FAQs

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

Our vision for our day is a BLACK TIE FORMAL event. In addition, we ask that all guests please dress in the color BLACK. Dress to the nines!

Question

How formal is black tie? Do's and Don'ts?

Answer

Gentlemen are asked to wear a black suit/sports jacket and dress pants with a black tie (can be bow-tie or long tie) and white or black dress shirt. A tux is fabulous, but not required. We understand that not all gentlemen own a black suit, so please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding suit rentals. Ladies are asked to wear floor-length (or ankle length, you get the idea) black evening gowns, and are free to choose any style that feels most flattering to them. Should you have any questions regarding the dress code, please contact us. Send pictures if you are unsure! PLEASE NOTE: Guests not adhering to the dress code may unfortunately be stopped at the door by cathedral staff, so we ask that you please contact us with any questions at all.

Question

I have little kids. What should they wear?

Answer

Great question! Our little ladies can wear any black dress they'd like, it does not have to be floor length, just try to keep it "formal". Our little gentlemen can wear black pants, and the top is up to your discretion as long as they have a "dress shirt" on (white or black). This could be just a dress shirt, or you could add a black tie, a vest, suspenders, or the full getup with the jacket! Just do your best, we understand!

Question

What time should guests arrive?

Answer

For the ceremony, guests should plan to arrive 15-30mins prior to start time. This would mean arriving between 1:30 and 1:45 for the 2pm ceremony. This ensures ample time to secure parking and optimal seating (which is plentiful at the Cathedral)! For the reception, guests may arrive at or a little before the cocktail hour start time of 6pm. PLEASE NOTE: This area is known for traffic, so keep this in mind when planning what time to leave and do your best to arrive on time!

Question

Can I bring my kids?

Answer

We love your children and welcome them at both the ceremony and reception, we simply ask that you state on your RSVP whether or not they are attending. If you want to celebrate with your children (or childcare is a hassle), bring them! We also understand if parents want to have a child-free evening. Since we want to celebrate with everyone, it is important to us that all attending stay for as long as they are able. We understand that the celebrations run late into the evening and receptions are not always kid friendly, so bringing children is not always compatible with the schedule or nature of the event. It is for this reason that we chose to leave this detail up to the parents' discretion. We understand if you feel that your child is not able to handle the celebrations for whatever reason, and would love for these guests to do their best to arrange childcare so that we can still celebrate with you rather than staying home!

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

Due to venue size and pay-per-plate policies, only those listed on your invitation are invited unless you have a specific allowance for an unnamed plus one.

Question

Can I take photos?

Answer

During the ceremony, NO. Afterwards, YES! Given that our ceremony is a mass, cell phones and cameras MUST be turned off/silenced and put away out of respect for the sacraments being received and in keeping with church etiquette. In addition to this, we would like to emphasize our personal desire to have an UNPLUGGED ceremony. In the case of an emergency phone call, please kindly step outside and return to the ceremony when you are ready. If any guests are observed using cell phones, they may be asked to leave the ceremony by cathedral staff, as it is a distraction from both the mass and the couple, and we would like all guests to be present. We have paid a professional photographer, your iPhone photos will not be better than hers, and we do not want to see your phone sticking out in her photos. We thank you in advance for your understanding. PLEASE NOTE: Guests are more than welcome to take as many photos as they would like pre- and post-ceremony!

Question

Is the ceremony a full mass?

Answer

Yes! Guests can expect the ceremony to last approximately one hour and include all parts of the mass with the addition of the nuptial sacrament.

Question

I'm not Catholic. Can I still come to the ceremony?

Answer

Yes!! ALL guests are invited to and welcome at the ceremony whether they are Catholic or not. We simply ask that guests who are not Catholic or have not received their sacraments refrain from participating in Communion. We welcome and encourage active participation in all other parts of the mass.

Question

Where is the ceremony being held?

Answer

The wedding ceremony will be a nuptial mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ. The reception will be held at a different location. Full address and details under "Our Day".

Question

How far is the reception from the Cathedral?

Answer

The reception will be held at the Meadow Wood in Randolph, NJ (full details under "Our Day") and is approximately a 35 minute drive from the Cathedral. Transportation from the ceremony to reception will unfortunately not be provided for guests.

Question

What's the parking situation?

Answer

Valet parking will be provided at the venue. The Cathedral has a first-come-first-serve rear parking lot in addition to street parking. Arrive early to ensure enough time to find a spot!

Question

Is the reception indoors or outdoors?

Answer

Both! While the main spaces for cocktail hour and the reception are both indoors, each also has an outdoor patio space for guests to move in and out freely (weather permitting).

Question

Will there be an open bar?

Answer

Yes. There will be two premium open bars during cocktail hour and reception.

Question

What if I have allergies? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Answer

Dinner will be served sit-down style with a server taking your order from our menu. At that time, you will be able to inform them of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences for how you would like your food prepared. At cocktail hour, you may inquire with any of the servers about the contents of the food being served.

Question

Will there be transportation?

Answer

Unfortunately, transportation will not be provided for anyone outside of the bridal party. Guests will be responsible for their own transportation to the different wedding locations and back to the hotel, if applicable. This was a major budget concern, so we thank you in advance for your understanding!

Question

Is there an after party? Can I attend if I'm not staying at the hotel?

Answer

Yes and yes! The after party will be at the Madison hotel, where there are two cash bars that close at 1am. You may attend whether you are staying at the hotel or not, simply ensure adequate transportation if you are not staying at the hotel.