{"id":4536,"date":"2021-08-03T22:39:17","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T22:39:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dreamweddingshawaii.com\/?p=4536"},"modified":"2021-08-03T23:59:43","modified_gmt":"2021-08-03T23:59:43","slug":"the-delta-variant-covid-and-your-hawaii-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dreamweddingshawaii.com\/the-delta-variant-covid-and-your-hawaii-wedding\/","title":{"rendered":"The Delta Variant, Covid, and Your Hawaii Wedding"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"They-met-during-covid<\/a><\/p>\n

They met during the lockdowns and got married :)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

PLEASE DON’T PANIC…<\/span><\/h1>\n

Things were just getting back to normal, states were opening up, mask mandates were dropping – THEN BAM!\u00a0 This stupid Delta variant hits, politicians start panicking, people start pointing fingers at everyone; friends, family, you name it.\u00a0 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<\/strong>.<\/a>\u00a0 Here’s my opinion…<\/p>\n

LOCKDOWNS AND YOUR HAWAII WEDDING PACKAGE<\/h2>\n

As of now, there is no threat of lockdowns by the federal or state government.\u00a0 \u00a0There’s just a threat of a vaccine mandate (which I don’t think is fair).\u00a0 Our government leaders have asked us to keep our parties small, to not attend church, and to wear a mask in crowded areas.\u00a0 They’ve also asked us to get vaccinated if we’re not.\u00a0 \u00a0But so far, the government has just “asked.”\u00a0 They haven’t created another “emergency mandate.”<\/p>\n

And let’s be clear.\u00a0 Our local government is broke.\u00a0 They can’t afford another lockdown themselves, so I think this most likely won’t happen.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

As far as COVID goes in Hawaii, the Delta variant is what’s spreading down here.\u00a0 \u00a0Positive cases are definitely going up, but deaths have separated from positive cases, so that’s the good news.\u00a0 Hospitals are operating at full capacity, but that’s because all types of patients are being accepted.\u00a0 \u00a0Remember, hospitals have to operate at near or full capacity to turn a profit.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Our governor has promised that when 70% of our population is vaccinated, all mandates will disappear.\u00a0 I’m hoping he sticks to that because as of now, we are currently around 66%.\u00a0 \u00a0As of now, over 70% of those eligible for vaccination, has taken the shot, including myself and my staff.<\/p>\n

\"covid-hawaii-deaths<\/a><\/p>\n

Deaths have detached itself from positive cases<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

THE CURRENT COVID-19 RULES FOR YOUR OUTDOOR HAWAII WEDDING<\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0 There are a lot fewer restrictions if you tie the knot outdoors, plus it just looks nicer.<\/p>\n

Here’s a copy and paste from our county website regarding COVID and your wedding.\u00a0 Yeah, it’s a bit over-the-top, try not to laugh:<\/p>\n

Wedding event operators.<\/strong>\u00a0 This section applies to weddings under the supervision of professional event planners, venues, or catering and convention service managers (\u201cWeddings\u201d<\/strong>).\u00a0 Weddings may take place under the following conditions:<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

b.\u00a0Maximum 200 persons, including staff.\u00a0 This is an exception to the general gatherings limitations.<\/p>\n

c.\u00a0At 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.<\/p>\n

d.\u00a0Table seating required as follows:<\/p>\n

i.\u00a0Maximum of 75 persons per table.<\/p>\n

ii.\u00a0It is recommended that each table be reserved for members of the same household\/living unit.<\/p>\n

iii.\u00a0Dining 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 d\u00e9cor (e.g. table numbers, etc.) can be pre-set.<\/p>\n

iv.\u00a0Food and beverage service must comply with the requirements for Restaurants\/Bars.<\/p>\n

e.\u00a0Musicians, entertainment, operators, and guests are encouraged to follow the guidance in Order 8 of the Order.<\/p>\n

g.\u00a0Dancing is allowed.\u00a0 Two dancers permitted every 36 square feet (6 x 6 ft.). \u00a0Up to 32 dancers will be allowed as follows:<\/p>\n

