FAQs

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

Our wedding is formal / garden formal. Think cocktail dresses, long dresses, or dressy jumpsuits for women, and for men we recommend a suit or dress pants with a button-down shirt. A tie is encouraged but not required. If you prefer, a blazer or sport coat with slacks and polished shoes is also perfectly appropriate. (Heels are fine, but we recommend wedges or block heels since part of the ceremony is outdoors at Airlie Gardens.)

Question

Where are the ceremony and reception being held?

Answer

The ceremony will be at Airlie Gardens, followed by a reception at Warehouse on Water in downtown Wilmington. All information can be found on the schedule page of this website.

Question

What time should I arrive for the Wedding Ceremony?

Answer

Guests may begin arriving at 1:30 PM for the ceremony. Please be seated by 1:55 PM.

Question

Is the ceremony outside?

Answer

Yes! The ceremony will take place in the gardens.

Question

Is there parking at the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Airlie Gardens has guest parking available. For the reception downtown, parking is limited to street parking, parking garages downtown, or there is also even a metered parking lot right next to Warehouse on Water. We recommend walking, rideshare, or carpooling if you’re staying nearby.

Question

Can I bring my kids?

Answer

Yes! Children are welcome to celebrate with us. Attendance is by invitation only, and little ones who are invited will have their own name included on the invitation.

Question

Will transportation be provided between the ceremony and reception?

Answer

We are not providing group transportation. The drive is about 15 minutes, and plenty of rideshare options are available in Wilmington.

Question

What about hotels or accommodations?

Answer

We have room blocks reserved at several Wilmington hotels. Details can be found in the accommodations section of our website. If you do not want a room block with the preselected hotels and need recommendations on Airbnbs or hotels outside of our room blocks, please let us know.

Question

Do you have a wedding registry?

Answer

Yes, we’ve set up a cash fund registry through Zola for our future home, and family plans. You can find the link under the registry tab.

Question

What should I do between the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Guests are welcome to enjoy exploring Airlie Gardens until 4:00 PM. We will also be having a coffee and suprise pastry hour at the gardens immediately following the Ceremony. Whenever you are finished exploring the gardens, should you choose to, you can head back to your hotels or airbnbs to freshen up before the reception. However you choose to spend the time, we kindly ask that everyone arrive in downtown Wilmington for cocktail hour, which begins promptly at 5:00 PM.

Question

What should we see and do while in Wilmington?

Answer

We’ve included our favorite recommendations for restaurants, coffee shops, and activities in Wilmington right here on our site. From strolling along the scenic Riverwalk to exploring filming locations from well-known movies and television shows, there is plenty to enjoy in this charming coastal city.

Question

Can we post photos on social media?

Answer

Absolutely! We’d love for you to share your memories. Please use our wedding hashtag #oliventureofalifetime so we can see all your posts.

Question

What airport should I fly into?

Answer

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is the closest option, just 15 minutes from downtown. If you don’t mind a road trip, Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Myrtle Beach (MYR), and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) are also convenient alternatives.

Question

Is there a deadline to book the hotel block?

Answer

Yes, most hotels release any unreserved rooms about 30 days before the wedding. We recommend booking early to lock in the discounted rates.

Question

Can I bring a plus-one?

Answer

We love celebrating with all our friends and family, but only those listed on your invitation are invited. Your Invitation will specify if you have a plus one invited.