They met during the lockdowns and got married :)
PLEASE DON’T PANIC…
Things were just getting back to normal, states were opening up, mask mandates were dropping – THEN BAM! This stupid Delta variant hits, politicians start panicking, people start pointing fingers at everyone; friends, family, you name it. Conspiracy theories start flooding the internet, the sky feels like it’s going to fall, and you’re left wondering if you should plan your wedding in Hawaii. Here’s my opinion…
LOCKDOWNS AND YOUR HAWAII WEDDING PACKAGE
As of now, there is no threat of lockdowns by the federal or state government. There’s just a threat of a vaccine mandate (which I don’t think is fair). Our government leaders have asked us to keep our parties small, to not attend church, and to wear a mask in crowded areas. They’ve also asked us to get vaccinated if we’re not. But so far, the government has just “asked.” They haven’t created another “emergency mandate.”
And let’s be clear. Our local government is broke. They can’t afford another lockdown themselves, so I think this most likely won’t happen. So, I really do think you can plan your wedding with zero fear of our state locking down, even the face of the rise in cases.
As far as COVID goes in Hawaii, the Delta variant is what’s spreading down here. Positive cases are definitely going up, but deaths have separated from positive cases, so that’s the good news. Hospitals are operating at full capacity, but that’s because all types of patients are being accepted. Remember, hospitals have to operate at near or full capacity to turn a profit. Through nurses I know, they said there are patients coming in for COVID, but their symptoms are not nearly as bad the first time around.
Our governor has promised that when 70% of our population is vaccinated, all mandates will disappear. I’m hoping he sticks to that because as of now, we are currently around 66%. As of now, over 70% of those eligible for vaccination, has taken the shot, including myself and my staff.
Deaths have detached itself from positive cases
THE CURRENT COVID-19 RULES FOR YOUR OUTDOOR HAWAII WEDDING
Okay, if you want to get married in Hawaii during COVID, make sure it’s outdoor, as that’s the closest you’ll get to normal. There are a lot fewer restrictions if you tie the knot outdoors, plus it just looks nicer.
Here’s a copy and paste from our county website regarding COVID and your wedding. Yeah, it’s a bit over-the-top, try not to laugh:
Wedding event operators. This section applies to weddings under the supervision of professional event planners, venues, or catering and convention service managers (“Weddings”). Weddings may take place under the following conditions:
a. Outdoor venues only (e.g. permitted private venues, hotels, beaches and/or churches). The property utilized must follow all permitting/zoning regulations for such events, and must obtain or have proper authorization before conducting such event.
b. Maximum 200 persons, including staff. This is an exception to the general gatherings limitations.
c. At least one employee/owner of the professional event planning company, venue, catering, and/or convention service manager must be present at the wedding and ensure it is adequately staffed and compliant with this section.
d. Table seating required as follows:
i. Maximum of 75 persons per table.
ii. It is recommended that each table be reserved for members of the same household/living unit.
iii. Dining tables can be pre-set with tableware (dinner and salad plates, cutlery and glassware) so long as dining area is roped off prior to guest seating; linens, chargers, stationary goods, flowers and miscellaneous décor (e.g. table numbers, etc.) can be pre-set.
iv. Food and beverage service must comply with the requirements for Restaurants/Bars.
e. Musicians, entertainment, operators, and guests are encouraged to follow the guidance in Order 8 of the Order.
g. Dancing is allowed. Two dancers permitted every 36 square feet (6 x 6 ft.). Up to 32 dancers will be allowed as follows:
i. 8 dancers for a 12 x 12 dance floor
ii. 12 dancers for a 12 x 18 dance floor
iii. 18 dancers for an 18 x 18 dance floor
iv. 32 dancers for a 24 x 24 dance floor
h. Safety protocols are required as follows, no exceptions:
i. Staff and guests, including bridal party, bride and groom, will require a temperature check upon arrival. Any person with a temperature over 100.4 will not be allowed to remain.
ii. Sign-in Data must be collected for all guests.
Now, I would like to see a table that seats 75 people. I don’t think the tables in Harry Potter seated that many people. And I’m sure drunk guests who want to dance, will abide by all of these distancing rules….riiiight. And what adult will have a 100.4 degree temperature and still feel good? Come on now. By the way, the parties that our local politicians attend, don’t follow these rules. I would say about every gala wedding that I’ve worked at, didn’t follow any of these rules.
HOW COVID HAS AFFECTED WEDDINGS IN HAWAII
Prices have gone up, shot up, blown up.
I’m not raising my prices on most of my services, but I may just have to in the distant future to keep up with inflation (especially if the cost of living continues to rise in Hawaii). I will definitely have to raise the price of my limousine service because gas prices are literally making me cry. They are racing towards $5 a gallon with no signs of slowing down. A roundtrip from Waikiki to Ko’olina once cost $250. Now it’s $450.
Flower prices are going up. Bouquets, leis, maile leis, are all over the place. I’ll try to keep them as low as I can. But I may have to make them fluid. Meaning, we won’t know the exact final price of the flowers until your wedding day. I can’t get a stable price from my florist. Buying flowers feels like buying a volatile stock. One day it’s cheap, one day it’s expensive.
Rental car prices are high and availability are extremely low. I rode my bike past a rental car agency the other day. There was a line coming out of the door that rivaled the Star War lines at Disney. My advice, use TURO because it’s fast and painless. A friend of mine rented a car from Turo and the owner dropped off the car at the baggage claim, and that was it. No paperwork at all. Then, at the end of the trip, the owner picked up the car at the curbside check-in. Turo for the win.
Luas, restaurants, and activities should all be booked in advance. Dining inside Waikiki is tough, but outside Waikiki isn’t too bad. But book as many activities as you can, especially Luaus and restaurants.
MORE ADVICE FOR YOUR HAWAII WEDDING?
If you’re not vaccinated, and you’re willing to risk it, get the jab. I recommend it not for safety, but it makes traveling to Hawaii a lot easier. You won’t have to submit yourself to a stupid PCR test, which has to be timed perfectly, 72 hours or less, before you travel to Hawaii. If you don’t time the PCR test results perfectly, or if your lab results are delayed, the State will quarantine you in your hotel room. And it has happened!
Book on Oahu, as we have the most activities and support for tourists. In other words, if you want to go snorkeling, you’ll find more companies that can fit you in. Oahu is also less likely to lockdown as our mayor if very much, pro-business. Plus, in case someone in your party does come down with covid, we have the most hospitals to treat them.
Keep your wedding party small. Elope if you can. Don’t plan a gala wedding. If there are restrictions, gala weddings will be the first to get hit.
Have your wedding outdoors, as there are fewer restrictions.
Reserve as many activities and restaurants as you can, before you travel to Hawaii.
Book with me, because you’ll always get the straight deal….
Steve Young
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