Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - New York State says weddings can resume March 15, but venues are just now seeing the lengthy list of restrictions everyone involved would have to comply with and wondering if there really will be receptions in the spring.
The State on Wednesday released their official rules for weddings and other catered events. On testing, attendees must have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event, or a negative rapid test that has to be done within 6 hours.
"I'd like to say we're excited about it, but unfortunately we're not," said Bill Casale, General Manager at Pearl Street Grill, Riverworks, and other venues that in total typically host 400 weddings per year.
"Not only do all of our guests have to be tested, but all of our employees have to be tested for every event. This is the only industry statewide that they're mandating testing for," Casale said. "A rapid test is $65. How many people do you know will spend $65 just to go to work on a certain day?"
The testing is one major concern, but dancing at the reception is a whole other issue.
A first dance is allowed, but after that the state says attendees may dance with only members of their immediate family who are seated at their table in designated and clearly marked dance zones. Each 'dance zone' must be spaced six feet apart from any other dance zone or tables. Everyone assigned to a dancing zone must wear a face mask, and "cannot enter, use, or otherwise visit other dancing areas or zones."
"A dance pod. They might as well give everybody different colored clown hats so we can police this. This is absurd," Casale said.
For brides and grooms, the restrictions mean it is another tough decision on whether or not to move forward with their wedding. Casale said they have weddings booked beginning in April, but aren't yet sure if the events would be worth putting on from either the venue or bride and groom's perspective. They are making decisions on weddings in 10-week increments.
Will the restrictions change in the near future? Casale said the restaurant association is advocating on his and other venues' behalf, but he expects a change in regulation to happen when a change happens in Albany.
"I think once a certain individual gets his powers taken away in April that may loosen some things up," Casale said. "That's all I have to say about that."