FAQs
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
Please dress in formal or cocktail attire. Nordstrom provides a helpful guide here: https://tinyurl.com/534rdnc7
Question
Will we be indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The ceremony and reception will be taking place outside unless the weather is predicted to be stormy or overly hot, cold, or windy. The mansion will be accessible at any time for socializing indoors. The ceremony will still take place outside in light rain, so please come prepared! Rain ponchos are recommended, they are easy to carry and take up less space than an umbrella. Bring a removable jacket or sweater. And please remember to wear sunscreen!
Question
Are you requiring medical masks?
Answer
We are not asking our guests to wear masks. However, for the health and safety of susceptible guests, please consider wearing a mask if you are feeling ill or have felt ill within the week preceding the wedding.
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
Your invitation will list all of the invited persons. If your invitation does not include a 'Guest', please do not bring one. We would love to have your loved ones here, but we have a strict guest count.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
If your invitation includes your children, they are invited to attend. If your invitation does not include your children, please consider hiring childcare! Unfortunately, we cannot include everyone's families.
Question
Will there be an open bar?
Answer
We are happy to provide our guests' first two drinks of the celebration! Options are beer (domestic or craft), wine, liquor, seltzers, and soda. After the first two drinks there will be a cash bar.
Question
What's for dinner?
Answer
The venue will be serving a "Breakfast for Dinner" buffet. Your formal invitation will include the buffet menu and the option to select children's meals.
Question
I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?
Answer
If you have a food allergy or other dietary restriction, please let either Bri or Brandon know. We will contact the catering service for you. Please feel free to e-mail us at: baltesbowers2026@gmail.com
Question
Do you have any hotel recommendations?
Answer
Reservation blocks are forthcoming! However, you can feel free to book any hotel in the area. Hotels in downtown Des Moines or near the Des Moines airport will be closest to the venue.
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
Parking for both the ceremony and reception is available at the Italian American Cultural Center at 2633 Fleur Drive. Their lots are just north of the venue. If you have mobility issues that prevent you from walking short distances or if you use a mobility device, please let Bri or Brandon know and we may be able to have you park closer to the mansion. Feel free to e-mail us at: baltesbowers2026@gmail.com
Question
Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?
Answer
We will not have shuttle services. Please arrange a cab, Uber, or Lyft if you believe you will need a ride home after the reception ends at 10pm. Cars left overnight must be picked up from the parking lot by 8am the next morning. Please do not drink and drive!
Question
Where can we send gifts/cards?
Answer
Gifts and cards can be sent to our home address in Fitchburg, WI, which will be on your Save-the-Date or formal invitation. Our registry should also provide our address. Of course, you are also welcome to bring them to the wedding and leave them with us.