Going all-out to rescue Rhode Island Weddings & Events

January 28, 2021/RINewsToday

Photos: Sara Zarrella Photography

RI Coalition of Wedding/Event Professionals stages Mock “Safe” Wedding

A Mock Wedding took place at Ocean Cliff on Tuesday. Organized by the Rhode Island Coalition of Wedding & Event Professionals, this project is a partnership with Rhode Island Commerce and the RI Department of Health, the RI Department of Business Regulation, and the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The mock wedding was part of the plan to put together a training video on how event professionals can align with the state’s public health measures, implement enhanced safety protocols, and lay the foundation for a safe and successful 2021 season for weddings and events in Rhode Island.

During this training event, an introduction of the BinaxNOW rapid test was given as testing took place of the wedding professionals and the guests at the event. For testing at actual events, as of now the group says the arrangement is that the kits would be free, and the biohazard bag with all the used tests are picked up once scheduled for free. As a venue, there is a one time $180 fee and 2 forms need to be completed in order to get the tests. The test results must be submitted online after each event. At the mock event, 42 tests were done, and all were negative.

There was also the introduction of an innovative concept, the COVID Safety Officer. Throughout events, a COVID Safety Officer can assist in maintaining the safety procedures that are in place, including mask wearing, social distancing and all other restrictions. This “Officer” can be an employee of the venue who has gone through the training. They would also assist in providing the COVID testing.

The video was being funded by Rhode Island Commerce and is being filmed and produced by Montage Media Productions and photographed by Sara Zarrella Photography. The result will be a training video both in English and in Spanish to help the Wedding and Event Industry follow the state’s public health measures, adopt additional safety precautions, and make progress towards the Coalition’s vision for a successful 2021 wedding and event season.

The Coalition is hopeful that this will help pave the way for the future of weddings and events by increasing the safety of guests and staff and eventually lightening restrictions set forth so those who have a wedding, or an event planned are able to move forward and celebrate their wedding or event in Rhode Island this year.

RICWEP Task Force Leaders are Luke Renchan, Erica Trombetti, MikeHenriques, Meagan Peters, Kate DeCosta, Kenneth Ferrara, and Faith Dugan.

Further Information: https://www.ricwep.org – Luke Renchan 401-323-1997 [email protected] – www.change.org/reopenrieventssafely

You can also watch and listen to more information on this topic at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcIJLBR8w-rGkjA0XLjp7w/