FAQs

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Yes! Formal attire is requested. For women, please wear mid-length or floor-length dresses (no short lengths, please), or coordinated sets. For men, suits or dress jackets with ties are requested. While we don’t have specific requirements for color or fabric, we encourage guests to dress for a classic and refined cathedral and ballroom celebration. Thank you!

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

For the ceremony, there is a surface lot directly across the street from St. Andrew's Cathedral, located at the northeast corner of Sheldon Blvd SE & Maple St SE. Parking there will bring you right up to the Cathedral’s entrance. Additional public parking can be found nearby along Sheldon Blvd and surrounding streets. For overflow parking or alternative options, downtown Grand Rapids offers several ramps and garage lots within a short walk. For the reception: The McKay Tower is located right in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and there is unfortunately not a valet option. Guests may use metered street parking on Monroe Center, Pearl Street, or adjacent blocks. Nearby parking ramps such as the Monroe Center Parking Ramp or Pearl-Ionia Garage are located within a short walk of McKay Tower. Another convenient option is the Sears parking lot on Pearl Street (between Ledyard and McKay Tower) — an evening flat rate applies. We highly recommend carpooling or using a rideshare on our wedding day, as downtown parking can fill quickly. Please allow a few extra minutes to park, walk over, and arrive at the Cathedral and McKay. If you’re driving, plan for downtown parking patterns and arrive a bit earlier to avoid stress. We want everyone to celebrate joyfully — and safely. If you plan to drink, please arrange for a rideshare, taxi, or designated driver. Many of the nearby hotels are within walking distance of the Ballroom at McKay Tower, and rideshare services are readily available downtown.

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

We love celebrating with all of our favorite people! Due to space limitations (and wanting to keep things personal), we’re only able to accommodate the guests who are specifically listed on your invitation envelope. If your invitation says “and Guest,” a plus one has been reserved for you. If not, we appreciate your understanding that the invitation is just for you.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

While we adore your little ones, our reception will be an adults-only occasion. We have made special exceptions for the children in our immediate families—our beloved nieces and nephews. Due to space limitations, we are unable to accommodate additional children for the evening. We would be delighted to have children join us for the ceremony, should you wish. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please aim to be at the Cathedral by 1:45pm.

Question

What should I expect at the ceremony if I am not Catholic?

Answer

Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony, and we embrace all guests with open hearts. During the Catholic Mass, there will be a time for Holy Communion. In the Catholic faith, the Eucharist is reserved for those who are practicing Catholics. Guests who are not Catholic are warmly invited to either remain seated during this portion of the Mass or to come forward with arms crossed over the chest to receive a simple blessing from the priest. We are deeply honored to share this tradition with you and thank you for your respect and participation in the way that feels most comfortable for you.

Question

Can I take pictures?

Answer

To preserve the sacredness of the sacrament we request that no photos or videos be taken during the ceremony—our professional photography team will capture everything beautifully. Guests are warmly welcome to take photos and videos throughout the reception as we celebrate together.

Question

What should I do in between the ceremony and cocktail hour?

Answer

Following the ceremony, there will be a few hours before the cocktail hour begins while the bridal party takes photos off-site. We invite guests to use this time to relax, freshen up, or enjoy one of the nearby restaurants or cafés for a bite to eat or a drink. If you’d prefer, you’re also welcome to return home or to your accommodations to change or drop off your car before the reception—rideshare options such as Uber or Lyft are readily available to make your return convenient. We appreciate your understanding of the schedule and look forward to celebrating with you when the festivities continue at the reception!!