FAQs

Question

How do I book a hotel room through the wedding block?

Answer

Visit the "Travel” section. You will find hotel block information with direct links to book your room. Book your room by November 27th! After this date, please call hotel to see if they can still honor rate.

Question

Is the ceremony and the reception at 2 different locations?

Answer

No, the ceremony and reception will be both located at the Christmas House Inn & Gardens. There will be no traveling to another location.

Question

Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the venue?

Answer

No, the wedding block hotels are very close to the venue. A complimentary parking lot and street parking are available in front of the house. Complimentary valet may be available depending on our final guest count. We highly suggest taking an Uber/Lyft for greater convenience and safety if you plan to drink.

Question

If I/we did not RSVP to the wedding, may I/we still attend the ceremony & reception?

Answer

If you did not RSVP, you will not be included in our final count to the venue. The venue is very strict and we cannot accommodate guests that did not RSVP by the deadline.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

Only if your wedding invitation included "and guest" and you RSVP'd to include a guest. If this is not the case, we cannot accommodate additional guests. Please contact Allison if you have any questions.

Question

Are children invited to the wedding?

Answer

If your child's name or "family" was included on the address of your invitation, then yes, they are invited. Please include the children on the response card.

Question

If I didn't RSVP to the events on Friday, may I still attend these events?

Answer

Unfortunately, not. As a courtesy, we ask that you please RSVP to the contact on the invitations (rather than the Bride and Groom) by the "RSVP by" date. Final numbers are needed in advance for reservations, ordering and for vendor payment. Please contact either Melinda or Jamie if you have any further questions.

Question

What’s the dress code for the wedding?

Answer

Semi- Formal. Let "holiday sparkle" be your inspiration. Please keep in mind when selecting shoes, there are many grassy areas and some uneven brick pathways. The dance floor is a smooth linoleum surface.

Question

Is it possible there will be inclement weather? If so what, should I pack?

Answer

Please dress appropriately for chilly evening weather and in the event it does rain. It is winter, afterall. We recommend checking the forecast a few days before travel to pack accordingly. This is an OUTDOOR garden wedding, but if there is inclement weather, the venue is prepared and will provide a comfortable setting for our wedding. Rain is good luck, so we aren’t worried either way! :):) Cocktail and Hors D’oeuvres will be predominantly held in the bar area outside, inside the house and in the front veranda. The reception party will be held in the rear garden.

Question

Is the ceremony kid-friendly?

Answer

Yes, but if they become fussy during the ceremony, we ask that one of the parents step out briefly with the child so as not to interrupt the ceremony. The Bride and Groom have a special treasure box for children (2 years+) to select from following the ceremony if they are well behaved. The DJ will make announcements for random drawings from the treasure box throughout the night. There will also be a “Kids corner” in the rear garden with games and some other surprises.

Question

Where are you registered?

Answer

The Bride and Groom are registered for gift cards at IKEA, The Container Store and Wayfair. Please visit the "Gift Registry" section of our website for direct links to purchase gift cards.

Question

If I have a question on the day before or day of the wedding, who should I contact?

Answer

The Bride respectfully asks that you do not contact her the day before or the day of the wedding as she will be very busy preparing for her big day. You may contact the mother of the bride, Melinda at 713-398-2894 or Kira, Allison's sister-in-law, at 801-573-7943. If you have questions about the Gentleman's Outing, please contact the father of the bride, Jamie, jamiesmith22@ymail.com

Question

I'm in the bridal party, do I need to attend the rehearsal on Friday?

Answer

Yes, if you or your child has a role in the ceremony, you will need to be at the rehearsal promptly at 12pm at the Christmas House Inn on Friday, December 28, 2018.

Question

Are high chairs provided?

Answer

HIgh chairs can be reserved in advance for a fee through the venue. Please contact Allison at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding if you will require a high chair.

Question

Are cell phones or video cameras permitted during the ceremony?

Answer

No, the bride and groom respectfully ask for all devices to be turned off and stowed away during the ceremony. A professional photographer to capture the ceremony. You are free to take photos or videos after the ceremony.

Question

Can guests explore the inside of the Christmas house or carriage house?

Answer

Yes the interior first floor of the main house and the exterior grounds are open for the duration of the wedding. The 2nd floor of the main house and carriage house are reserved for the bridal party and will not be open.

Question

Will there be food served at the wedding? Are there vegetarian options?

Answer

Yes, we will be serving a variety of hors d'oeuvres and dinner. There will be some vegetarian options for hors d'oeuvres and modifications for vegetarians can be made on request for the dinner selection. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, we recommend asking a server before indulging.

Question

I'd like to schedule to get my hair done before the wedding, where do you recommend?

Answer

Vespertine Hair design is across the street from Hampton Inn. http://www.vespertinehd.com/ Ulta is conveniently located in the Ontario Mills shopping center.

Question

How do we share photos we’ve taken during the wedding weekend celebrations?

Answer

Option 1: Use #allisonandmichael Option 2: Download the Ceremony App Here’s how to join: 1. Install the Ceremony app on your phone: http://get.ceremonyapp.com/PJ5VTC 2. Join with event code: PJ5VTC 3. Start sharing memories! Have questions? We’re here to help! Shoot us a note at hello@ceremonyapp.com Option 3: Post on Facebook and tag us “Allison Michael” Option 4: Email pics to allisonandmichael29@gmail.com

Question

For Gentlemen’s Outing Guests only: Do I need to know how to play golf to attend? Do I need to bring my own clubs? Is there food and drink at the golf course?

Answer

This is a social outing, no golf skill is required to participate. Please refer to the "Schedule" section of our website and the invitation for details. Contact Jamie at jamiesmith22@ymail.com if you have any questions.

Question

For Bridal Breakfast Guests Only: Where should I park?

Answer

Valet is available for a fee at the hotel. The hotel garage is located on 6th street between Orange and Main St. There is an hourly/daily rate. Credit cards are accepted. Click on the link below for other free parking options in Downtown Riverside. http://www.riversidedowntown.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dwtwnparkflyr2014proof4.pdf