The ceremony will be taking place in the Conservatory of the Botanical Gardens which is NOT air conditioned. There are many tropical plants and they need heat and humidity to survive. Temperatures can reach above 100 degrees. We would like you to wear "Garden Party" Casual attire. The reception will be in an air conditioned cafe, half inside and half outside. The dance floor area will be outdoors as well (weather permitting). If you need special accommodations for the ceremony, we would be happy to help you out!
A meal will not be provided, but there will be some appetizers and an open bar to order drinks from. We would encourage you to eat before you come and enjoy the party! (See "Things to Do" tab for our recommendations of good restaurants in the area.)
Please RSVP as soon as you are able but August 20th, 2021 at the very latest. We would love for you to come and would like to know whether or not you are attending!
Of course! Out DJ even has a site that you can put in your recommendations. Put it in the “Open Dancing Music” section. This is our DJ's app for taking requests before the wedding. Click on this link so you can select your favorite songs to be played on our special day! See ya on the dance floor! https://vibodj.app.link/8FrMbocJ9eb
Until you leave (or the lights turn off). We will party all night long until we get kicked out!
We will start the ceremony promptly at 7:30 p.m. If you are late you might miss it, but you’re still welcome to come to the reception afterwards! You can be at the Botanical Gardens anytime starting at 6 p.m. Just tell the front desk you are going to the wedding and they can help you from there.
If you feel so obliged, but we would prefer a donation to our honeymoon fund more than anything!
The only provided entertainment for kids will be dancing! If your kids love to dance or run around being crazy, then yes, if not then they will be incredibly bored.
Duh. What a dum question (that's right, so dumb it doesn't even deserve the "b")
You can take as many photos as you want. We ask that you please do not take photos during the ceremony or as we are walking out or during special moments (that’s what the photographer is for). Take any photos you want but please make sure you experience the night in person and not through your phone. If you take any really awesome photos of the night, please send them to the bride and groom! (email: syd.eli.wedding@gmail.com)
If you are planning on staying overnight in Des Moines, we have listed several hotels for you to stay at. They are listed under the “Places to Stay” tab. Please also know that we will not be holding any blocks of rooms at any hotel.
No. There will not be any arranged transportation to the ceremony location. Please plan on driving (or hitching a ride or walking) to the ceremony. There will be plenty of parking at the venue!