FAQs
Question
Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail in an RSVP card?
Answer
Yes! You are able to RSVP here on this website, or you can also use the pre-stamped and addressed envelopes that were included with the invitations, whichever is more convenient. :)
Question
What date should I RSVP by?
Answer
Please RSVP by no later than August 1, 2023 so that we have time to make the seating arrangements. Thanks in advance!
Question
What are the addresses of the wedding ceremony and reception venues? Are they wheelchair accessible?
Answer
The address for both the ceremony and reception is 5768 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843. This venue is completely wheelchair/handicapped accessible as everything is on the first floor, and there is a ramp for the elevated seating and bathrooms in the reception hall.
Question
What is the easiest way to get to and from your wedding venue(s)?
Answer
The ceremony and reception venue is located on the south side of Grand River Ave in Howell, MI between Latson Rd and Dorr Rd across from Lake Chemung, very close to I-96 expressway. Please keep in mind that there is a large construction project happening on I-96 in this area and could cause delays and/or detours. Here is the link to the information about the I-96 construction if you would like it: https://drivingoakland.com/i96-flex-route/
Question
Is there parking available near your wedding venue(s)?
Answer
Yes! Crystal Gardens has a very large parking lot. The closer areas have recently been repaved, but the back areas have not, so if you do need to park in the back areas, watch out for potholes!
Question
Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The ceremony will be held in the outdoor chapel, which is completely covered overhead (and quite solid) with open doors and curtains on all of the walls, and should still be able to be used in the case of inclement weather (to a certain extent). The reception will be held inside the main banquet hall in the Celebrity Ballroom.
Question
Have you reserved blocks of rooms at one or more hotels?
Answer
Yes! We have a block of rooms reserved at the Hampton Inn & Suites of Howell, MI which is only about 5 minutes away from Crystal Gardens! Please see the Travel page for the block information/URL.
Question
Will there be a shuttle to and/or from the hotel(s)?
Answer
No. However, if you are unable to drive home at the end of the reception, the venue said it is okay to leave your vehicle parked there overnight and you can take a taxi or rideshare service.
Question
What is the dress code for your wedding?
Answer
The dress code is Dressy Casual Attire. We want you to be comfortable at our wedding. We chose the beginning of September because we are hoping for nice weather that is not unbearable hot, but with it being Michigan, you just never know. Please keep an eye on the weather, and prepare accordingly, as the ceremony will be in an outdoor chapel. Suggestions: Women - sundresses, lightweight separates and flats/wedge heels/sandals for the ceremony in the outdoor chapel. Men - light dress shirt with khaki or other lightweight slacks; jackets and ties optional (except for the wedding party!).
Question
What is the weather like in the area?
Answer
Most of you live in or are from Michigan, but I'm including this anyway! Michigan weather can be very unpredictable, so please keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly! We are hoping for moderately warm and nice weather at this time of year, but you never know.
Question
Am I allowed to bring my children?
Answer
Yes! Children under 2 years old are free and not included in the guest count for dinner. However, they are counted for seating and room capacity purposes. They also have highchairs available, if needed. Please let us know if you would like us to request one for your child.
Question
What type of food will be served at your wedding?
Answer
When the reception hall first opens at 5 pm, there will be a selection of hors d'oeuvres (cheese, crackers, fruit, & vegetables) set up. The main meal will be family style, served after the wedding party is introduced and speeches/toasts have been given. The dinner will have 2 entrée options, pork medallions and chicken traverse city (grilled chicken with a cream sauce and dried cherries), roasted seasoned red skin potatoes, green beans, cavatappi Bolognese, house salad, and bread.
Question
Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?
Answer
Unfortunately, no. We tried to make a good selection of items that people can eat.
Question
Will there be an open bar?
Answer
Yes! Check back soon for more info.
Question
Could you give me a link to your wedding registry?
Answer
Our registry is also through Zola and there is a tab on this website.
Question
Where should we bring/send our wedding gift?
Answer
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honor us with a gift, you can have it delivered to our home at 7500 Donna St, Westland, MI 48185. A wedding card box will be at our reception.
Question
What is the wedding day itinerary?
Answer
The outdoor chapel for the ceremony is booked between 2 and 3:30 pm. The ceremony will start promptly at 2:30 pm, so please arrive between 2 and 2:25. The chapel needs to be cleared by 3:30 so that the venue can prepare for the next event booked there at 4. The Celebrity Ballroom is booked for the reception between 5 and 10 pm, so there will be about an hour and a half between the ceremony and reception. The doors to the ballroom will not open until 5 pm. You can remain in the common areas of the hall or their bar (if they have enough staff to keep it open), or there are many local restaurants/bars/cafes/parks nearby. I have also gotten permission from the hotel we have a block at (see above) to allow our guests to utilize their common areas as long as they are respectful of people staying at the hotel. When the doors open at 5, there will be an hors d'oeuvres display available, and dinner will be served after the introduction of the wedding party and speeches/toasts. After dinner, the dance floor will open up!
Question
What time should I arrive at your wedding ceremony?
Answer
Please arrive between 2 and 2:25, as the ceremony will begin promptly at 2:30 pm.
Question
What time will your wedding reception end? Is there an after-party?
Answer
The reception will end at 10 pm. At this time we do not have plans for an after-party.
Question
Will there be a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception?
Answer
Yes, there will be about an hour and a half between the ceremony and reception. The doors to the ballroom will not open until 5 pm. You can remain in the common areas of the venue or their bar (if they have enough staff to keep it open), or there are many local restaurants/bars/cafes/parks nearby. I have also gotten permission from the hotel we have a block at (see above) to allow our guests to utilize their common areas as long as they are respectful of people staying at the hotel.
Question
Could you suggest places to eat, drink and see while I am in town for your wedding?
Answer
Please check back later for more info.
Question
Am I allowed to take photos at your wedding?
Answer
Yes, we are actually going to encourage it by doing a little photo scavenger hunt competition (more info on that will be available at the event). During the ceremony, please do not use any flash photography. For both, please do not get in the way of our professional photographer for your own photos. Thank you!
Question
Can I post wedding photos on social media?
Answer
Of course! If you post on either Facebook or Instagram, please tag Keith and I, and use our hashtag, #Howlin4Lowery.
Question
What is your wedding hashtag?
Answer
#Howlin4Lowery
Question
Will you be live streaming your wedding?
Answer
We do not have plans to live stream our wedding.
Question
Where will wedding updates be posted?
Answer
We will put any updates on this website, and if there are any major changes, we will also both make posts on our Facebook pages. We will probably enlist help from our wedding party to send text messages as well if it is something very important or different.