FAQ

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

May 1st is the official deadline but we would love to hear from everyone sooner. Having a good idea of the head count and dietary restrictions will help us plan the menu for the reception.

Question

If COVID-19 isn't under control by next summer, do you have a plan?

Answer

Yes! We are ready to pull the plug on the full ceremony and reception as needed. The health and safety of our loved ones is our top priority. If need be, we may simply delay or perform a vow renewal ceremony at a later date. Fortunately, very little of our ceremony or reception requires big security deposits or stressful financial commitments, so this wouldn't be a problem.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

We are up against the occupancy limit for our reception space, so unfortunately we don't have a lot of wiggle room here. If your Save the Date indicated a guest, then yes. If not, we would prefer if it was just you.

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

Check out the Travel page for lodging recommendations and notes on transportation.

Question

What should I wear???

Answer

Jane and Ian will be dressed up, and so will Ellie. (See the illustration at the top of this page.) Feel free to get a little gussied up but don't worry too much. The ceremony and reception will be entirely indoors: maybe dress for summer, but bring a cardigan if you're worried about air conditioning being too strong for you.

Question

Will there be dancing?

Answer

NOPE! Go ahead and wear those shoes that look cute but pinch your toes. The reception will mostly be about eating, chatting, and maybe playing some games. Also people will hopefully say nice things about us, out loud, to everybody.

Question

Will Ellie be there?

Answer

Ellie will be an integral part of the ceremony. She will stay at home for the reception, though we will be sure to spoil her rotten with leftovers.

Question

Are kids invited?

Answer

Yes, if we have specified on your invitation! RSVP for them like you would for yourself. Let us know whether we should prepare booster seats at the reception and whether they have any particularly significant dietary restrictions so we can accommodate them. You know your children best, so prepare accordingly. We may also be able to connect you with a babysitter in the area if you think they may not care for the wedding events, or if you just want some grown-up time. If your kid likes to move around a lot, there won't be that much space at the reception. I also have to check with the reception venue to see if there are baby changing stations.

Question

It's the big day and I have a question! Who do I ask?

Answer

If you can't find the answer on this FAQ page, talk to your team captain! Couples commonly say that they regret having spent too much time "managing" their big day instead of enjoying it. To ensure Jane and Ian focus on what's important, we will enlist some of our family and friends to be point people for the weekend. We will share names and phone numbers after formal invitations go out.

Question

Where should I park for the ceremony and reception?

Answer

There are plentiful parking options for both the ceremony and the reception, and it is only a couple minutes walk between them. You could easily leave your car at one location and walk back for it later. The ceremony at Fairchild Chapel has a parking lot out back that is accessible from three streets: W Lorain St, N Professor St, and N Main St. The Feve has street parking out front as well as a big parking lot in the back.

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

Your presence is gift enough! We have friends and family at all stages of life: we understand if traveling out to Ohio puts pressure on your budget, so please don't feel pressured to get us anything. It's more important to us that you enjoy the weekend and support some local businesses. But if you'd like, we will have a Registry page on this website, with options to contribute to our honeymoon fund and purchase goods from other stores. We will post it after we send out formal invitations.

Question

Will there be wedding favors?

Answer

Because our lives and our wedding are so wrapped up in Oberlin, we wanted a way to honor our loved ones and the Oberlin community altogether. In lieu of physical wedding favors, we will make a donation on behalf of our guests to Oberlin Community Services (OCS). OCS is "a responsive community organization that provides direct assistance, referrals, and other services to Oberlin and southern Lorain County residents who need help meeting basic needs... OCS seeks to alleviate these problems by providing food and other necessary goods, vouchers for otherwise unaffordable prescription drugs or transportation, utility assistance when there is threat of shut-offs, and rent or mortgage assistance to avoid evictions and homelessness. OCS works on an interagency basis with regional partners to optimize available resources and services offered."