if there is crowding. HVAC systems will be on continuously over dance floor areas. At all venues, the size of the dance floor can be made extremely large to allow for extra spacing. If guests are not comfortable on the dance floor, then of course they need not participate. Click here to read more details.
Here are some fun ideas from recent weddings for guests!
One23 Events wanted to outline our safety plan as we get back to celebrations and events. We are lucky to have one of the largest event venues in the state, JX Venue, with capacity for up to 720 guests at one time. This allows greatly for social distancing and predictable movement as the main room is 12,000 square feet. Events scheduled at The Loft at Studio J, or The Terrace at Stillwater Library may be able to move to JX depending on availability. Riverbend has no restrictions as it is in New Richmond, Wisconsin.
One23 Events Preparedness Plan in response to Covid-19 (Download Link):
1. Masks will be provided for employees and guests depending on supply if guests do not bring their own
2. Plasticware will be available if requested to reduce germ spread via contact from washing
3. Bathroom experience will be nearly touchless (doors, toilets, sinks, and soaps)
4. Main doors will be propped open to reduce touching of knobs
5. Spacing while ordering drinks at the bar suggested
6. Bar, bathrooms, railings and door handles will be wiped down and disinfected hourly
7. Clients and guests are required to wear face coverings unless eating or drinking or have a mental / medical condition
One23 Events staff will not ask for documentation of medical conditions or mental disorders.
8. Extra hand sanitation stations will be added
9. Plated food options more readily available, for buffets there will be options for servers to serve food to reduce touching of service ware
10. Credit card convenience fees eliminated to reduce in person transactions
11. Guests, vulnerable people, and employees that feel sick should stay home even when household members are sick, or when required by a health care provider to isolate or quarantine themselves or a member of their household.
12. Guests to wash hands regularly during event and not touch their faces
13. Dance floor enlarged to allow for social distance
14. Only essential number of staff for events
15. Keep social distance signage in lines for event space, bathrooms and bar
16. Extra tables set for events to allow for social distance, seating encouraged by family groups
17. Extra rental time available to accommodate potential split shifts of weddings to allow for smaller number of guests at the same time
18. Maximum fresh air circulation keeping HVAC fans on continuously
19. Vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place
20. Guests or employees should adhere to current social distancing guidelines
21. Pulse Oximeter to check blood oxygen saturation levels and Infrared Thermometer available if guests desire
22. Complimentary tripod for holding phones for live streaming of ceremonies
OPTIONS for clients available at most venues:
- Live streaming of events for the venerable who choose to stay at home available at 50% off normal pricing though in-house Studio J, Inc. (Subject to availability at each venue)
- Recording of events will be available at 50% off normal pricing through in-house Studio J, Inc.
- Custom facemasks and wristbands for guests and wedding party available for purchase
- Added flexible rescheduling policy with no extra charges up to 12 months in the future with decision timelines up to 3 months prior to the event if COVID impacted
Social / physical distancing is a personal decision, please respect other guests and give them recommended space. Personal protective equipment is recommended. As we all adjust to this new normal, we look forward to socializing with you all again in person and celebrate safely!
-Judd Sather and the One23 Events Team
