FAQs
Question
What's the dress code?
Answer
The vibe is formal attire - cocktail attire is also cool with us! The Barn at Madison recommends guests wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking in grass, their cobblestone driveway, and on some uneven terrain including their gravel parking lots.
Question
Can I bring a plus one or my kids?
Answer
Due to the limited capacity of our venue, the bride and groom spent a lot of time, riddled with stress and anxiety, on making the guest list. Therefore, the invitations and Save-The-Dates are written out to whom exactly is invited. We ask for respect on these decisions - planning a wedding requires a lot time, work, and money.
Question
Are the last names changing?
Answer
In short - no. We've decided as a couple that the whole "taking each other's last name" just isn't our vibe. We humbly ask that cards/presents not be addressed to "Mr. & Mrs. Carlson" or "Mr. & Mrs. Kauffman" - anything else is perfect!
Question
Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail in an RSVP card?
Answer
We're working on RSVP's - keep your eyes peeled for a formal invitation and options to RSVP through a mail in and electronically!
Question
Where are the ceremony and reception going to be at?
Answer
We are doing a good ole "one stop shop" - everything will be at the Barn at Madison! Address: 304 Madison Heights Road, Madison, PA 15663.
Question
Is The Barn at Madison wheelchair accessible?
Answer
In short, yes. For those who need the extra help, The Barn at Madison has direct "pull-up" spots to the ceremony, dinner, and reception areas. Please let Eric and Melanie know if you require assistance, so we can make your transition easier.
Question
Is there parking available at your venue?
Answer
Yes! There is a parking lot in the lower area for our guests to park their cars. For folks who need the extra help - please follow the signs for direct access to the ceremony and reception areas on the big day!
Question
Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?
Answer
Weather permitting, the ceremony will be outdoors! The dinner and reception to follow will be indoors - which will have AC. There will be easy access to the outdoors to play games (like cornhole!) or to take a break from the dancing during the party hours.
Question
Will there be alcohol?
Answer
Sure will - there will be an open bar for everyone! We'll also offer mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages for those who don't wish to drink.
Question
What's the weather like in Madison, PA?
Answer
In June, the average high for the area is 79F with the low being 56F. The sun usually shines with some cloud cover - the average humidity is around 76%. We highly recommend searching the local weather forecast before your travels to make sure you pack accordingly!
Question
What are some traditional activities we should expect at a Pennsylvania wedding?
Answer
For the folks who are not native to PA (like Eric was until Melanie taught him the ways), there are some Pennsylvania Dutch traditions that you'll see at the ceremony. There are as follows: 1. The Dollar Dance: This is also known as the "dollar dance" or "money dance" and is a Polish tradition done at almost every western PA wedding. During the Bridal Dance, all of the guests line up for the chance to dance with the bride while Polka music plays. The Maid of Honor wears an apron (or has a bag) and collects $1 (or $5, $10, etc) from each guest. The guests then get a shot of alcohol if they want (usually a schnapps or whiskey) and then hug or dance with the bride for about 5 seconds. After dancing with the bride, they join the growing crowd of people holding hands and dancing in a circle around the her. After all the guests have danced with the bride and are dancing in circles around her, the groom with his groomsmen try to break through the crowd to get to the bride. The groom eventually reaches his bride and carries her away. 2. The Cookie Table: A cookie table is a wedding tradition where a large table of cookies is presented to guests in addition to the wedding cake. The tradition is most common in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Youngstown, Ohio, but has spread to other areas. The tradition is believed to have originated during the Great Depression when wedding cakes were too expensive for many couples. Family and friends would instead bake cookies from scratch to save money and as a gesture of support. The tradition has since become a labor of love for the newlyweds, and is considered an important part of the wedding. Here's a link for more info: https://weddingcookietable.com/history/
Question
Does one simply walk into Mordor?
Answer
No. Its Black Gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep, and the Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust, the very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly.
Question
Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?
Answer
I thought not. It's not a story the Jedi would tell you. It's a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis... was a Dark Lord of the Sith so powerful and so wise, he could use the Force to influence the midi-chlorians... to create... life. He had such a knowledge of the dark side, he could even keep the ones he cared about... from dying.
Question
What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
Answer
What do you mean? An African or European swallow?
