FAQ
We want your planning process to be as smooth as possible, so you can relax and enjoy this journey to your legacy. Below we’ve answered some frequently asked questions. Still have questions? Visit our contact page, and drop us a note! We are thrilled to help.
Absolutely! We understand that sometimes events need just a little extra time to create unforgettable memories. That’s why we’re more than happy to accommodate your request for additional hours at a reasonable cost. If you’re looking to extend your event until 1 AM on Friday or Saturday nights, we can provide that extra hour (plus an hour for breakdown from 12-1 AM) for an additional fee of just $1000. Should you prefer to start your festivities a bit earlier, we also offer the option to add extra hours to the beginning of your rental at a rate of $500 per hour. We’re here to help make your event a smashing success, so feel free to reach out and let us know how we can assist you in creating a truly unforgettable experience!
At our venue, we understand the importance of a smoothly executed rehearsal before the big day. That’s why we schedule rehearsals for 8pm the night before the wedding, allowing you and your wedding party to practice and perfect the ceremony. However, we also know that flexibility is crucial in making sure everything goes according to plan. So, if you’d like to change the time or day of your rehearsal, we’re happy to accommodate your request based on availability – even if you’d prefer to have it on the day of the wedding itself! Our friendly team is always here to ensure that your rehearsal experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
The use of nails, tacks, screws, staples, florist clay or tape is prohibited without written venue staff permission. We allow candles in enclosed containers. Tapered candles are allowed if they are fully enclosed or LED. You may use lightly colored fresh flower petals outdoors and indoors, and silk flower petals indoors ONLY. The following items are prohibited: loose glitter, tinsel, confetti, can sprays, crepe paper, rice, sand, birdseed, hay or hay bales, stickers, potpourri.
The Bowden offers (2) complimentary tasting seats per contracted event except for school banquets. Additional seats are available at the current tasting pricing. You are welcome to invite family members, planners, and wedding party to the tasting so long as there is space. Keep in mind that you will not likely taste all the food selections that you make. The tasting is a way to attend a meal prepared by the Chef and his team, meet our wonderful staff, answer some of the questions you may have about your event, and get excited about your special day.
For special menu requests- private tastings are offered at an additional charge.
We love our furry friends and realize the importance of having your pets be a part of your special day! You are welcome to have someone in charge of bringing your pet no more than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and taking them back home after pictures.
We offer in-house catering with our award-winning culinary team. They can even recreate your most beloved family recipes. We would be happy to discuss allowing outside catering for specific religious reasons (i.e., Kosher, Halaal, etc.) for a per person fee.
To ensure the integrity of our beautiful ballroom and its floor to ceiling windows and sparkling chandeliers, we do not allow cold sparks in the building. If you would like to have them, we recommend that you use them as a grand exit option in our front drive.
(Please note, that city permits, and time guidelines would apply)
The coordinator, complimentary with every event, is there to make sure that your venue experience is seamless. They will answer all questions and give advice throughout the final weeks, handle communication with vendors regarding venue details, your point of contact on wedding day regarding all venue needs such as: lighting, provided sound, temperature, rentals, setup, and breakdown, as well as maintaining a clean environment.
The Bridal attendant is available if you do not have a wedding planner or need an extra set of hands at an additional cost. She oversees your day of needs and is your personal trusted general support for the Bridal party to run the day’s schedule. She will also help bustle your dress, grabs you a drink, and ensures all questions filter through her to make your day stress free.
With a Dance floor and Stage, we can comfortably hold 500 people. Our ballroom divides into 3 sections allowing smaller size events to still feel more intimate. Classroom and theatre style allow more people depending on setup.
We welcome many trends and traditions. We do allow the champagne towers; however, we discourage the sword opening as a safety precaution.
Our normal tour schedule is Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm. If you are not able to make it at those times, we will do our best to accommodate another time pending any events going on. We will not do tours when a wedding is in-house out of respect for privacy.
While our ballroom has many light settings, we do not provide up-lighting or pin-spots. Those can be brought in by another vendor and we are happy to provide you a vendor list of people that excel in this.
While confetti is not recommended, we will allow it for a $1,000 clean-up fee.
We do allow sparklers for the exits and our walkway makes for some great pictures with them!
We only rent our chapel without the ballrooms within a month of the event date.