i.\u00a08 dancers for a 12 x 12 dance floor<\/p>\n

ii.\u00a012 dancers for a 12 x 18 dance floor<\/p>\n

iii.\u00a018 dancers for an 18 x 18 dance floor<\/p>\n

iv.\u00a032 dancers for a 24 x 24 dance floor<\/p>\n

h.\u00a0Safety protocols are required as follows, no exceptions:<\/p>\n

i.\u00a0Staff 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.<\/p>\n

ii.\u00a0Sign-in Data must be collected for all guests.<\/p>\n

Now, I would like to see a table that seats 75 people.\u00a0 I don’t think the tables in Harry Potter seated that many people.\u00a0 And I’m sure drunk guests who want to dance, will abide by all of these distancing rules….riiiight.\u00a0 \u00a0And what adult will have a 100.4 degree temperature and still feel good?\u00a0 Come on now.\u00a0 By the way, the parties that our local politicians attend, don’t follow these rules.\u00a0 I would say about every gala wedding that I’ve worked at, didn’t follow any of these rules.<\/p>\n

\"finally-1024x683<\/a>After postponing their vow renewal because of COVID, they finally got their ceremony<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

HOW COVID HAS AFFECTED WEDDINGS IN HAWAII<\/h2>\n

Prices have gone up, shot up, blown up.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I’m not raising my prices on most of my services<\/strong>, 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).\u00a0 \u00a0I will definitely have to raise the price of my limousine service because gas prices are literally making me cry.\u00a0 They are racing towards $5 a gallon with no signs of slowing down.\u00a0 \u00a0A roundtrip from Waikiki to Ko’olina once cost $250.\u00a0 Now it’s $450.<\/p>\n

Flower prices are going up.<\/strong>\u00a0 Bouquets, leis, maile leis, are all over the place.\u00a0 I’ll try to keep them as low as I can.\u00a0 But I may have to make them fluid.\u00a0 Meaning, we won’t know the exact final price of the flowers until your wedding day.\u00a0 I can’t get a stable price from my florist.\u00a0 Buying flowers feels like buying a volatile stock.\u00a0 One day it’s cheap, one day it’s expensive.<\/p>\n

Rental car prices are high and availability are extremely low.<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0I rode my bike past a rental car agency the other day.\u00a0 There was a line coming out of the door that rivaled the Star War lines at Disney.\u00a0 My advice, use TURO because it’s fast and painless.\u00a0 A friend of mine rented a car from Turo and the owner dropped off the car at the baggage claim, and that was it.\u00a0 No paperwork at all.\u00a0 Then, at the end of the trip, the owner picked up the car at the curbside check-in.\u00a0 Turo for the win.<\/p>\n

Luas, restaurants, and activities should all be booked in advance.<\/strong>\u00a0 Dining inside Waikiki is tough, but outside Waikiki isn’t too bad.\u00a0 But book as many activities as you can, especially Luaus and restaurants.<\/p>\n

\"perfect-hawaii-dream-wedding-1024x683<\/a><\/p>\n

MORE ADVICE FOR YOUR HAWAII WEDDING?<\/h2>\n

If you’re not vaccinated, and you’re willing to risk it, get the jab.\u00a0 \u00a0I recommend it not for safety, but it makes traveling to Hawaii a lot easier.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 And it has happened!<\/p>\n

Book on Oahu, as we have the most activities and support for tourists.\u00a0 \u00a0In other words, if you want to go snorkeling, you’ll find more companies that can fit you in.\u00a0 Oahu is also less likely to lockdown as our mayor if very much, pro-business.\u00a0 Plus, in case someone in your party does come down with covid, we have the most hospitals to treat them.<\/p>\n

Keep your wedding party small.\u00a0 Elope if you can.\u00a0 Don’t plan a gala wedding.\u00a0 \u00a0If there are restrictions, gala weddings will be the first to get hit.<\/p>\n

Have your wedding outdoors, as there are fewer restrictions.<\/p>\n

Reserve as many activities and restaurants as you can, before you travel to Hawaii.<\/p>\n

Book with me, because you’ll always get the straight deal….<\/p>\n