I've Got Questions!
Question
When is the RSVP deadline?
Answer
We'll need your RSVP by July 12, 2026!
Question
Can I bring a plus-one?
Answer
We are only able to accommodate the guests formally invited on your wedding invitation.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
This will be an adults-only evening with the exceptions for closer friends and family.
Question
What time should I arrive?
Answer
It all depends on what you want to make work! If you want to make the casual social hour, come between 5-6 PM. If you want to make the ceremony, come by 6:15 PM. If you want to make it in time for some BBQ, come at 7 PM. If you just want to get down with some drinks and a great live band performance by the FunkDaddies, swing in between 8-10 PM.
Question
What's the theme of this wedding and how shall I dress?
Answer
This wedding will be an all-out fun wedding with a casual Summer Garden Party/Beach Wear theme. No black-tie required!
Question
How many people can this venue hold?
Answer
They say that they can have up to 300 people at this venue. We've invited well over this, so we are relying on the trend that 25% of people can't or won't make it, so it should be a pretty packed house!
Question
Where should I park?
Answer
Parking is free in the parking lot and on the road just to the North, but if possible, PLEASE TRY TO CARPOOL to make it easier for everyone! The venue has a covered drop off loop in case of rain, but please don't drive anything too tall into it!
Question
Will there be transportation?
Answer
This may change, but we have not made any special arrangements for transportation. Uber and Lyft are available in the Cedar Rapids area if needed, but vehicles need to be removed by 8:00 AM on Saturday because another wedding will be starting.
Question
What's a unique feature of The Midnight Gem?
Answer
There is an outdoor courtyard area with fire pits, a putting green, and games!
Question
Is there a Harvest Hosts place or camping near by?
Answer
Yes, there is! You'll have to make arrangements with Cedar Ridge Distillery (just down the road) to be able to set up a camper there if you'd like to support them and follow the rules of Harvest Hosts. If you are into camping (like we are) there are several campgrounds around the area as well. F.W. Kent Park, Sandy Beach Campground, Lake McBride State Park, and Sugar Bottom Campground just to name a few.
Question
Beverages?
Answer
The Midnight Gem has a bar with 2 bartenders on staff. We plan on having some kegs of beer for our guests, but the rest will be a cash bar. There will be pop and juices available too. All alcoholic drinks must be provided by The Midnight Gem. WE MAY BE SUBJECTED TO A FINE IF OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS BROUGHT ONSITE.
Question
What's for dinner?
Answer
We'll have 2 meat options and homemade sides from "Up In Smoke" BBQ!
Question
What's for dessert?
Answer
We are going away from the traditional cake and cupcakes and going with Brownies and Soft-serve Ice Cream!
Question
Will The Midnight Gem do the bussing of tables?
Answer
Unfortunately, No. The clean up of your plates and cups will need to be done by you to the appropriate garbage receptacles.
Question
Where are you registered?
Answer
We are using Zola's registry with just one group participation item to go towards our dream honeymoon vacation in 2027 to Switzerland to go on a biking and camping tour of the mountains! You can find our registry tab right here on this website. If that isn't your style, feel free to go with something more traditional near the sign-in book/gift table.
Question
Other questions?
Answer
You can reach out to Joe at... joe.hilgendorf@gmail.com And Stacie at... sjmerta@gmail.com