FAQs

Question

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

Answer

Yes! There is a 55-person motor coach bus that will travel from Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel in Norfolk to the venue in Smithfield, and will return to the hotel at the end of the night. The bus is primarily for guest staying at the hotel, but depending on available seats, may be available to non-hotel guests. *** Please request to ride the bus on the RSVP or reaching out to Jackie or Ryan prior to event day for accurate headcount!! ***

Question

I'm riding the bus, when is the bus leaving the hotel and returning at the end of the night??

Answer

Departure to the wedding: Please be at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel lobby at 2:45 pm sharp to load and prepare for a 3:00 pm departure. Please note - the bus will not be able to wait for anyone, so please plan accordingly for the time it takes for parking, traffic, and delays ahead of time. Return from the wedding: The bus will only be doing one return trip. Boarding the bus will begin at 10:30 pm and the bus will depart promptly at 10:45 pm. Again, the bus is unable to wait for anyone. Please ensure if you're riding, you are on the bus before they leave! :)

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please plan to arrive at the ceremony no later than 4:45 PM EST. Keep in mind, the wedding is on a Friday and Hampton Roads (the local area) is known to have **bad traffic**. If you plan on driving yourself, please account for extra time and use a reliable GPS source to avoid closures or accidents.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

Yes! There's plenty of parking including disabled parking spots.

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

Yes! We have a hotel block at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott (235 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510); https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1701736956500&key=GRP&app=resvlink Please use the hotel website listed above or call 757-627-4200 and reference the Ryan-Archer Wedding to book a room at a discounted rate ($169/night). All reservations are required to be made no later than April 17th, 2024.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Yes, please plan to wear semi-formal to cocktail attire. Cocktail attire - We suggest that men wear a suit or dress shirt with tie and women wear a midi- or knee-length dress or dressy separates; or Semi-formal attire - We suggest a cocktail-length dress or dressy separates for women and a suit and tie for men.

Question

Should I avoid any certain color attire?

Answer

Please avoid wearing white or shades of white. Also, note that the bridal party will be wearing dark mauve dresses.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

Only if specified on the invitation. Otherwise please refrain from bringing any uninvited guests due to venue capacity.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

Although we love your children, we regretfully cannot accommodate all of our friends and families' kiddos. We hope you will see this as an opportunity to let your hair down and enjoy the party with us!

Question

I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?

Answer

We will do our absolute best to accommodate. Please reach out directly to us ASAP but no later than April 22nd in order for us to work with our catering team.