FAQs

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

The ceremony will begin at 2:00 pm. We recommend arriving about fifteen minutes early so that you can park your car, find a seat, and make yourself comfortable.

Question

What time should I arrive at the reception?

Answer

Cocktail hour will begin at 5:00 pm. The Mitchell Park Conservatory will not admit guests into the venue early, so we do not recommend arriving prior to 5:00 pm.

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

We feel that cocktail attire would be most appropriate for this occasion, but we are excited to celebrate with you regardless of what you are wearing.

Question

Is parking available at the ceremony and reception venues?

Answer

Yes. St. Sebastian Church has a parking lot on the north end of the property (adjacent to St. Sebastian School). If the parking lot fills up, street parking is also available. The Mitchell Park Conservatory has a very large parking lot directly south of the domes.

Question

Will the ceremony be a full Mass?

Answer

No. Because this will be an interchurch marriage uniting a Catholic and a Lutheran, we will be celebrating matrimony without Mass. This means that the Liturgy of the Eucharist will not take place (communion will not be offered). The ceremony is expected to take about 40 minutes.

Question

Will shared transportation be available?

Answer

For the ceremony, guests are responsible for their own transportation. For the reception, we will have a shuttle bus available which will transport guests from the Drury Plaza Hotel to the Mitchell Park Conservatory and back. The shuttle bus will make multiple trips throughout the night, so those who are taking the shuttle can still leave as early or late as they would like.

Question

I'm coming in from out of town. Where should I stay?

Answer

Welcome to Milwaukee! We have a hotel block at the Drury Plaza Hotel in downtown Milwaukee, so you can book there at a discounted rate using the link in the "Travel" section of our website. If you'd prefer to stay at a different hotel, there are a variety of other lovely options downtown. If you'd prefer to stay in the suburbs, the nearest suburbs to our venues are Wauwatosa and West Milwaukee.

Question

What food and beverages will be served?

Answer

There will be an open bar during the reception, with soft drinks, beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Small bites will be available during cocktail hour. Dinner will consist of a salad course (poached pear salad), an entree (beef rouladen or butternut squash ravioli), and wedding cake. Late-night snacks will also be available.

Question

I have dietary restrictions. Which entree should I select?

Answer

Neither of the meal options contain peanuts. The beef rouladen is free of gluten and tree nuts. The butternut squash ravioli is vegetarian. Please let us know about any food allergies when you RSVP, even if the entree you've selected does not contain your allergen(s). This will help us make adjustments to your salad and dessert so that everything is safe to eat.