FAQs

Question

What Dress is appropriate for this event?

Answer

This is a Black Tie Optional event which means ties are required & its formal enough that you have the option to dress it up to black tie level, but feel free to add a little personality to your selection. We want our guests to be comfortable in the day's weather so please take into consideration some dressy options to include which will allow you variety throughout the day. Appropriate attire includes: tuxedos or suits with jackets, paired with long or short sleeve dress shirts & a tie, formal (Prince Charlie) kilts, women's dress suits with an elegant dress shirt, respectful mid-length or long dresses, shawls/scarves if the weather is cool, heeled or flat dress shoes, and jewelry or other elegant accessories as you wish. Additionally, based on current case levels, we are currently asking attendants to please wear a mask when indoors and not eating. Many people we love have compromised immune systems, your health is most important!

Question

Will you still have this wedding with the current pandemic?

Answer

We have considered this very difficult decision, our planning began before the pandemic & many factors play a part including schedules, vendors, money, weather, etc. Unfortunately we can't predict future events but postponing has given us a better advantage and we dont want to postpone our wedding forever. The bride & grooms family have received their vaccinations and we hope all family & friends will receive it also. Our wedding is small (less than 100 guests) & we will take all precautions that are available. If you have even small/slight symptoms of any possible illness please stay home as some members of the wedding party are both elderly & immune compromised. If you are immune compromised please contact us so we can ensure additional precautions during your time at the wedding as well, the health of those we love is most important. We want you to remain safe, even though distance may separate us it cannot hinder your love & support which we still feel in our heart.

Question

Is the whole event outdoors? How should I prepare for the outdoors?

Answer

Many parts of this event including the ceremony & festivities are outdoors. The reception will be inside a rustic barn which is out of the elements but doesn't have heat or air conditioning. Late June tends to be hot (think July) but weather in Wisconsin can be hard to predict. The best way to prepare for outdoors is to wear classy breathable fabrics & dress with options: A tux jacket & light weight dress shirt, a shawl to cover arms or legs, a dress of a light weight material, flat dress shoes if your feet get tired easily, a dress hat if it's sunny, etc. Bug repellent will be provided; please be respectful of the formality of the event, as well as other guests (no one likes expensive dresses to smell like bug spray) & the environment, & kindly leave your bottle at home. Other ways to prepare is to apply sunscreen, dermatologists recommended applying it 15-20 min before going into the sun. Sunscreen will also be provided in the restrooms. Thank you very much.

Question

Are children welcome at the wedding?

Answer

The farm property is quite large; however, the ceremony site is beautifully quaint and has seating restrictions. Due to these size limitations it requires us to limit the guest count. We love children but we are unable to accommodate guests beyond the RSVP's sent out. Likewise, the reception has assigned seating and will be socially distanced reducing our ability to seat the full amount of guests. The reception will go late into the night (and we would love for you to stay with us and have a few drinks) so we hope a night without children will allow you an evening to relax.

Question

Is smoking allowed?

Answer

While the majority of the events at the wedding are outdoors, venue regulations state there is no smoking allowed on the property, indoors or outside except the designated smoking area. Cigars, e-cigarettes, and vaping are all considered smoking according to the venue. Please respect venue regulations (and the happy couple as they are not looking for fines). Many smokers say they use patches for wedding events; however, if you need to smoke please feel free to use the designated area. Also please keep in mind butts can be a danger to animals and children so please be respectful of littering and use the containers provided.

Question

Can I bring a date to the wedding

Answer

The short answer is yes, but only as listed on your RSVP. All guests must be listed on the RSVP card, this includes your spouse or option for a date, please do not bring additional people not listed on the RSVP as dinner has assigned seating and there will not be space for them. We feel no one should be forced to attend a wedding alone (unless they want to) so the option to bring a significant other, date, or one guest only will be listed on your invitation. Please RSVP with the option of 2 adults if your spouse or a date will be attending along with both your names as seating for the reception is assigned. If you do not have a spouse and would like to attend alone please list only 1 adult on the RSVP card.

Question

I am disabled, is this site handicap accessible?

Answer

The best way to determine if an individual will have access problems is for us to explain the venue. The site has no ramps at the venue and almost no stairs, the exception is one step up on the approach for the restrooms (they do not have a ramp). The ceremony is outdoors, there are no steep hills, the ceremony site is approx. 1 block from the parking lot and a relatively flat walk with a gravel path. Because it is outdoors you must pass over some grass areas to reach the ceremony seating and cocktail pavilion. There will be an usher to assist individuals to their seats if needed, and there is a golf cart available upon request to transport guests in need. If you require any services or have any concerns please feel free to call or message us and we will be happy to assist you to make the site accessible in any way needed.

Question

How is this a sustainable event? And how can guests help?

Answer

While we all know nothing is 100% we have taken great strides to reduce the impact of our event. - Outdoor venues support green space & reduce the use of lights/heat/AC, while being blessed with the beauty of nature - Cliff View Catering sources local ingredients. Most produce travels 1500 miles from farm to your plate. Buying local supports WI farmers, plus reduces pollution from importing food & energy use from growing food out of season. Suppliers include 'Produce With a Purpose', 'The Gardens', Vern's cheese, Breadsmith, & more. - Most decor is used/re-purposed. No balloons, tinsel, or plastic picks/straws used - We recycle - Flowers are fresh (or re-used), & most are grown in the US with some coming from the bride & grooms own garden - Outdoor lighting are LEDs - Printings are on recycled paper - Kindly leave bug spray pesticides at home (alternatives provided) - A portion of cash gifts will go to charity

Question

I have dietary requirements, do I need to inform you?

Answer

We have planned a variety of food options to choose from including vegetarian and vegan options; however, if you have specific restrictions or allergies you would like us to address in more detail please feel free to message either of us through text or email as soon as possible.

Question

What are you doing to protect guests after the COVID-19 outbreak

Answer

Please know that we completely understand concerns regarding this. We are working on more ways to help limit possible exposure but there will always be some level of risk when attending a social event. Currently we have: - A small guest count of only approx 85 people - A large outdoor farm with lots of space to wander around, and a barn with a large deck so anyone who wants to have space can find it. - Extra added chairs to allow people to sit spaced out during the ceremony, and we will have reserved a section physically separated from others for those who are immune compromised. - We have added spaced out the chairs to seat people further apart during the reception with less people per table. - We will be providing hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes during the event for people to use as needed. - Guests are asked to please wear masks indoors when not eating. - We are working with vendors to ensure best practices for disinfecting areas, as well as serving food and drinks.

Question

I am gender neutral,... transitioning,... transgender, ect... is this wedding inclusive?

Answer

Absolutely, we love you just as you are and want you to be yourself. Please dress however you feel most comfortable within the etiquette of a semi-formal event (ties, dresses, ect). Likewise, there are 3 bathrooms on the property (private, no stalls) all of which are available for use to all guests.

Question

If after reading the FAQ you still have questions here are some helpful guides:

Answer

Common questions and tips on wedding attendance and attire! www.brides.com/gallery/wedding-guest-etiquette-mistakes - Gentlmans attire - www.gentlemansgazette.com/the-formality-scale-how - and - Womans attire - www.hybridfashion.com/modest-formal-dress-how-to-dress-modestly-to-formal-parties-and-events/