FAQs

Question

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

Answer

Dress formally please! We ask that you avoid wearing jeans or white dresses. We also encourage you to have fun with what you wear! Colors and patterns and sparkles, oh my!

Question

What will the weather be?

Answer

In late September, Dubuque has usually been pretty mild temperature wise. Between the high 50's and the low 70's. We're hoping for the same for our wedding! Suit jackets and long sleeves may not be a terrible idea just to be safe. However, something you can remove easily is also probably a good idea in case it gets warmer.

Question

Where is the ceremony and reception? Will it be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

Both the ceremony and reception will be at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Dubuque, Iowa. The ceremony will be at the Lagen-Buelow Gazebo and the Reception will be a short walk away at the amphitheater. Both locations are outdoors. However, the amphitheater has a covered area.

Question

What will happen if it rains?

Answer

We don't talk about that. But if we had to we'd say that the ceremony would be moved to the covered amphitheater and have accommodations available.

Question

What happens after the ceremony?

Answer

The wedding party and family will take some quick photos and the reception area will be getting its final touches. Guests are encouraged to head to the grass by the Packard Pavilion to grab drinks and play some lawn games! You're also welcome to walk around the arboretum and take in the beautiful views, but make sure you're at the reception area by 5:00 pm for introductions and dinner!

Question

Are there other wedding events we should attend?

Answer

It is highly encouraged that you join for the after-wedding bar crawl in downtown Dubuque! We're leaving the wedding venue at 9:15pm and would love to have you join us!

Question

What should we do if we can't make it?

Answer

We'll miss you! But we totally understand. Please make sure you RSVP "Cannot attend" on this website so we can plan accordingly.

Question

How do we get to the venue?

Answer

If you're staying at the Grand Harbor Hotel or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dubuque - West, we'll have a trolly service available to take guest to and from the venue! Check the Travel tab of this website to see the schedule! If you're staying elsewhere and you're not planning on driving, there are Ubers and Lyfts available. If you would rather drive your own car, there is free parking available at the Arboretum! Please drink responsibly and if you're planning on driving, have a designated driver :)

Question

When should we get to the venue?

Answer

We encourage you to get to the venue by 2:30 pm to ensure everyone is on time and ready for the ceremony to begin at 3:30pm! Just please be aware that there is a wedding before ours and act accordingly and respectfully. You can tour the grounds if you get there too early!

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

Absolutely! Little ones bring the party! Just please keep and eye on your kiddos as the grounds are large and it's easy for them to get away from you. Also please be sure to RSVP for your kiddos too!

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

Unfortunately do to limited space, if a persons name isn't on the invitation, we just simply don't have room. Trust us, we wish we had room for everyone! Thanks for understanding!

Question

Is there a hotel block for guests?

Answer

We will have hotel blocks available with 15 rooms at The Grand Harbor Resort and 15 rooms at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dubuque - West! Please visit our travel and lodging tab on this website for more info!

Question

What is the RSVP deadline? Do I need to mail back an RSVP or can I just do it online?

Answer

The RSVP deadline is August 15th, 2023 and not a day later. Please please please make sure you RSVP or we will assume you're not coming, go through a whole mourning period, and wont have enough food or space set up. Please don't waste money on postage for RSVP's! Just RSVP on this website under the RSVP tab :)

Question

Will food and drinks be available at the reception? If so what kind?

Answer

Our main course will be pizza from Magoo's! The different kinds will be dependent on who all RSVP's so we'll update this as we know! There will be gluten free and dairy free options. We'll also have a tables with various charcuterie and desserts! We will provide both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including water, tea, sodas, beer, wine, and 3 specialty cocktails.

Question

Are you registered?

Answer

You can find our registry under the "registry" tab on this website! You are most definitely not expected to give any money or gifts, but if you feel so inclined, that's where you'd do that! We'll also have a card and gift table at the wedding!

Question

Can we take photos and videos of the wedding?

Answer

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! If you do, we just ask that you avoid sitting next to the aisle and stay clear of the photographer and cameras that we have set up for our wedding video! We also ask that you send us any video you take because we're cutting together our own video, and any extra footage will help make it great! You can send that to ashleymilligan510@gmail.com!

Question

I have a question you didn't answer here - how do we contact you?

Answer

You can email us! Ashley can be reached at ashleymilligan510@gmail.com and Adam can be reached at adamdodell@gmail.com