Is everyone at the wedding required to be vaccinated?
Yes. If, for some insane reason, you are not vaccinated, we will ask you to provide us with a negative antigen test from both Saturday, November 20th, and from Monday, November 22nd. Luckily for you, we will be providing those tests for everyone anyways. But you should go get vaccinated immediately.
Is the wedding going to be safe?
We’re extremely confident that our safety plan is world-class. We have seen what the film/TV/live event industries have implemented and developed our own virus mitigation strategy, which includes:
- Every event on our itinerary is either completely outdoors (main wedding) or in an indoor/outdoor venue with significant ventilation (welcome party).
- Both of our major wedding events are going to be a Covid bubble. Every guest is going to be tested TWICE. Once on Saturday, November 20th, and once on Monday, November 22nd. More details on that below.
- All of our vendors and staff at the events have agreed to masking AND proving vaccination status or testing.
What do you mean everyone will be tested twice?
Yes, we’re asking all guests to show up for an on-site Covid antigen test twice. Once on Saturday November 20th before coming to the welcome party and then again on Monday November 22nd before the wedding. Yup, 2 tests. These tests will be provided at our expense. You will receive an email with a time slot and location (at the 1Hotel) to go get your test which will be administered by a professional event testing firm. The results will return in 15 minutes. Tests will be cross-checked against the list at the door of our events. Anyone who comes in on Sunday/Monday will only need to be tested before the event on Monday.
What happens if someone tests positive?
Antigen tests do generate a number of false positives and only a few false negatives. If someone receives a positive test, the team will provide them with a second test, but this wil be a highly sensitive PCR (and even more accurate) test with results coming back from a lab in about 1 hour. These, which have 99%+ certainty, will allow us to double-confirm status. If that test is also positive, then they will need to miss the events. Sorry.
Is testing everyone twice overkill?
It probably is. We believe that there is measured risk in anything we do nowadays. But we believe this protocol will make everyone feel far safer being at a major gathering. It will allow us to truly enjoy the events and feel good about gathering with people regardless of their situation. So even if you think it’s a bit too much, do it for the aunts and uncles and parents of young children. It should take you about 5 mins to do.
Isn’t Florida a hotspot for COVID?
Yeah, it is right now. But your beautiful vaccinated self is going to be OK.
- Covid waves appear to be extremely cyclical and Florida cases have already hit a peak in this latest horrific wave. Between vaccination and prior infection, we expect spread to decrease significantly between now and November 19th. It may be the safest place in the US. Also, it might not.
- If you follow our itinerary, you can choose to stay within a bubble of being at your hotel, being almost exclusively outdoors, or being only with our wedding guests (who will be tested twice). Yes, you will encounter some other people and staff, but we believe they will be a minimal risk to you and will not be with you in a potent environment (which we define as being in small enclosed spaces for more than 15 minutes).
- It’s not as bad as it looks on TV. We have gone there MANY times in the last 18 months and have learned that everything in Miami is a choice. You can choose to engage in less safe activities, or you can choose to keep your distance, wear your mask, and do a whole lot of stuff outdoors. And that is how we planned this wedding weekend.
I can’t find anything white to wear for your white party, what do I do?
Just come! We’d rather you look classy in color than wear an overly casual white T-shirt or shorts. Just do your best, it’s not really mandatory. It’s just a fun theme for us all to embrace.
Can I come to your pool day if I am not staying at 1Hotel?
We’re trying to work that out. They may not allow outside visitors. We’ll keep you updated. The beach is technically public, so we may be down at the beach for a period of time.
What should we do on Sunday night?
We’re going to get some rest because we expect Saturday night to be pretty crazy and we truly would love for you to be fresh on Monday. But if you’re up to it, feel free to have fun!
Here are some dinner ideas:
Joe’s Stone Crab- Iconic (doesn’t take reservations but worth that)
Layla– Lovely casual Mediterranean (walking distance from 1Hotel and super easy)
Stubborn Seed- Incredible modern American cuisine (make a reservation)
Estiatorio Milos- Some of the freshest seafood on earth (make a reservation)
Papi Steak– It’s a party and there is food. Don’t say we didn’t warn you
Any other recommendations on where to eat while we visit?
Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen– Israeli cuisine. Great for lunch or brunch.
Stiltsville Fish Bar- Amazing seafood, great for lunch or brunch.
Planta South Beach– The best vegan cuisine in Miami Beach, even appeals to those meat-eaters.
Carbone- If you can score a reservation, then you sold an organ on the black market. Either way, this is the most iconic (and hottest) Italian restaurant in the United States.
Macchialina- You can get a reservation here and the Italian food is awesome.
Habitat- Grab breakfast here at 1Hotel in the mornings
A few things about the 1Hotel
For those of you staying at the 1Hotel, here are some things you should know!
- There are 4 pools:
- The Center Main pool is the most fun and great for the whole family. Since we have lots of family in town, you’ll find us here most of the time.
- The Rooftop pool is ages 21+ and has more of a fun vibe. We also love it here.
- The Cabana Pool is a bit small and quieter but right next to the main pool so still in the action.
- The South Pool is for quiet and relaxation (in case you need a break).
- All pools have poolside drink and food service.
- Your room includes 2 beach chairs reserved on the beach (with umbrella). They also have full beach food and drink service on the beach, it’s very nice.
- The hotel has an 2 awesome coffee and smoothie/juice bars with super healthy food. One is in the lobby and one is next to the gym.
- The gym is massive and guests are welcome to 2 free classes today. There is yoga almost every day. Definitely check it out.