Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How do I book a room in the room block at the Westin?
Answer
We’ve reserved a block of rooms at The Westin Sarasota which is where the bride and groom will be staying! The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, just a 10-minute walk from the church where the ceremony will take place on Saturday. All weekend transportation will run to and from the Westin. The room rate in the block is $299/night plus taxes. Please use the link below to reserve your room. Once you are on the site, you’ll see that the room block starts on Tuesday, so to get to May, please click the tiny right arrow. Note, to request a specific room type (king bed vs 2 queens) please add that to the "special request" box and the hotel will honor your request. You can also call the hotel's reservation number at 1-866-912-1077 for any special requests that need to be noted on your reservation. We encourage you to book early! Please book using this link: https://book.passkey.com/e/51081161
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
Friday: The welcome party will be beach chic. Dresses and jumpsuits and floral patterns for the ladies, slacks and button downs for the men. Friday will be a mix of outdoors and indoors and will take place on grass so please choose your footwear appropriately. Saturday: The wedding dress code is formal. Women are encouraged to wear long dresses or formal cocktail length dresses. Any color or pattern is welcome! We encourage men to wear a suit and tie in any color or fabric. The cocktail hour will be outside and on grass so women, please choose your footwear accordingly! Dinner will take place inside.
Question
Will transportation be provided?
Answer
Transportation will be provided on Friday from the Westin to/from the Charles Ringling Mansion at New College Hall. Transportation will not be provided from the hotel to the ceremony, however, it is a short walk (10 minutes) from the Westin. We recommend walking, driving, hitching a ride, using the hotel shuttle, or Ubering to and from the church. There is plenty of parking on-site. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. We will have shuttles from the Westin hotel to the reception departing promptly at 4:30pm to ensure you're arriving before the festivities start. The drive down to Venice is approximately 35 minutes so please plan accordingly! Shuttles will be provided following the reception starting at 9pm, dropping people off both at the after party as well as the Westin. You may also drive and park at the Venice Golf and Country Club.
Question
Is parking available at the hotel?
Answer
Valet parking is available at the hotel for a nightly fee of $50, however, we recommend skipping the rental car if you are staying at the Westin. The hotel is very centrally located, and there is a free shuttle service that the Westin provides to take you anywhere in a three mile radius. If you prefer having a car, there are also parking garages right near the hotel for nightly fees of around $20.
Question
The ceremony is at 2:30pm and the cocktail hour starts at 5:15pm, what should I do in between?
Answer
This time is yours! Feel free to stop by the rooftop bar at the Westin, stop by Boca for a drink, take a drive to St Armands, or hold a mini-party in your hotel room. Have a ball! Buses will depart from the Westin at 4:30pm.
Question
What's so special about the Venice Golf and Country Club?
Answer
The Venice Golf and Country Club holds a special place in Grace and Danny’s hearts. Grace’s grandparents lived there for over twenty years, and she spent many holidays and vacations visiting with her family. Once Grace and Danny started dating, they began spending holidays there together which is a tradition they’ve continued since moving to St. Petersburg. You will now find them often going down to the VGCC on weekend visits.
Question
Anything else I should pack?
Answer
A swimsuit for the Westin rooftop pool!