FAQs
Question
Are you using a Wedding Registry Website?
Answer
Short answer: No. Riley and I have lived together for five years, and are lucky enough to already have most of the necessities of everyday life. As much as we'd love beautiful linens or fancy mixers, the thing we would truly love is a little help saving up for a down payment on our first home together! If you're able, you can contribute as much or as little as you like. And if not, your presence on our big day is present enough!
Question
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend the wedding?
Answer
Short answer: Yes. For the peace of mind and safety of all our guests, we will require that all attendees be double vaccinated and boosted.
Question
What's with the hour long gap between Ceremony & Reception? Will there be a cocktail hour?
Answer
Short answer: No. During the break between our Ceremony and Reception, we ask that all guests leave the venue so that our incredible Wedding Planning team can "flip" the space and get it ready to go for dinner. We will not be facilitating a cocktail hour for our wedding, but you can absolutely make your own at one of the many amazing restaurants and bars in downtown Victoria (see "Things To Do" page for suggestions). You could also kill the time by relaxing back at your hotel or by taking a stroll around downtown Victoria.
Question
Will there be an Open Bar?
Answer
Short Answer: No. We will be doing drinks by donation. There will be a jar at the bar for you to donate as much or as little as you like for your drinks! If you want to pop a toonie in there every time you grab a drink, perfect! If you want to put a twenty in there at 5 pm and then just grab drinks all night, also perfect! This way the bar doesn't have to handle any money and you don't have to keep track of any drink tickets. Easy.
Question
I am travelling to Victoria from outside Canada, is there anything I should know about Canada's current travel policy?
Answer
Short answer: Yes. Canada is currently processing all travelers via the ArriveCAN app. We recommend you download the app a few days before your travel date to ensure a smooth boarder crossing. You can find detailed information on Canada's ArriveCAN process at this website: https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan.html#travel-with-others
Question
Can I bring a plus one?
Answer
Short answer: No. Your invitation will specify whether you have been allotted a plus one.
Question
What is parking like at the Fort Common?
Answer
Short Answer: Limited. The Fort Common is in the heart of downtown Victoria, and unfortunately does not have it's own designated parking lot. The closest parking lot is on Broughton Street. It's your classic pay per hour parking lot (~ $2.50/hour). If you get lucky there is also street parking nearby at a similar rate. Street parking is free after 6 pm, but if you leave your vehicle overnight you will need to recover the vehicle by 9:00 am Sunday to not get ticketed. We hope that everyone comes equipped to party to their heart's content! So we encourage everyone to walk (if their hotel is close enough), or to cab if you're staying farther away.
Question
Is this an outdoor wedding? What do you expect for weather?
Answer
Short answer: Yes, this is an outdoor venue. The Fort Common is a private courtyard in the heart of downtown Victoria, so our venue will have both the pros and cons of August Vancouver Island weather. It will likely be very warm for the ceremony, shade will be provided, but please remember to wear sunscreen to the ceremony! Then, when the sun hides behind the buildings and the ocean breeze rolls in during the reception, it could get a little nippy, so please remember a sweater or cardigan. Ideally, some drinks and dancing will keep us warm for the whole night!
Question
Is Smoking Allowed in the Venue?
Answer
Short answer: No. While The Fort Common is an outdoor venue, there is no smoking permitted on the premises. Thank you for your understanding.