FAQs
Question
I'm in, but... all I can think about right now is Coronavirus.
Answer
Us too! We were hoping we were in the clear for February and celebrating with something resembling pre-COVID abandon and then... Omicron. So we say this with love and care for your well-being and the health of all of our guests: GET VAXXED (and boosted!) before you travel and come party with us in NOLA, please. If you're not vaccinated AND not willing wear masks if required at that point, then travel (and Mardi Gras, especially) is probably not a great option anyway. We will miss celebrating with you. NOTE: Beginning Tuesday, February 1st, the City of New Orleans is requiring proof of two doses of the COVID vaccine for all bars and restaurants. Please visit https://ready.nola.gov/incident/coronavirus/safe-reopening for the latest guidelines, what is acceptable as proof of vaccination, and updates on city restrictions. YOU WILL NEED TO KEEP YOUR VAX CARD AND IDENTIFICATION WITH YOU. Most places will also take a photo of your vax card, but it must include both the front and back!
Question
Where should we stay?
Answer
Anywhere you like - but we have room blocks set up for your convenience with special rates and flexibility, so head over to the Travel & Accommodations tab and take a look! Please note the links on that page take you directly to our blocks and rates. As we noted previously, most blocks expired (for group booking purposes) by December 15 so please plan accordingly. You can still stay at the hotel and they will add you to the block, but it's up to the hotel's discretion as to whether or not they will honor our group rate after that date.
Question
Do I need to book travel yet?
Answer
YES. Mardi Gras is a busy time, so please book ASAP! Room block availability is first come first served. All hotels selected are very flexible in the COVID era re: cancellations.
Question
Do I need to RSVP now?
Answer
(Revised Dec 30) YES, please do so now, if you have not!
Question
What is New Orleans weather like in February?
Answer
Mild, mostly - which is one of many reasons why February in the South was so appealing! Think 60s/low 70s during the day, 60s/high 50s in the evenings. Layering is a virtue, especially given how much of our weekend will take place outdoors. Just like any location, weather can change - so please check the weather forecast before you pack.
Question
What's a Second Line?
Answer
A second line parade is, at its core, a celebration of life – in the form of a several-block-long, roving musical block party. The “first line” includes the brass band, along with the couple being honored. The second line refers to everyone else: fellow revelers from one's group and those who have just decided to join in as it moves along. Participants in these rituals often twirl a parasol or wave a handkerchief while strolling down the street. (Don't worry - we've got the handkerchiefs for you for our own second line on Friday night!)
Question
Is Mardi Gras really just Girls Gone Wild come to life?
Answer
No. :) You can actually be arrested for flashing - public nudity is one of the few things not allowed in this city! If you’ve been, you know - but if you haven’t, know that Mardi Gras and the associated parades are generally very fun and very family-friendly. (Not that you necessarily want to chase your own kids around the parades, but plenty of locals do.) Also - this isn't the most crowded of parade weekends, which is helpful for newcomers. We do expect guidance later this year/early next year from the city in terms of masks and social distancing during parades should that still be a concern, which we will ensure our guests are aware of. We LOVE this time of year in New Orleans, and can’t wait to share it with you!
Question
Is there a complete parade schedule available yet?
Answer
Yes! Things may change a bit as everything is still in flux to some extent, but the parade schedule has been set. Get ready! Visit mardigrasneworleans.com/parades for the full 2022 schedule. If you are planning to attend the parades, we recommend downloading a parade tracker - WWL Mardi Gras Parade Tracker (iOS and Android) is our favorite. If you want some great info at your fingertips, check out Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide (iOS and Android.) Originally a 1977 print publication, it’s morphed over time - if you want Mardi Gras history, krewe backgrounds, and what the hot throw is for each parade (alongside the usual date, time, and route maps), this is THE app!
Question
Will masks be required? Enforced?
Answer
We were just down there last weekend (Jan 15-17) and yes, masks indoors in public spaces are required. Proof of vax required. Also, if you didn't see one of the other previous notes about this: PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED FOR RESTAURANTS AND BARS. They are enforcing this, as are we - both our reception and jazz brunch venues are iconic New Orleans institutions and are in total compliance with state and local mandates in public spaces.
Question
Do you have a registry?
Answer
Short answer: Your presence is a gift! But so many of you have lovingly asked for some guidance that we created a registry that's specific to our honeymoon, should you want some gift ideas: http://www.travelersjoy.com/sabrinalovesken (Ken pulled this together, much to Bri's delight!)