Sabrina and Giuseppe Falanga are working with their wedding planner, asking their families and friends to save the date once again. The Brooklyn couple initially planned on getting married last June 27th. The pandemic forced the couple to cancel their big day.

“It was it was very hard to accept and to continue planning so we kind of like put a standstill on even talking about it,” said Sabrina Falanga, a Bensonhurst resident.

 


What You Need To Know

  • Larger weddings will resume in New York State on March 15th

  • Governor Cuomo said 150 people can be in attendance or 50% of the venue’s capacity, provided everyone submits proof of a negative COVID-19 test

  • A spokesman for Governor Cuomo says guidance is forthcoming and also will apply to events like Sweet Sixteens and Bat Mitzvahs, not just weddings

 

The Falangas tied the knot in a small ceremony with immediate family in July, but postponed their church wedding and reception until this coming June. The couple says they were starting to get nervous that day wouldn’t happen either, until Governor Andrew Cuomo announced last month that larger weddings could resume beginning March 15th, with 150 people in attendance or 50% of the venue’s capacity, provided everyone submits proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

“When we heard that announcement it was almost like a breath of fresh air,” said Sabrina. 

“It’s just gonna be a new normal for us so I’m eagerly anticipating to see like what the guidelines are going to be, just hopefully we'll be able to get together again and hopefully be able to party and celebrate,” said Giuseppe Falanga.

Wedding planner Vanessa Rose Watts is also awaiting more guidelines from the state.

"Everyone in the industry is really looking forward to having some concrete facts, details and logistics around how celebrations and weddings can happen,” said Watts, the owner of Pumpkinly Prints Paperie.

Weddings in the age of COVID-19 mean including all the safety protocols on the invitations, and that can be a challenge. She’s advising every couple to create a website and list it in the invite, so guests can get updated safety guidance in real time.

"That would’ve been a faux pas to include in your wedding invitation in the past, but now it’s your golden savior to getting information to your guests,” said Watts.

A spokesman for Governor Cuomo says guidance is forthcoming and also will apply to events like Sweet Sixteens and Bat Mitzvahs, not just weddings. 

The spokesman added that the guidance should address all allowable activities — like dancing — which is currently banned inside bars, restaurants and catering halls in the state. The Falangas are hopeful that will change.

“I always tell people I have two left feet because I’m a horrible dancer, but at this point, I’ll do anything I can to be able to dance again with everyone,” said Giuseppe.