FAQsFAQs

Question

When should I RSVP by?When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP by May 15, 2026

Question

What’s the dress code?What’s the dress code?

Answer

We kindly ask guests to wear dressy/semi-formal attire. Ladies are invited to wear dresses, and gentlemen are invited to wear dress shirts, dress pants, or suits. As the celebration will begin with a church ceremony, we encourage clothing that is both elegant and respectful of the setting. We want everyone to feel comfortable while helping us create a beautiful and respectful atmosphere for the day.

Question

Can I take photos during the wedding?Can I take photos during the wedding?

Answer

Of course! We welcome photos throughout our wedding day and love the idea of everyone helping capture special memories. During the ceremony, we kindly ask that you be mindful of our professional photographer and videographer so they can document each moment. At the reception, QR codes will be available at each table so guests can easily share their photos and enjoy everyone’s memories together if they choose to.

Question

Will transportation be provided?Will transportation be provided?

Answer

Transportation will be available for the bride and groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen only. All other guests will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the ceremony and reception.

Question

Will the wedding be kid-friendly?Will the wedding be kid-friendly?

Answer

Yes, we look forward to celebrating with guests of all ages. Children listed on the invitation are warmly invited.

Question

Is parking available?Is parking available?

Answer

Yes, parking will be available. At the Basilica, parking is available behind the Shrine and is accessible off of South Park Avenue (Rte. 62). You can find more visitor information (as well as a map of the parking lot) on the Basilica's website: https://www.olvbasilica.org/visitor-information. Plenty of parking will be available at the reception venue as well.

Question

Are the Basilica and Marygold Manor wheelchair accessible?Are the Basilica and Marygold Manor wheelchair accessible?

Answer

Yes, Our Lady of Victory Basilica is wheelchair accessible via ramps and elevator. Marygold Manor is also wheelchair accessible.

Question

Will there be a hotel block?Will there be a hotel block?

Answer

We will not have a hotel block reserved for our wedding. To make travel planning a little easier, we have included several hotel suggestions on the "Traveling to Buffalo" page of our website. With the Buffalo Airport nearby, there are many hotel and Airbnb options available, including several accommodations very close to our reception venue. Guests are welcome to stay wherever is most convenient for them.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

The ceremony will begin promptly at 11:30 AM. We kindly ask guests to arrive 30 minutes early (by 11:00 AM) to ensure everyone has time to find parking and find their seats in the large Basilica. Please take your seats toward the front of the Basilica so the front rows may be filled first.

Question

Will the ceremony be a full Mass?Will the ceremony be a full Mass?

Answer

Yes, our wedding will be celebrated as a full Catholic Nuptial Mass at Our Lady of Victory Basilica.

Question

What happens right after the ceremony?What happens right after the ceremony?

Answer

The ceremony will be approximately one hour long (11:30am-12:30pm). Because another wedding is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm, our photographer will be taking photos of the wedding party in the Basilica immediately following the ceremony. Due to the limited time available for photos inside the church, there will not be a formal exit line. Guests will have plenty of time to greet the bride and groom later at the reception. After the ceremony concludes, all guests (besides the wedding party, parents, and grandparents) are kindly asked to exit the Basilica. After our photographer finishes taking Basilica photos, the newlyweds, bridesmaids, and groomsmen will head to the Buffalo Botanical Gardens for additional photos. During this time, Hannah’s parents will be hosting a casual cocktail hour at their home for all guests who would like to stop by. The cocktail hour will be held from 2:00pm-3:45pm. Guests are warmly invited to come to the cocktail hour and enjoy light refreshments, drinks, and time to relax and visit with family and friends before the big party!

Question

Do I have to attend the cocktail hour?Do I have to attend the cocktail hour?

Answer

Not at all. For guests who'd prefer not to attend the cocktail hour, no worries! You are equally welcome to take this opportunity to explore Buffalo on your own or simply relax before the big party. Whether you’d like to grab a coffee, stroll through Canalside, visit the Polish American Arts Festival right down the street from Hannah's parent's house, or check out local shops and breweries, Buffalo has plenty to enjoy. (We've included a few of our favorite spots in the "Things to Do" section of our website in case you're looking for ideas:)

Question

What time should I arrive at the reception?What time should I arrive at the reception?

Answer

Please arrive to Marygold Manor at 4:00pm to ensure you have time to greet the bride and groom and find your seats before the grand entrances and champagne toast.

Question

Will there be an open bar?Will there be an open bar?

Answer

Absolutely! We’ll be celebrating with a top-shelf open bar! It will be available from 4:30pm to 10:00pm. *Please note that the bar will briefly close for 30 minutes during dinner (from 5:00pm-5:30pm), and will reopen from 5:30pm-10:00pm*

Question

What time does the reception end?What time does the reception end?

Answer

Our reception will begin wrapping up around 11:00pm as our venue requires all guests to be out of the building by 11:30pm.