Can I set up the day before my wedding or earlier than 10:00AM on the day of?
You will not be permitted to begin set-up the day before your event. All setup will be restricted to the rental period. If extra hours are desired the morning of your event, those can be purchased at $250/hr.

Do I meet with someone prior to the event?
Two check-ins will take place 60 days prior and 15 days prior to the event date via email. At the 60-day meeting, you are expected to provide a full list of your vendors, rough floor plan and timeline. Fifteen days prior to the event, you are expected to provide your final floor plan & final timeline.

Do you offer on-site coordination? Do I need to have a wedding planner or day-of-coordinator?
A Gardenia event manager is included in the venue fee, a wedding planner or day-of-coordinator is not included. The event manager is in charge of overseeing venue related operations for your wedding day from the beginning to the end of your rental time. The venue manager does not take place of a wedding planner or day-of-coordinator. If you need assistance in wedding planning, set up, and coordination- we offer a preferred vendor list that includes a selection of coordinators. The Gardenia does require a day-of-coordinator for all events.

Can we rehearse at The Gardenia?
Yes, the rental fee includes a one-hour rehearsal time. The latest time we offer for rehearsals is 4:00PM. Rehearsal times are based on venue availability. If an event is booked after you have chosen your rehearsal time, the booked event will take precedence and your rehearsal time will be rescheduled. You will be notified as soon as a conflict occurs.

Do you have areas for the bridal and grooms party to get ready?
Yes, The Gardenia venue fee includes the use of the Bridal suite as well as the Groom’s suite on the day of your wedding. The suites can be accessed as early as 10:00AM on the day of your event.

Are we responsible for tables, chairs, linens, silverware or plates?
The Gardenia will provide tables and chairs for use included in the rental price. We do not provide linens, silverware or plates in the standard rental rate. 

How do I provide you with a floor plan for my event?
All floor plans are due 15 days prior to your event. After you book with us, we send you an invite with the layout of The Gardenia, using the Wedding Assistant website. This website allows you to customize your seating and table arrangements however you see fit.

Can I hire my own vendors (caterer, coordinator, DJ, etc.), or must I select from a preferred vendor list? If I can bring my own, do you have a list of recommended vendors?
The Gardenia provides a recommended vendor list, but allows the use of outside vendors as well. It is your special day which is why we want you to be able to choose the vendors of your choice.

Can I take bridal portraits at the venue?
Yes, you are given a 1 hour portraits time which is included in your booking. Bridal portraits are allowed Monday's or Tuesday's based upon availability. We do not offer bridal portrait times on weekends due to weddings and Mondays for venue cleanup. We only allow Gardenia brides to take their bridals at the venue.

Can I visit the venue for planning after I book?
Yes, we allow site visits Tuesday-Thursday by appointment only. We do not allow site visits on the weekends to allow privacy for events.

Can I set up the day before my wedding or earlier than 10:00AM on the day of?
You will not be permitted to begin set-up the day before your event. We do not permit items (decorations, rentals, alcohol, etc.) to be brought in prior to your event. All setup will be restricted to the rental period. If extra hours are desired the morning of your event, those can be purchased at $250/hr.

Before Your Event Questions

What are the restrictions on decor? What is the policy on candles?
The only adhesive material allowed on the walls is command strips or painters tape. The only tape allowed on the floors is painters tape.  All other decorations must be freestanding. You may use candles as long as they are enclosed in glass and the flame does not reach higher than 2” below the height of the glass. Only silk petals can be used for the flower girl to throw in the chapel. No confetti, rice, rose petals, bird seed, balloons, wish lanterns, or glitter will be allowed. All send off items must stay attached to the guests hands.

What is parking like? Do you offer valet parking?
Valet parking is not included in the rental fee. However, you may opt to use one of our preferred valet vendors or vendor of your choice to allow a valet option for your event. Guests will pull into the circle drive located in front of the main buildings and their car will then be parked in the designated lot. Our parking lot can accommodate up to 300 guests. Please be advised, guest are not permitted to leave their vehicles at the venue overnight.

Do you require event insurance?
We require that each of our couples obtain event insurance for $1,000,000 liability, and if you are serving alcohol, you are required to get the additional alcohol insurance. It is a great idea to add on cancellation insurance to cover you in case anything happens prior to your event. This can be purchased through wedsafe.com and typically cost around $175.00.

Does The Gardenia allow pets on the premises?
Your pets are allowed to be a part of your outdoor ceremony and/or cocktail hour, but are not permitted inside the main building.

Are there extras charges for cleanup?
Set up and take down of floors/tables/chairs are included in the venue fee. However, all items and trash brought by you, your vendors, or your guests are to be removed from the indoor space by the end of your rental period. The kitchen and bar should be free of food and beverages and wiped down. You are responsible for making sure that your vendors are completely finished and out by the end of your 13 hour time frame. The Vendors are responsible for removing their trash. If your vendors do not remove their trash, you will be responsible for trash removal. We have 2 on-site dumpsters for your use.

During Your Event Questions