A message about re-opening our venues from Judd Sather, owner of One23 Events:
Revised Aug 5, 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 guests will wear masks although they are not required at this time. Some guests are hoping that herd immunity has already decreased the number of carriers. Some clients are waiting for a vaccine. The bottom line is that everyone is in a different place right now, and should take personal precautions that make them feel comfortable as they would in any shopping or social setting. 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.
If "Safe" is defined by lack of hospitalizations and deaths, then Minnesota looks very good in the graphs below. In the last four weeks, Minnesota has had far less deaths from all causes than in 2019!
"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.
Revised Aug 5, 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 guests will wear masks although they are not required at this time. Some guests are hoping that herd immunity has already decreased the number of carriers. Some clients are waiting for a vaccine. The bottom line is that everyone is in a different place right now, and should take personal precautions that make them feel comfortable as they would in any shopping or social setting. 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.
If "Safe" is defined by lack of hospitalizations and deaths, then Minnesota looks very good in the graphs below. In the last four weeks, Minnesota has had far less deaths from all causes than in 2019!
"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.
This graph is probably the best indicator of what the virus is doing: Excess Deaths Per Week in MN. You can see H1N1 spikes in 2017 and 2018 and COVID-19 at the right side of the graph. This graph includes all deaths from all causes which eliminates any reporting issues & political bias specific to COVID-19. It is great to see the deaths in MN are now far below what they were last year at this time, with four weeks in a row of deaths below expected numbers in Minnesota. Click here for source and more information from MDHand CDC.
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 Safety Plan in response to the Covid-19 outbreak available at most venues:
1. Masks will be provided for employees
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 encouraged, but not required, to wear face coverings and gloves for their protection
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
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
23. Pulse Oximeter to check blood oxygen saturation levels and Infrared Thermometer available if guests desire
24. 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
