Frequently Asked Questions
We have created a FAQ to answer common questions and to highlight important information for our guests. If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please contact us!
Invitations and RSVPs
I love your wedding invitations! Who designed them? Are they really home-made?
The invitations were designed by Jen's brother, Jensen. After receiving the design from Jensen, Paul and Jen spent many hours printing, cutting, and assembling the invitations. We are excited to hear that you like them!
Um, the RSVPs look really cool, but how do I write my response on them?
We recommend that you use a black Sharpie marker to write on the RSVPs. A ballpoint pen will also work, but may be more difficult. Gel pens, on the other hand, will not work very well.
Ceremony, Reception, and the Aquarium
When does the wedding start? How long will the ceremony and reception last?
The ceremony will begin at 7pm. Since the Aquarium is still open to the public during the day, this means that guests will not be able to enter into the Aquarium until approximately 6:45pm. There will be a cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony, and the reception is estimated to start at around 9pm. The fun and festivities will run until midnight.
I heard that the ceremony is going to be "standing." What does that mean?
As noted on our Ceremony details page, guests will be viewing the ceremony from the upper levels of the Aquarium and/or from across the pool. Since this is a non-traditional venue, we are unable to setup seating on all of the levels. There will be limited seating available for guests with disabilities or special accomodations. Please contact us if you have any special needs or requests.
What should I wear to the event?
We are excited that you will be joining us on our special day. Since our wedding will take place in the evening, we recommend guests dress up for the event. For men, suits and tuxes are appropriate. For women, long dresses, dressy suits, and cocktail dresses are encouraged.
Your wedding is so late at night! Will you be feeding me?
Of course! We wouldn't want any of our guests to be starving at the wedding. There will be a cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony, and the dinner reception will start around 9pm. For dessert, there will be delicious wedding cake and Jen's favorite cookies from the Dupont Hotel in downtown Wilmington. Mmm, cake and cookies.
Hotels, Travel, and Parking
Wait, so there's no place to park at the Aquarium?
Correct. The Aquarium itself does not have any parking facilities, but there are several parking garages nearby. Please refer to the Directions & Parking page for more information on where to park. In addition, for guests staying at our Homewood Suites, Hilton Garden, and Marriott Waterfront hotel blocks, these hotels are about a 15-minute walk from the Aquarium, or you can take the shuttle service that will start at 6pm.
I plan on driving to Baltimore. How bad is the traffic?
Guests are advised that the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore's local NFL team, will be playing a home game on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 1pm. We anticipate that the crowd from the football game will have left the area by 5pm, but guests should be aware that there may be heavier traffic due to the game.
What's the best way to get from the BWI airport to the Inner Harbor?
Guests arriving through BWI airport can take the Supershuttle which offers door-to-door service to/from all three of the hotels in the Inner Harbor. The cost for a one-way trip is $13 per person. For those guests staying at the Country Inn, the hotel provides a free shuttle service to/from BWI.
The Maryland Transportation Authority also provides a light rail service that runs from BWI to Camden Yards or Pratt Street. Please refer to the MTA service page for maps, schedules, and fares. Guests should also note that the closest light rail stop, Camden Yards, is located on the west side of the Inner Harbor. From Camden Yards, the Aquarium and Inner Harbor Hotels are a 15-minute walk. There is also the free Charm City Circulator bus service from the Camden Yards light rail stop to the Aquarium, as well as the three Inner Harbor hotels.
For those guests who wish to travel by taxi, the approximate taxi fare from BWI airport to the Inner Harbor is $35.
Miscellanous Items
I am planning to stay the entire weekend. What other fun things are there to do in the area?
We are so glad that you are planning on spending the weekend with us. Since it is a holiday weekend, there is a Columbus Day parade that you can enjoy. In addition, the city of Baltimore has a webpage dedicated to all of the fun activites available in the Inner Harbor area.
Some suggestions include the Maryland Science Center, which features an IMAX theater and planetarium experience, as well as the Baltimore Maritime Musem. For sports fans, there is the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame exhibit, and the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum and the Sports Legends Museum located nearby in Camden Station.
I have a food allergy. What should I do?
Guests will have the option of choosing from the chicken or vegetarian dinner options. If you have a specific food allergy, please contact us and we will try to make reasonable accomodations.