Wedding FAQ

Your Destination Wedding - in Richmond, VA!

What reception dining styles do you offer?

We offer the following three styles of dining for your wedding reception:

• Plated Dinner
• Dinner Buffet
• Heavy Hors d'Oeuvres

What is the Difference Between a "Plated Dinner" and a "Dinner Buffet?"

Plated dinner is the most formal style of reception we offer. With a coursed, plated dinner, the host may choose to serve the same entree to all guests, or offer guests a choice of entrees in advance. When guests are offered a choice of entree, this information is included on the invitation response cards. An entree pre-order is required 2 weeks in advance of the event date. The guests are usually assigned seating, and the host provides place cards, which also indicate for the serving staff the guest’s dinner entree pre-order.

The dinner buffet menu is designed to offer your guests a variety of choices. Appetizers are available butler style or hand passed for cocktail hour, and then as the buffet opens, guests may visit the buffets and be seated for dinner. The wedding party might have a table or two reserved for them, but the hosts do not have to assign seating for the guests at this style of reception.

What is a "Heavy Hors D'oeuvres reception?"

Also called a “cocktail” reception, this style is perfect for more relaxed celebrations. Seating is included for up to 50% of your guests, in addition to several stand-up cocktail tables. By limiting seating and arranging food displays throughout the room, you are encouraging your guests to mix and mingle. We begin with passed hors d'oeuvres and your signature drink during cocktail hour. The main food service features several displays. One display will have an assortment of plattered items. Another display will showcase small plates: two- to three-bite hors d'oeuvres served on miniature plates or in small china crocks. Your guests may also enjoy a "create-your-own" option, such as a Pasta Station, Mashed Potato Bar, Mac & Cheese Bar, Carving Station or Taco Station.

Can I taste the reception food?

We offer special tasting events four times each year. At the tasting events, you will have the opportunity to sample a variety of appetizers, entrees, small plates, food stations, and signature drinks. Each wedding contract will receive complimentary tickets to a tasting event, and the opportunity to purchase tickets for additional guests. Details about, and dates of, the upcoming tasting events will be shared by the Event Team when an event is contracted.

What does the on-staff event coordinator do?

Our Staff Event Coordinators meet with the clients twice during the planning period and are available via phone and email to answer questions you may have about your event at The Boathouse. The Event Coordinator assists your officiant at the wedding rehearsal, verifies arrival of your vendors on the day of the wedding, guides the Wedding Party through the wedding ceremony, and acts as a liaison with the vendors to coordinate the reception. Couples are welcome to hire a personal wedding planner for additional assistance if desired. All decorating beyond placement of items on table should be done by a professional decorator, florist, or personal wedding planner.

What is discussed at the planning meetings?

The first meeting, which usually takes place three months prior to the event date, focuses on the reception details: menu, room arrangement, linen color, timeline, and outside vendors. The final meeting, about 2 weeks prior to the event date, finalizes the reception details, as well as discussing the wedding ceremony.

Are linens included?

For weddings, we provide floor-length linens in your choice of color, with over 50 overlay options. Specialty linens and colors are available at an additional cost.

Are plates and glasses included?

We provide all necessary plates, glasses, cutlery and napkins for your event.

Do you provide centerpieces?

The Boathouse has a limited supply of silver lantern centerpieces with battery operated candles. Check with your Event Coordinator for availability.

Do you have dressing rooms?

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing has one full dressing room. The Boathouse at Sunday Park has one private room adjacent to the Women’s restroom for hair and makeup touchups before the ceremony begins.

Do you charge a cake cutting fee?

Our staff will cut and serve your wedding cake for no additional fee. Specialty cakes must be provided by a licensed and insured professional.

Can I add extra time to my reception?

Yes, additional time may be added to events based on availability, and arranged in advance with the Event Coordinator. An additional fee of $500 per hour will apply.

How long can alcohol be served?

Bar service is available for up to 5 consecutive hours during your event.

Can I have my engagement and/or wedding portraits taken at The Boathouse?

The Boathouse Wedding clients are welcome to schedule a photo shoot on our grounds with no fee. All other photo sessions will incur a rental fee. Photo sessions may be scheduled Monday through Thursday, based on availability, and must be reserved through the Event Department.

Can I have my wedding ceremony at The Boathouse if I am planning on having my reception elsewhere?

Wedding ceremonies are only available as an addition to a wedding reception package.

What are your menu item and price change policies?

The Boathouse is committed to providing you and your guests with a truly excellent dining experience. At times menu items are changed due to seasonality or unavailability of ingredients. We also remove and add items based on guest feedback. We guarantee the wedding menu prices six months in advance and limit any wedding price increase to no more than 10% per year.

How many staff members will I have on site during my event?

To provide excellent service for your catered affair, we have the following server to guest ratios:

• 1 server for every 25 guests at a stand-up reception.
• 1 server for every 16 guests at a seated reception (buffet or plated menu).
• 1 bartender for every 75 guests.

What do the banquet servers wear?

Our banquet staff wears black dress pants and black collared shirts.

Is a tip for the staff included in the cost of the event?

An 18% gratuity and a 4% service charge are added to the cost of the event. The gratuity and service charge will be applied to food, beverage, AV equipment, rental items, ceremony packages, and fees for additional hours added to event time.

What is the cost to have a wedding on a holiday?

The cost for a holiday event is based on the day of the week and time of year the holiday falls on, with the exception of New Year’s Eve, which has the same pricing as a Saturday Evening. Private events are not available on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.

What deposit is required to reserve a date, and what is the payment schedule?

The location fee is paid as a deposit to reserve a date. 50% of the estimated balance is due six (6) months prior to the event date. 75% of the estimated balance is due 90 days prior to the event date. The final guest count, final menu decisions and final payment are due fourteen (14) days prior to the event date. These scheduled payments are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

What is the cancellation policy?

Should you decide to cancel your event after payment of the deposit, liquidation damages on estimated revenue will apply. Damages are based on a sliding scale and listed on the contract. All deposits and scheduled payments are nonrefundable.