FAQs
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
The ceremony & reception are semi-formal, so we encourage you to wear cocktail attire.
Question
What time should I arrive to the ceremony?
Answer
Please arrive at 4pm, as the ceremony will begin at 4:30.
Question
What health and safety measures will you be taking during the event?
Answer
Masks are not required at this event, but we will always encourage full vaccinations, boosters, and anyone who has concerns to wear masks as desired. As with any indoor family event within the past few years, we also encourage individuals to get PCR-tested for covid as close to the date as possible, and perform home-tests that morning. There is an outdoor porch space with a few tables and chairs, should some guests not feel comfortable eating or drinking indoors (these are limited though, and not all are covered from the rain), viewable here- https://durhamexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Caitlin-Alex-Wedding-408-scaled-1.jpg
Question
Will the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception take place indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The ceremony will take place indoors. During the cocktail hour guests will have to exit the event room to allow for turnover, during which time they're welcome to step out onto the venue porch, where there will be a few tables available, or hang around the lobby area. For the reception, everyone will be allowed back inside the event room for the rest of the night for dinner, dancing, socializing, toasts, and cake-cutting. Those who are uncomfortable eating indoors in a crowd due to covid concerns are welcome to step outside to eat.
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
It will hopefully be mild and beautiful! Average daily temperatures for Durham in April range from highs of 68 - 75 degrees, to lows of 46 - 54 degrees. Average chance of rain in April is 28%. For reference, 46% is the average chance of rain in July. Keep an eye on the weather for that weekend to plan for possible rain, and bring a cover-up in case things get chilly or you find the venue a/c to be cold.
Question
What will your wedding-day timeline look like?
Answer
The day's schedule is as follows: 4:00pm- Guests Arrive at Venue 4:30pm- Ceremony 5:00pm- Cocktail Hour 6:00pm- Buffet Dinner 7:00pm- Party 8:30pm- After-Party at The Pinhook
Question
Is there parking available at the wedding venue?
Answer
There is limited parking at the venue itself, including some disabled spots. There is plenty of street parking, and parking in the reserved lot across the street. All parking will be free.
Question
Can I bring my kids?
Answer
Due to space restrictions and venue capacity rules, kids are currently being allowed on a case-by-case basis. Please let us know if you are bringing your children so we can accommodate seating and food for them. There is also a kids playroom/nursing room on the lower-level of the building should that be needed.
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
Due to space restrictions and venue capacity rules, +1's are currently being allowed on a case-by-case basis.
Question
What type of food and drink will be served during the reception?
Answer
Dinner will be served buffet-style. Food options will include a pasta station, hickory-smoked pulled pork, grilled flank steak, vegan roasted cauliflower risotto, roasted herbed potatoes, and roasted baby carrots and parsnips. Dessert will consist of wedding cake and vegan cupcakes and gluten-free cupcakes. Drink options will include iced tea, lemonade, soft drinks, water, blackberry mojito mocktails, beer, and wine.
Question
Will there be an open bar?
Answer
There will be an open bar (wine, beer, and mocktails) at the venue during the cocktail hour and reception. The after-party will take place at The Pinhook, a dive bar in downtown Durham, where guests will have to buy their own drinks and tip (and liquor drinks will also be available for purchase).
Question
Do you have a wedding registry?
Answer
You can view our wedding registry and contribute to our honeymoon fund via Venmo here!- https://www.zola.com/wedding/benandmariaapril23/registry
Question
Can I bring my gift to the wedding?
Answer
Gifts are not required of course, but any token of love and friendship is welcomed and appreciated! We also have a Honeymoon Fund that can be contributed to via Venmo on the registry page.
Question
Will there be an after-party?
Answer
The after-party will be a goth night (appropriate dress encouraged but not required). It will start at 8:30pm and take place at: The Pinhook 117 W Main St Durham, NC 27701 Please check The Pinhook website closer to the date to stay informed on their masking/vaccination policies- https://thepinhook.com/about/