FAQs

Question

Do you have a registry?

Answer

We do not! We are asking for NO GIFTS for this wedding. We truly have everything that we could possibly need (and then some). Our home is so full of love (and a laughable excess of stuff alongside a lack of space to put it all), so really, we appreciate the kindness, but we do not need anything. At all. Yes, really. Just come and enjoy the evening with us!

Question

What's the dress code?

Answer

This will be a formal event (please no jeans, tee shirts, or tennis shoes), but in the theme of Dia de los Muertos, we invite our guests to include vibrant color and have fun with it! The bride is also not wearing white, so no color is off limits!

Question

Will the exhibits be open?

Answer

Yes! But please be aware that we have only rented the upper gallery, so only the exhibits upstairs will be available to us. Please refrain from heading downstairs. As soon as the ceremony ends, the reception will begin and you're free to explore! We'll be bringing some board games as well, but seeing as we won't have a dance floor, please enjoy with this delightful museum has to offer!

Question

Will there be vegetarian/gluten free options?

Answer

We plan to have a few options for our vegetarian/gluten sensitive guests, but options will be limited. We're serving pizza and salad, and unfortunately the place we chose doesn't serve gluten free pizzas, so the only gluten-sensitive option will be salad. If you have other, stricter dietary restrictions, please feel free to bring your own options!

Question

Will there be alcohol served?

Answer

Due to additional venue costs associated with serving that we quite frankly just didn't want to pay, we have opted to have a dry wedding. We ask that our guests please respect this and refrain from bringing any alcoholic beverages of their own into the event (this includes the Ofrenda!) as it is against the venue policy. We will have a selection of sodas (both diet and regular), juices, and water available.

Question

Can we bring our kids?

Answer

Absolutely! We just ask that our guests only bring their own children. We have a limited number of spaces and we are not able to accommodate friends, nieces, nephews, or any other extended family of our guests.

Question

What is an Ofrenda?

Answer

Though typically displayed in the home during the evening of Dia de los Muertos, an Ofrenda is an altar upon which offerings are made to departed loved ones. These offerings typically include photos depicting loved ones, items to encourage the deceased to feel welcome and at home (favorite foods or treats, flowers, toys, trinkets, jewelry, etc.), and candles to help guide their way home. They can also include items like a basin, rag, soap, and mirror for the deceased to refresh upon arrival. These altars are often adorned as well with marigolds, whose petals are often trailed from the deceased's resting place all the way home to guide their path, and calaveras. Please remember: the Ofrenda is NOT meant for the couple! As stated above, we are not including a registry and certainly do not expect (or request) gifts, so anything placed on the altar is assumed to be intended for the deceased and will be handled accordingly.

Question

What can we bring for the Ofrenda?

Answer

Anything you would like! We are inviting all of our departed loved ones, whether the couple knew them or not, to celebrate and share in our joy! Feel free to bring pictures, treats and trinkets, or any of their favorite things! Although it is not traditional to eat any food offerings left, we welcome our guests to bring any pre-packaged items their loved ones enjoyed in life to share with everyone with the understanding that food items left on the altar may be enjoyed by our living guests. We ask that any items that are precious to you are collected at the end of the night. Wherever possible and appropriate, please label your precious item with your name and contact information as a precaution. Any food items remaining will be thrown away, and any items accidentally left over will be retained by the couple for one week before being donated or otherwise disposed of. The only restriction is that we ask that no live candles are brought. If you choose to bring a candle, understand that it will not be lit. This is a restriction of the venue, not us!

Question

So...the names...?

Answer

We recognize that our family and our friends (and one another's family and friends!) may know us by different names. The groom goes by Tommy among friends and the bride's family based on his middle name. The bride added a first name that is used by her friends and the groom's family. Please continue to refer to us by whichever name you're used to! We'll both answer to just about everything! Also, on the OTHER topic of names, the bride has chosen not to take the groom's last name. Legally she will remain Hotovec and the groom Cervantes, though we will answer to Mrs. and Mr. of either name!

Question

And finally

Answer

Many of our dearest friends and family members (as well as the bride herself) identify as LGBTQ+. We strongly encourage everyone to express in a way that feels authentic and comfortable to themselves, including in ways that aren't "traditionally" associated with their perceived gender. This will be an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for everyone! We hope this will not be an issue, but we will not tolerate any form disrespect and will not hesitate to ask anyone to leave.