FAQs

Question

How should I dress for the rehearsal dinner?

Answer

For those family members attending the rehearsal dinner, please note that this will be a more casual affair than the wedding itself. Our request for the evening is dressy casual. While we’d like to discourage athletic wear or sweatpants, we encourage comfortable and put-together outfits. Think sundresses, nice jeans, or shorts paired with a blouse or collared shirt.

Question

How should I dress for the wedding?

Answer

Our wedding is semi-formal, so we invite you to dress both elegantly and comfortably. Men can go for a suit or dress pants with a blazer and a dress shirt, while women might choose a cocktail dress or a stylish jumpsuit. Since May weather in Central Oregon can be unpredictable, we suggest bringing a warm layer for the evening. The ceremony will be held on grass, followed by cocktail hour on the patio, and we’ll finish the night in the ballroom. Please choose shoes that are suitable for both outdoor and indoor settings.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

We’re so glad you’re excited about our wedding! Due to the intimate size of our venue, we’re unable to accommodate additional guests beyond those specified in your invitation. If your invitation was addressed to you plus one, it means you’re welcome to bring a guest. However, if your invitation was addressed solely to you or your family, we kindly ask that you attend without a date. We’ve carefully curated our guest list to ensure that we have enough space for our closest family and friends, and we want to make sure everyone enjoys the celebration comfortably. If you’re unsure about whether you can bring a guest or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Katie or Matt, or contact a member of the Buchanan or Avila families for clarification.

Question

Do I need to bring a gift?

Answer

Gifts are absolutely not required; your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for. We truly appreciate the effort it takes to join us and are grateful for every mile you travel and every night you spend in Sisters. Your support and well wishes mean everything to us as we celebrate this special milestone. However, if you’d like to contribute in another way, we have included a registry on our website with some suggestions to guide you.

Question

Can I take pictures during the ceremony?

Answer

To ensure an intimate and meaningful ceremony, we ask that guests refrain from taking photos during this time. We want to fully engage with each other and with you without distractions, and we trust our professional photographer and videographer to capture the moments beautifully. You’re welcome to take photos during the cocktail hour and the rest of the evening. For now, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in keeping your cameras and phones off during the ceremony. Thank you for helping us make this a special experience for everyone!

Question

What time should I arrive for the ceremony?

Answer

Here’s a timeline of the events to help you plan your arrival: 4:00 PM – Guest Arrival We kindly ask that you arrive at the lawn adjacent to the FivePine Lodge Conference Center by 4:00 PM to get settled and find your seats for the ceremony. Please note that access to the ceremony area will be restricted after 4:20 PM to ensure an uninterrupted experience for everyone involved, so please plan accordingly! 4:30 PM – Ceremony Begins The ceremony will start promptly at 4:30 PM. We want you to be there for every moment, so please be settled in before the music begins! This will kick off our evening of fun, followed by cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and late-night snacks.

Question

Is there lodging nearby?

Answer

Absolutely! The venue is a charming, rustic lodge offering both rooms in the main house and lovely cabins. We recommend visiting our travel page to book your stay as soon as possible, since the wedding will be taking place over a holiday weekend. Additionally, Sisters has a variety of Airbnbs and hotels to suit different budgets. For information on airports and travel arrangements, please check out the travel page as well.

Question

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

Answer

We’re excited for you to join us and hope many of you will stay in town or at FivePine for the wedding. At this time, we are not arranging formal transportation. For your safety, if you plan to enjoy the festivities and drink, we strongly encourage you to plan your transportation in advance. Consider walking if you’re staying nearby, or arrange for a ride ahead of time. When you RSVP, please let us know where you’ll be staying. If you’re not staying at FivePine, we may be able to connect you with other friends and family in your area for travel arrangements.

Question

What if I have another question?

Answer

If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at katieandmattavila2025@gmail.com. Or reach out to someone in the Buchanan or Avila family. We can't wait to celebrate with you!