FAQs
Question
Do you have any hotel recommendations?
Answer
We strongly encourage everyone traveling to book through our room block at the Hilton Netherland Plaza as most of the events will kick off from here. Room blocks are open and you can find the link under hotel in the travel section.
Question
Am I allowed to bring my children?
Answer
Unfortunately, we cannot host anyone under the age of 21 at our wedding. We appreciate your understanding.
Question
Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail in an RSVP card?
Answer
In order to be more environmentally friendly, since we are having multiple events, we have opted to have guests RSVP through our website. We will need you all to RSVP separately for the Welcome Night, the Ceremony and Reception as well as the Farewell Brunch, as our caterers will need headcounts to make sure everyone is taken care of.
Question
What date should I RSVP by?
Answer
TBD. Will be announced shortly.
Question
What are the addresses of the wedding ceremony and reception venues?
Answer
You will find addresses for everything under the itinerary section of the website.
Question
Are the venues wheelchair accessible?
Answer
There are elevators at both the Hilton where the reception is and the Columns where the welcome night is, as well as a paved path leading to the ceremony site, should you need additional assistance let us know and we will do whatever we can to accommodate you.
Question
Is there parking available near your wedding venue(s)?
Answer
The Hilton has a parking garage, you are welcome to self park for $35 a night or valet for $45 a night Additional Parking for the Reception that may be $30 or less: 1. Fountain Square South Garage - 416 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 2. 3CDC Public Parking - 410 Race Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 3. 580 WALNUT GARAGE - 580 walnut street Cincinnati, OH 45202 4. 120 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 5. MABLEY PLACE GARAGE with walkway to the Hilton- 410 Race Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 6. Carew Tower Building - 410 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Parking Lot across from the Ceremony: Central Riverfront Garage - 124 Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Parking for our Welcome Night at the Columns in Findlay Market: We strongly advise utilizing the parking lots listed below, for a full map please see attached website - https://www.findlaymarket.org/parking Parking Lot North - Fenwick Alley, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Parking Lot West - 214 W Elder St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Question
Will there be transportation provided for the Friday Welcome Night?
Answer
We will not have any formal transportation for Friday night. But don’t worry, there are couple of ways to get to the Columns from the Hilton if you are not planning on driving. You can catch a free ride with other guests on the Connector. We will be planning coordinated times as the event gets closer. You can also request an Uber/Lyft, it’s a quick ride to the venue from the Hilton.
Question
Will transportation to and from ceremony and reception venues be provided for Saturday?
Answer
Yes! If you are not planning on driving yourself, or walking to Smale Park (10 min walk), you can catch a ride on “Big Red”, our shuttle bus courtesy of Doug Wilson, the groom’s father, who has graciously lent us this gem of a vehicle. There will be scheduled shuttle times for guests leaving from the Hilton to the riverfront for the ceremony and back to the Hilton for the reception. These will be announced as we get closer to the day.
Question
Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?
Answer
Our wedding ceremony will be outside by the riverfront. We will keep a close eye on the weather it’s advised that you plan accordingly as the ceremony site is not heavily shaded. Our reception will be indoors in the Hiltons’s Hall of Mirrors ballroom.
Question
What is the dress code for your wedding?
Answer
Our dress code is formal.
Question
Are there any colors or styles you'd prefer me to wear?
Answer
We want you all to feel comfortable in whatever you choose. Fall colors are encouraged but not mandatory. Whatever you decide we know you’ll shine.
Question
What is the weather like in the area?
Answer
We will post weather updates the week of, but we advise you to check the local news or your preferred weather app as we approach the big day. Generally, the weather in Cincinnati in October is clear to partly cloudy skies, with temperatures being on the warmer end 60s/70s during the day, dropping to 40s/50s in the late evening.
Question
What type of food will be served at your wedding?
Answer
Those who know us know we love food! So be prepared to eat to your hearts content. You’ll have the opportunity Friday night to try the best bbq that Cincinnati has to offer along with some light desserts. On Saturday, we'll be serving passed hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour, followed by a salad appetizer, a duet plated dinner and delicious fall themed desserts. We will also be having late night snacks, the Hilton’s version of a Cincinnati classic, “Skyline Chili”.
Question
Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?
Answer
Yes! We take your needs very seriously, so please let us know about any and all dietary restrictions and allergies. If you are vegetarian or vegan, there will be an option to choose this when you RSVP for each event. If you have other dietary restrictions and allergies, there will be space to provide further details when you RSVP to each event.
Question
Will there be an open bar?
Answer
Absolutely! Drinks are on us for our hotel reception. So let loose, have fun and meet us on the dance floor.
Question
Where should we bring or send our wedding gift?
Answer
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! However, if you would like to honor us with a gift, you can find a link to our honeymoon fund on our website under the “Registry” section. For those who would prefer a more traditional approach, we will have a gift table with a card box at our reception.
Question
What is the wedding day itinerary?
Answer
For those staying at the hotel, you can find the complete itinerary in your welcome bags. Otherwise, we encourage you to utilize the “Itinerary” section of the website to find all pertinent day of information and wedding weekend planned events.
Question
What time should I arrive at your wedding ceremony?
Answer
We encourage guests to arrive at least 15-30 minutes early to allow time for you to get situated, take pictures, enjoy the riverfront park and listen to some wonderful music by the talented Scott, of “The Touchables”, our entertainment guru for the evening.
Question
What time will your wedding reception end? Is there an after-party?
Answer
Our wedding reception ends at 12 am. We will be having an informal after party at the Palm Court Bar to sip on our favorite expresso martini’s in the city.
Question
Will there be a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception?
Answer
There will be an hour long time gap between the ceremony and the start of cocktail hour, but don’t fret, we have some plans up our sleeves to occupy your time. But it’s a secret so you’ll have to wait to find out.
Question
Could you suggest places to eat, drink and see while I am in town for your wedding?
Answer
We have a section on the website titled “Things To Do”. We have divided it into sections of the city, most you can walk to from the Hilton, some you may want to Uber or drive. We promise with us at the wheel, you will not be bored!
Question
Will there be other events to attend on the wedding weekend?
Answer
In order to spend as much time with you all as possible, we have planned an optional Welcome Night on Friday and a Farewell Brunch on Sunday that is open to all wedding guests. Specifics can be found in the Itinerary section of the website and in your welcome bags if you are staying at the hotel.
Question
Am I allowed to take photos at your wedding?
Answer
We are having an Unplugged Ceremony, so we kindly ask guests to stow their phones. Our lovely photographer Sherri will be getting all the social media worthy shots at our ceremony so you don’t have to! Prior to and after the ceremony, pictures are encouraged and you can find many beautiful spots along the riverfront.
Question
What is your wedding hashtag?
Answer
#ShannaTysTheKnot
Question
Can I post wedding photos on social media?
Answer
Absolutely! We would love to see photos of all our loved ones happy and having fun at our wedding. Please feel free to use the hashtag #ShannaTysTheKnot so we can all enjoy them.
Question
Where will wedding updates be posted?
Answer
All wedding updates will be posted on the website, so check back as often as you like.