Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I start?
First, we recommend booking a tour so you can come take a look at our beautiful venue in person to see if it's the perfect fit for you! After deciding if The Gala 417 is the venue for your big day, just click the
I'm Ready to Secure a Date tab at the top of the page!
Once you request to reserve your date, you will have 12 hours to complete the booking paperwork online, while your date is held!
The Basics-
what time can vendors make deliveries or begin setting up?
Anytime after 10 A.M.!
do we have to get liability insurance?
It is not required, but it is highly recommended! If you are interested in this service please reach out to us for our recommendation!
what are the measurements of the greenery wall?
Our gorgeous boxwood feature wall is 12 ft X 12 ft!
is the green wall customizable?
Yes, and we will install any and all décor on the wall complementary! Please make sure that whatever you would like us to hang for you is able to be hung using zip ties. Typically, we use clear zip ties and can wrap them around a letter of a laser cut name sign. If you are using a different type of sign, we recommend "d-hooks" be attached to the back of the sign before your big day!
what outside vendors do i need to hire?
The primary five vendors that we recommend getting is an Officiant, Baker, DJ, Florist, and Photographer!
when do i need my final headcount?
10 days before your wedding, at the Blueprint Meeting! We will also need the number of guests that ordered each meal choice at the Blueprint Meeting .
how much parking is available?
There are about 100 parking spots in front of the venue, with an additional 298 spots on the property itself!
can we take photos on the marina?
Yes, absolutely!
do you have a table for my dj?
Yes!
do we have to designate someone to clean up at the end of the event?
Nope! We take of everything regarding set up, take down, and clean up!
what kinds of tables do you have?
We have round banquet tables, rectangular banquet tables, sweetheart table, cake table, DJ table, and high-top cocktail tables!
what linens do you include?
We include white and black table linens as well as linen napkins for each place setting!
what kinds of chairs are included?
White Chiavari chairs with white cushions!
do you have a preferred vendor list?
Yes! Once you book with us and become a Gala 417 Couple, you will receive a password to access our vendor list package! Our vendors that we work with are incredible and offer amazing discounts exclusively to Gala 417 brides!
is a day-of-coordinator included?
Yes, absolutely!
what will the day-of-coordinator do the day of the wedding?
As coordinators we manage your minute-by-minute timeline from the moment of your arrival all the way until after your departure when packing up belongings and making prepared for pick up! We also manage the blueprint for wedding that includes where all of your décor is placed, set up, and displayed!
do we get time to come in for rehearsal? When would it be?
Yes, rehearsals are included with all facility rentals! Most rehearsal's are held the day before the wedding. If there is a wedding scheduled on that day, your rehearsal time would be from 9-9:30 AM. If there is not wedding scheduled, your rehearsal time would be from 6-6:30 PM. Rehearsals are only offered in 30 minute time slots; please make sure all of your wedding party members arrive on time and ready to rehearse so we are able to have your full rehearsal in the allotted amount of time. This helps us to ensure everything goes smoothly for your event!
what is your cancellation policy?
All dates are fully transferable! Due to this flexibility or date transference we do not offer refunds.
is there a price difference if we do not have a ceremony?
Ceremonies are included with rentals at no additional charge! There is no change in price if no ceremony is held at the venue.
do you have seasonal rates?
We do not offer seasonal rates, but our rates do vary by day of the week!
can you perform a ceremony outdoors?
Although we do not have the space outside to host an outdoor ceremony, there are many places along our marina to take beautiful outdoor photos!!
If you still wanted to have an outdoor ceremony, we are less than a mile from the beach, Seashore State Park and The Brock Center! Your guests would be able to attend your outdoor ceremony and then come to the Gala 417 for Cocktail Hour + Reception!
What does the "417" stand for?
The 417 in our name is an honor of our owner, Amberly Ferguson's, brother, Austin Michael Rinehart; in loving memory!
can i bring in my own decor?
Decor-
Absolutely, all of your own décor is welcomed. We will go over packing requirements at your Blueprint Meeting, and also get thorough instructions from you as how to set everything up and take care of all of your décor for you the day of the wedding!
can i have real candles?
Yes, real candles are permitted as long as the flame is contained in a vase! Floating candles are not permitted on the floor!
do you have decorations we can rent?
Yes! We have a rental collection that you can look through and rent items from for the day of your wedding!
what decorations are included?
All linens, ceiling drapery, chandeliers, 50ft marble bar, a white tuffed leather sofa, a red carpet, Neon bar sign and of course our 144 square foot boxwood feature wall!
do you have a sweetheart table?
Yes! Our sweetheart table is a round 48in table!
do you include a ceremony arch?
Yes, our in-house arches are a gold circle and a gold hexagon! Both are 7ft tall and 7ft wide
What are the dimensions of the tables?
Our banquet tables are 6ft x 30in and fit a 90x132in linen. Our round tables are 60in in diameter and take a 120in linen. Our sweetheart table is 48in and takes a 108in linen. high-tops are 24in in diameter and 44in tall and take a 132in linen. Along with this, we provide a banquet table to all DJ's with a black linen (to hide the black cords)!
Catering-
Can I do outside catering?
We do require that all food and beverage is prepared by our in-house catering team! This helps to ensure that all your guests receive their plates straight from the oven and allows us to guarantee freshness and deliciousness! Every client receives a complimentary tasting with our executive chef allowing you to make sure the food is prepared to your liking! With that being said, outside food and beverage is not permitted!
is there a cake cutting fee? do you set up the cake?
No fee, and yes we set it all up to your liking!
how will your servers know what entrée each guest selected?
This is the most important thing we will need from you to help your wedding go smoothly! We require you to provide place cards for guests that include name, table number, and entrée selection!
how many entree selections are included in your meal packages?
Four entrees are included for your guests to choose from! All packages include a beef, fish, chicken, and vegetarian entrée.
are hors d'oeuvres included?
Yes! The selection of hors d'oeuvres can be seen in our Jade package of our catering menu!
can i customize my menu for food or beverage?
Yep! Our menus are completely customizable to what you desire the most for your big day!
can i have a buffet?
We exclusively offer plated dinners to ensure all of your guests receive their meals fresh, and hot from the oven and are able to enjoy their dinner together!
can we bring in our own alcohol?
Due to our ABC licensing, all alcoholic beverages are provided by The Gala 417! No outside food or beverage is permitted!
can we have a cash bar?
One of our four beverage packages must be selected for all events! Our cash bar is available for premium items upon clients approval!
when are my payments due?
Pricing and Payments-
A $1,500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. Then, the remaining balance of the Rental Cost is due 45 and 90 days after! Catering payments are billed monthly!
how do i relay what entrée each of my guests selected?
We highly recommend creating a wedding website where guests will RSVP with their meal selections! Most wedding platforms will help organize and create these kind of spreadsheets and templates!