FAQs

Question

Can I offer a dessert?

Answer

YES! Brian and Juliet are super excited to be offering a dessert buffet. If you would like to bake something (Brian is partial to pies, Juliet loves chocolate!), please reach out to Juliet by email! Youc an also sign up to bring a dessert on our registry (I hope it works...). MANY THANKS!

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

It will be hot-- men are welcome to wear suits with removable jackets and women are welcome to wear formal summery, fun dresses! Stay cool. ***Backs must be covered in the church!***

Question

Do I need to be vaccinated to attend the wedding?

Answer

Brian and Juliet have both been vaccinated, but our guests do not need to be vaccinated to attend our wedding. If you are concerned about the numbers of guests who aren't vaccinated, please contact us.

Question

Do I need to be tested for Covid before the wedding?

Answer

We only strongly encourage you to be tested before the wedding if you live with or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 AND you have not been vaccinated. We also strongly encourage out-of-state travelers to be tested before the wedding if you are not already vaccinated. The CDC describes restrictions regading travel between states here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html.

Question

Approximately how many guests will be attending?

Answer

138 adults and 44 children have confirmed their attendance, and we are still waiting to hear from 6 guests. The max number that could come are 186 guests, including at least 46 children. Rosensteel Hall has capacity for up to 300 in their VERY large reception hall. We personally believe it is a comfortable space for our guests, even during a pandemic. If you feel uncomfortable or have questions, please reach out to Juliet and I can answer your questions!

Question

Is the ceremony indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The ceremony is inside Saint Rita Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA. The church is large and spacious, and very beautiful-- we are excited for you to witness our vows in such a beautiful, sacred space!

Question

What is the Covid-19 response of Saint Rita Church?

Answer

Effective 5/28, from https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/bishop/public-messages/2021/changes-to-covid-19-protocols/ The Commonwealth of VA lifted nearly all of its guidelines on May 28.  In response to these significant changes and after consultation with medical and public health professionals, Bishop Burbidge lifted most of the guidelines enacted during the pandemic.  The changes are in effect. There will be no occupancy limits and no social distancing requirements at any church function, including Mass. Churches will follow state guidelines, meaning fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks. Those who are unvaccinated are encouraged to wear masks. No one will be asked their vaccination status nor be restricted from entering a church or inhibited in any way for not wearing a mask. 

Question

Is the reception indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The reception will be primarily held in the main hall at Rosensteel Hall. There are other indoor spaces available to us for those who would like to spread out, as well as limited outdoor space for walking around on the property of Rosensteel Hall.

Question

Will people be masked while indoors?

Answer

1) St. Rita Church is large and spacious, and we are confident it will easily accommodate all of you. Masks are not required within the church, but encouraged for all and HIGHLY recommended by anyone not vaccinated. Please respect this if you are unvaccinated! 2) The reception venue invites all guests to wear masks whenever moving about the hall. Those seated and eating will not be required to wear a mask. We have done our best to seat only families, households and close friends at the same table.

Question

Will dinner/eating be happening indoors (is there an option to eat outdoors instead)?

Answer

Yes, we will be eating dinner indoors. The meal will be served indoors, so unfortunately we cannot accomodate eating the meal outdoors. However cocktail hour will include appetizers leading up to the dinner which may be eaten outside on the Hall grounds.

Question

Will tables/seating be socially distanced according to current public health guidelines?

Answer

The service staff will do everything possible to keep tables socially distanced according to current public health guidelines. Given the number of guests attending, this should possible.