FAQs

Question

Do I need to be vaccinated to attend?

Answer

Yes! We are so excited to see you on our big day! In order to keep everyone safe, we’re kindly requesting [or our venue is requiring] that all guests comply with the following COVID health and safety rules in order to safely attend our wedding: Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination–if you have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the wedding, please bring your vaccination card (or photo of it) and a photo ID to our check-in desk at the wedding. Proof of negative COVID test–if you haven’t been vaccinated, please have a COVID test done within 48 hours (or timeframe required by the venue) before the wedding. Please bring your results with you, as well as a photo ID to our check-in desk at the wedding. We truly hope that everyone will comply with these rules but understand if you can’t. In the interest of ensuring the safety of all guests, vendors, and venue employees, unfortunately, no guest will be admitted to our celebration without proof of a negative test or full vaccination.

Question

Where should I park at the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Ceremony: Street parking is available on Blanding, Pickens and Laural Street. Parking also available Richland One District Office (across from Hampton-Preston Garden), Reception: 701 Whaley has a parking lot next to the building on Whaley Street. They also have parking across the street on Wayne St.

Question

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

Answer

The dress code for our wedding is Black Tie Optional. Ladies that means a floor-length or midi gown, a fancy cocktail dress. Men can wear tuxes or dark suits. The theme of the wedding is formal garden party.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony, to make sure everyone is on time and we can get the party started as scheduled.

Question

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

Answer

Yes! There will be a shuttle running from the main hotel to the ceremony space (Hampton-Preston Mansion and Garden). The shuttle will also take people from the ceremony to the reception( 701 Whaley). The shuttle will leave at 4:00PM, 4:30PM, and 5:00PM from the Graduate Hotel to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Garden. Please note there may be a wait to get to the cocktail hour/reception because there is only one shuttle.

Question

Will the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception take place indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The ceremony will take outdoor in a garden. There is a grassy area you will have to walk on to get to your seat at the ceremony so we recommend ladies wear heel that won't sink in grass.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

If your invitation says “and Guest,” then yes, if not, we would prefer if it was just you.

Question

Will there be food and drinks at the reception? What will be served?

Answer

Yes, immediately after the ceremony the cocktail hour will start at 701 Whaley. Hors d'oeuvres will be available and the bar will be open. After a cocktail hour a plated dinner will be served. View the menu below. First Course - Southern Black-eyed Pea Salad Fresh Greens topped with fresh local Tomatoes, Black-eyed Peas, Pickled Onion, and our house vinaigrette Second Course Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits - Shrimp in a rich Tasso & Andouille Sauce served over creamy Adluh Stone Ground Grits. Served with Collard Greens 'Signature" Pecan Encrusted Chicken - Chicken Tenderloin marinated & soaked in Buttermilk, tossed in our Pecan breader, and deep-fried. Topped with Bourbon Butter. Served with Smoked Gouda and Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens. Filet Mignon - Marinated and gilled to Med-Rare and topped with Chive Butter. Served with Brown Buttered Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Rainbow Carrots. Vegetable Tetrazzini - Nest of Pasta with Roasted Vegetables with Garlic & Parmesan. Topped with Sweet Potato Curls