You may now kiss the bride!

But wait: Can you kiss the bride under COVID-19 restrictions?

Reopening rules, regulations and statuses are confusing for every business. But some whose main service is bringing people together — like wedding venues — are working through how to do that while still keeping appropriately apart.

“Weddings are all about hugging and kissing and bringing generations together,” said Sherry Lynn, owner of Pinehall at Eisler Farms and the Atrium in Franklin Township. “Everything's just changed.”

Weddings also can be in the planning stages for months, if not years, in advance. Even as Lynn's staff members are bustling to plan later dates for events that had been scheduled for this spring and summer, they also are innovating ways to showcase the facilities to future brides.

Lynn said she was surprised how easily her two banquet managers adapted to working from home. They've been able to accommodate everyone's still-changing plans.

One couple, Sarah Deimer and Justin Thornburg of Robinson Township, did choose to keep their May date at the barn — a wedding they had been planning for more than a year.

“We were ready to be married,” Deimer said.

They downsized from 100 guests to under the 10-person legal grouping limit at the time, and will hold a celebratory second event in August.

“We went from having a vision to having to make due,” she said. “When it came down to the week before, we weren't expecting anything to work out. But things fell into place so beautifully.”

The couple lucked into gorgeous flowers at a local grocer who was preparing for Mother's Day and a cake from an essential retailer.

“We broadcast their ceremony live for the intended guests,” Lynn said. “Like a virtual wedding.”

For people inquiring about future weddings, Lynn has been giving virtual tours of her facilities by way of her cellphone.

She sets a table and walks about the grounds, showing perspective clients different amenities.

“FaceTime, Skype, Zoom … whatever people are comfortable with,” Lynn said. “We try to work with them.”

With social distancing precautions easing, Lynn said many people now want to tour spaces in-person.

Still, Lynn said offering potential clients virtual tours of venues before they commit to a space sometimes simplifies the process. It's similar to conducting a first round of job interviews via phone or online.

“I would really love to continue to do the virtual tour first,” Lynn said.

But what will the weddings themselves look like under regulations as they relax?

“They'll probably be smaller,” Lynn said, noting people or tables likely will still be distanced for some time.

Prior to the pandemic, a typical wedding hosted by Lynn's staff was about 150 people. Though occupancy allowances change quickly, Lynn said venues as of June are supposed to operate at half-capacity based on square-footage.

Though many people are moving ahead with their wedding plans, Lynn expects 2021 will be a busier year.

“Counts are down, for sure,” Lynn said. “People are scheduling ... but they're scheduling for next year.”

There are still unanswered questions, according to Lynn, like if occupancy numbers matter if guests are seated outside.

Vendors are also dealing with a number of questions. Lynn said at a recent wedding, caterers were asked not to wear masks so guests wouldn't be uncomfortable.

The caterers still wore masks, according to Lynn. It's safer for them to stick to pandemic-induced regulations, particularly with so many event opportunities up in the air.

“The vendors have had a really tough time,” Lynn said.

Lynn believes things are returning to normal. How quickly is another question.

“It's super hard to say,” Lynn said. “It's all unknown.”

Eagle staff writer Samantha Beal contributed to this report.