FAQs

Question

What should I do if I already know I can't go?

Answer

We will miss you! We would love to have every one of you here but know that some of you will be unable to attend because of prior commitments or difficulty traveling. Because of limited capacity, every seat counts, and we would love to fill your seat with another friend. Please call or text Mackenzie at 614-783-4711 to let her know if you are unable to come.

Question

Can I take photos during the ceremony?

Answer

We ask that you please refrain from taking any photos during the ceremony because it can distract from the Mass. If you would like a copy of one of our photos, we can send you the link to access the photos from our photographer when we get them.

Question

What time do I need to be at the Basilica?

Answer

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart has 4 weddings on our date. Doors will open at 8:30am, and all guests must be in and seated by 8:45am. At 8:45, the doors will be locked until after the ceremony begins, in order to allow for the procession. If you tend to run late, you can plan to arrive at 8am. The worst that happens is that you're early and you "have to" spend half an hour on one of the most beautiful campuses in America!

Question

Can I bring pets?

Answer

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart has a very strict prohibition against pets, even if they're adorable. The only exception is service animals. (Therapy dogs do not count.) Pets are not allowed at the reception, either. You are welcome to bring your pet up to South Bend if (s)he stays in your hotel.

Question

Is there a hotel block?

Answer

Yes. Look on the "Travel" page for information about a hotel block.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

Unfortunately, due to limited capacity at our reception venue, we are not able to accommodate all families. If your invitation is addressed to the family, you may bring your kids, as well.

Question

I have a dietary restriction. What can I do?

Answer

If you have any dietary restrictions, we ask that you please let us know on your RSVP. We plan to have the vast majority of our food for lunch be gluten free and dairy free as a default. If you have any other dietary restrictions, we can accommodate those, as well.

Question

Will there be a Cookie Table?

Answer

Yes, there will be a cookie table, with both regular and allergen-free cookies. For those unfamiliar with the cookie table tradition, it's a Pittsburgh (PA) tradition in which people bring cookies and set them up on a beautiful table, and it's amazing because there are SOOO MANY COOKIES! My (Luke's) mom is from Pittsburgh, so we want to continue the tradition. Not all guests are expected to bring cookies. If you would like to help, contact Matthew Donahue (615-419-5351) or Ashley Kraker (614-353-5649), our "Cookie Table Coordinators." In your message, please state your name and relationship to Mackenzie and/or me, so that they know you're not spam.

Question

Do you have a registry?

Answer

Yes. You can click on the "Registry" tab on our website to see it.

Question

What can I do in South Bend?

Answer

We have lots of suggestions on our "Things to Do" tab! Please feel free to look there and coordinate with friends and family for an even more awesome weekend!

Question

We'll be coming in from out of town. What's the best way to get there?

Answer

We have information for driving and flying on the Travel tab of our website. Please look there for information on closest airports and major highways.

Question

Can I bring my own alcohol?

Answer

Unfortunately, we are not allowed to permit outside alcohol. If we could have, rest assured there would have been some awesome homemade mead!