Are we allowed to bring in an outside caterer?
Bon Appétit Management Company is the exclusive caterer for the Carlson Center and must provide all food and beverage served at the event. The only exception is a wedding cake and small party favors.

What time are we allowed to host our event?
Monday through Friday events must occur after business hours. The guest arrival time must not take place prior to 5:30pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, guest arrival may occur at any time. Events may not run past 12-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Events Sunday through Thursday must conclude by 11:00pm, unless the event is on an evening before a holiday when the building will be closed. Each event is allowed up to six hours. Additional time can be requested; overtime is $250 per half hour.

Are we allowed to host a private lunch or an early afternoon event?
Only on Saturdays and Sundays.

When is the actual guest count due?
On the Tuesday prior to your event, by 10am.

When is the last time I can change my menu from what was originally planned?
Up to 10 business days prior to your event.

When can I drop off my wedding items for your staff to set up for me?
There is a final appointment which takes place two or three days prior to your event. Items such as champagne glasses, guest book, placecards, gift box and favors are often brought to this appointment. The final appointment is also when we finalize the seating chart and when the final payment is made.

What time can we begin set up?
The Rotunda is available for set-up two hours in advance of guest arrival time. Vendors and client helpers are allowed in at that time. Carts, ladders and other set-up equipment must be provided by the vendors; Bon Appétit does not loan out these items due to liability issues.

How long do we have for tear down and must it be completed immediately after the event?
Yes. All events must be cleaned up immediately following the conclusion time. Wedding cake and décor including flowers, draping, linen, leftover favors, etc. must be picked up by the florist or taken by the client. Any item brought in by the client must be removed from the building after the event. Events are allowed up to one hour for clean up.

Are we able to host wedding ceremonies?
Yes. Carlson Center has outdoor and indoor options for wedding ceremonies. If a Rotunda event includes a wedding ceremony, the client is allowed up to seven hours and is charged a $500 ceremony fee. Rental chairs for the outdoor Amphitheater are optional and need to be rented from an outside source.

Will there be someone managing my event
Bon Appétit provides an event supervisor to handle your event from beginning to end. This person is a professional who will be completely familiar with staff, timeline, menu and other details of your event. This person is also the contact for your vendors.

What is your smoking policy?
Smoking is allowed in specific areas outside only. At The Rotunda, smoking is allowed only in the parking ramp and on the back Rotunda patio.

May Cars be left overnight?
Yes until 12-noon the following day. Car description and license plate number must be left with the security guard.

Is the room charge waived if we meet the food and beverage minimum?
No.

What are we able to use for a departure item?
Carlson Center does not allow rose petals, rice, confetti, glitter or sparklers. Bubbles are allowed outside of the building. If you have an idea not on this list, please contact the Catering Director for prior approval.

What type of decoration restrictions do you have?
No balloons or confetti (or the like) are allowed inside the buildings. Nothing can be taped or nailed to any wall, railing, or marble flooring. Candles are only permitted if they are contained, such as a votive cup or hurricane lamp. Candles may not be placed in window sills or anywhere that the catering director determines as dangerous.

What type of decorations does Carlson Center provide?
Carlson Center has mirrored tiles and votive candles to complement your centerpieces. Ceiling draping and our exclusive wall of twinkle lights are also available upon request. A nominal fee applies.

What type of deposit is needed to hold our space?
If the event is to occur more than seven months prior to booking, a $1000 deposit is required. The second deposit of $3000 occurs exactly seven months prior to the event date. If your event is less than seven months away, a $4000 deposit is required. Deposits must be accompanied by the booking card which needs to be completely filled out and signed in order to secure your event space.

Does Bon Appétit staff cut our wedding cake or do we need to provide someone?
Bon Appétit will cut your wedding cake for no additional charge.

What type of event insurance do I need and where can I obtain it?
Carlson Companies and Bon Appétit Management Company carry insurance to cover events with or without alcohol. However, the client is responsible for any and all damage to the event space and its contents, which may occur during the client's function, except to the extent caused directly as a result of Bon Appétit's negligence. Additional insurance is not required or suggested by Carlson Center; however, you can add on an umbrella to your existing home-owners policy or obtain a special events policy. A special events policy can be written at most insurance companies or you can visit WedSafe for a policy, www.wedsafe.com. This is ceremony and reception insurance designed specifically for brides and grooms. A policy from WedSafe costs $195. Other insurance companies range in costs from $50 - $1,000. Some home-owners policies can add umbrellas for no cost or minimal cost.