FAQs

Question

Is the wedding inside or outside?

Answer

BOTH: The ceremony will be held inside the Indiana Landmarks Center's Grand Hall. The cocktail hour will be held OUTSIDE under the tent at the Indiana Landmarks Center's Place de Basile immediately follow the ceremony. The reception will then be held back inside the Indiana Landmarks Center's Cook Theater.

Question

What's the dress code?

Answer

Semi-formal/cocktail attire. Use this as an excuse to break out the fancy outfits: (Ladies) Cocktail dresses, little black dresses, dressy jumpsuits; (Gentlemen) Dark jackets and slacks, suits & ties, sportscoats - just no jeans!

Question

When should I arrive at the Indiana Landmarks Center?

Answer

Please be at the venue by 4:50 PM, as the parents will start being seated at 5:00 PM sharp. Since guests enter through the same doors the wedding party will be using, if you arrive after 5:00, you will have to wait outside the Grand Hall until the processional is complete. Feel free to follow the adage: “Early is on time; on time is late; late is unacceptable." :)

Question

Will transportation to and from the wedding be provided?

Answer

Absolutely! We want everyone to let loose and stay safe at the same time. Transportation will be provided from the Bottleworks Hotel and Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown beginning at 4 PM. Details will be provided to guests staying at these hotels upon their arrival at check-in.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony and reception?

Answer

If you plan to drive your own vehicle, parking is available in the Indiana Landmarks Center lot adjacent to the building and in Morris-Butler House lot at the corner of 12th Street and Park Avenue on a first-come, first-served basis. On-street parking is allowed on Central and Park avenues and 12th Street. If you're planning on indulging in some adult beverages, you will need to make sure you have a sober driver at the end of the night. We highly recommend utilizing Uber/Lyft or the shuttle being provided if you are staying at one of the hotel blocks.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

If your invitation says “and Guest,” then yes; if not, you’ll be flying solo, but we have the coolest friends & family, so you’ll definitely still have a blast :)

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

If your invite included your children's names, they're more than welcome to tag along; if not, this is your excuse for a parents' night out/kid-free weekend getaway to Indy!

Question

Will there be any vegetarian/gluten free/special diet options?

Answer

We will have vegetarian dinner options. If you have other specific dietary restrictions, please note those on your response card and send it in prior to the RSVP deadline of September 10th. We will work with our caterer to accommodate you to the best of our abilities!

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

We’d kindly ask for your reply no later than Friday, September 10th. Please return your response card via USPS as soon as your able (since the postal service is still struggling with extra volume and staffing). We even provided you with postage (you’re welcome)! :)

Question

Do I have to RSVP?

Answer

Yes please! We need an accurate head count to share with the caterer and venue right after our response card deadline of Friday, September 10th. We'd love to have you join us and just want to make sure we're ready for you. Please do not assume we know you are coming or not.

Question

What should I do if plans change after I've already RSVP'd?

Answer

Please let the grooms know as soon as possible! There are specific deadlines with some vendors, so accurate headcounts are important; however, we understand that plans change last minute sometimes.

Question

Will there be an open bar?

Answer

Absolutely! Adult beverages (cocktails, beer and wine) will start flowing at cocktail hour and not stop until last call at 10:30 PM. Be sure to bring cash to tip the amazing bartenders who will be taking care of you all night!

Question

Is there a wedding hashtag?

Answer

We're millennials, so obviously! Use #HowardBoutSmith on your social media posts so that we can easily relive what's bound to be an awesome day (and don't forget to tag us too)! There will also be a "Smith Howard Wedding" Snapchat filter for your use on location at the Indiana Landmarks Center. :)

Question

When should we book our travel?

Answer

Zach and Michael would highly recommend booking your travel as early as possible! Check out the "Travel" page above to find the two hotel blocks set up at different price points (these blocks close a month before on Wednesday, September 15th). We also recommend checking out the great AirBNB offerings in the downtown area.

Question

What will the weather be like (mid-Oct. in Indy)?

Answer

The average high-temperature, in October, in Indianapolis is 65°F, while the average low-temperature is 43°F (according to NOAA). As the cocktail hour will be OUTSIDE under a tent regardless, please keep an eye out on the weather forecast and pack your best fall layers.

Question

Are there any local places you'd recommend while in town?

Answer

Of course (courtesy of Zach, Indy tour guide extraordinaire)! Check out the "Things to Do" page above for some of our favorite places downtown. If those recommendations are not enough, check out Visit Indy's Digital Visitor Guide at https://www.visitindy.com/indianapolis-visitor-guide

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

Zach and Michael are registered through Zola.com and Pampered Chef; check out the "Registry" page above!

Question

Will one of the grooms be changing his name after the wedding?

Answer

Yes! Zach will be changing his last name to Howard after the couple is married (because there are PLENTY of Smiths in the world). So if you are addressing any wedding cards, feel free to write them to "The Howards!" :)