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 beverages served at the event. The only exceptions include wedding cakes 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. Wedding ceremonies on Fridays may occur at 6:00pm or after. 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 $200 per half hour.

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

What time can we begin set-up?
The Rotunda and The Conservatory are available for set-up two hours in advance of the 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 Appetit 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?
All events must be cleaned up immediately following the conclusion time. Wedding cake and décor including flowers, draping, linens and 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 cleanup.

Are we able to host wedding ceremonies?
Carlson Center has outdoor and indoor options for wedding ceremonies. If a Rotunda event includes a wedding ceremony, the client is allowed up to an extra hour of time and is charged a $500 ceremony fee. Ceremonies added to Conservatory events do not have a ceremony fee. Adding time for a ceremony at The Conservatory is optional at $200 per half hour. Rental chairs from an outside source for Conservatory ceremonies are recommended.

Will there be someone managing the event on that day?
Bon Appetit provides an event supervisor or manager 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 on the day of the event.

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. At The Conservatory, smoking is only allowed on the Conservatory patio.

May cars be left overnight?
Yes, until 12-noon the following day. Car descriptions and license plate numbers 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, granite or concrete flooring. Candles are only permitted if they are contained, such as a votive cup or hurricane lamp. Candles may not be placed in windowsills or anywhere that the Catering Director determines to be dangerous.

What type of decorations does Carlson Center provide?
Carlson Center has mirrored tiles and votive candles to complement your centerpieces. 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 $2000 occurs exactly seven months prior to the event date. If your event is less than seven months away, a $3000 deposit is required. Deposits must be accompanied by the booking card, which must 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 Appetit 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 homeowner's policy or obtain a special events policy. A special events policy can be written at most insurance companies or you can visit WedSafe at www.wedsafe.com. This is ceremony and reception insurance designed specifically for brides and grooms. A policy from WedSafe costs approximately $200. Other insurance companies range in cost from $50 - $1,000. Some homeowner's policies can add umbrellas for no cost or minimal cost.