General Questions
How many guests can your venue accommodate?
For a seated dinner, depending upon orientation, 200 indoor and 200+ outdoor. For a party, where networking or socializing is key, we can host up to 300+ with a mix of high tops and regular seating.
How do I reserve a date?
Securing your date can be made by submitting the required Refundable Deposit and signing the prepared contract.
Do you have a professional event planner?
Our Venue Team focuses on the building and all services provided in your contract. We do not coordinate actual events.
Do you require an Event Planner or Coordinator?
Depending on the type/size of your event, we do require a professional Day of Planner or Coordinator. We can provide a list of our “Preferred Vendors Lists” to help you find the right person for your event.
What if I already have a Day of Planner or Coordinator?
If you already have a Day of Planner or Coordinator, that is great! We require your coordinator to be a professional with proper insurance and references.
Do you allow animals in your venue?
Animals other than service animals are NOT allowed at our Venue. Special exceptions can be made for animals that participate in certain events and pictures, but permission must be obtained through the Venue and all animals must be crated when not participating in the event or taking pictures.
What is your weather contingency (backup plan) for outdoor spaces?
We offer indoor locations that can be flipped if an event must be moved inside. As long as the decision to move indoors is done prior to final setup completion, there is no additional cost.
How many events will be booked on my specified date?
Only yours! Venue rentals are exclusive for each day rented.
Must I use your vendors?
We do have a list of “Preferred Vendors” that we have negotiated special pricing with. However, if you have a specific vendor that you would like to work with, we require that they be properly insured and have any license or permits that are required for their service.
At what time will my guests and vendors have to leave the facility?
Depending on the type of event and the start of your event, guests must leave no less than one hour before the end of your rental period. The last hour is designated as your clean up/tear down time. If your event is in the evening, all events must end by 12:00 AM Midnight and tear down by 1:00 AM.
Are there adequate bathroom facilities?
Yes! Our common area has three single stall bathrooms in addition to our multi-stall bathrooms available in the center of our venue. Our Champagne Suite also offers a private bathroom.
Is there a coat check?
No, however, you can design the space as you would like and use one of the rooms for a coat holding area. If you would like it staffed during the event, you can add that to your event package.
Is the site ADA compliant?
Yes.
Do you provide heaters for the outdoor spaces?
While they are not included in the package, we do have them for rent upon request.
Do you offer time for rehearsal for a Wedding?
Rehearsal day may not be part of your venue package, however, you can purchase additional hours prior to your event or for the day before, if the Venue is available.
What kind of tables and chairs are provided?
We have 48” and 60” round tables, 6’ rectangular tables, and Chiavari and Crossback chairs for indoor ceremony and receptions. Our outdoor chairs are white resin Hercules folding chairs.
Who is responsible for setting up and tearing down decor and when?
The venue rental includes the setup and teardown of basic linens, tables, and chairs in the event space. The Venue will also set up and tear down any of the “Venue Decorations” included in your rental. You are responsible for setting up and removing any additional decorations, furniture, floral arrangements, etc. by the designated tear down time.
How early can vendors get into setup?
This is dependent upon your contracted time. Additional hours can be purchased or special arrangements made.
Can I move furniture around and decorate to suit my likes and dislikes?
This can all be negotiated during contract review, however, the Venue setup cannot be changed on the day of the event. All Venue owned furniture, cabinets, etc. will be set up accordingly with your contract and should not be moved without Venue approval.
Do you require a day-of coordinator?
Yes.
Setup
For a wedding, do you offer time for rehearsal the morning of?
We offer a block of time that you are able to adjust on the day of to allow for rehearsal. If you would like to hold your rehearsal on a separate day it can be negotiated.
What time can I arrive for setup?
Arrival time will be established once you pick your event start time and will also be determined by the type of event you are hosting. We will work with you to make sure you have plenty of time to set up for your event and start on time.
What does the venue set up and tear down?
The venue sets up and tears down all venue items that are included in the rental of the venue and/or decor items rented through packages.
What does the client set up and tear down?
The client sets up and tears down any third party equipment, rentals, or decorations—Including any food related items.
Decorations
Do you provide linens?
Yes. We provide white, ivory, and black linens included in the Venue rental.
What decor is included in my venue rental?
Decor is based on the type of event. We provide an All-Inclusive Enhancement Package at an additional cost that includes access to our Decor Closet.
Are candles allowed?
Live flames are NOT allowed—only flameless candles.
Can we nail, tape, or staple things to the wall?
No.
Can rose petals be strewn?
Yes, however, they must be cleaned up before or during the tear down process.
Food
Is there an in-house caterer?
We have several caterer’s on our “Approved Vendors” List that have been vetted by the venue and are familiar with our policy and procedures and are properly insured. We will provide the list of all “Approved Vendors” for catering and other services you may be interested in.
Do you allow outside caterers?
Yes, we do allow outside caterers, however, they must be approved by the Venue, meet our guidelines, provide all appropriate insurances listing the Venue as an additional insured, and sign an agreement acknowledging the same. If you choose a caterer that is not on our “Approved Vendors” list there will be a $5/guest buyout fee required.
Is there a food and beverage minimum?
Some events may not meet the minimum requirements, but we will discuss that and help you to find the right vendors for your event.
Can I bring in a cake from a bakery?
Yes.
Can I serve a late-night snack?
Yes. If it is a grab-and-go style favor, late-night snack; this is acceptable and will not require a vendor or vendor insurance.
Alcohol
Do you allow alcohol?
Yes.
Do you allow alcohol in the suites?
Yes, but once the bartenders arrive, all alcohol from the suites is picked up and moved to the bar area or stored away.
Do you allow us to bring in our own alcohol?
We offer a Hosted Bar Package that allows you to bring your own alcohol and all remaining alcohol will be packed up for you at the end of the night. All alcohol must be served by TABC Certified Bartenders or Venue Staff or Catering Staff if they are the one providing the bar service for your event.
Is there a bar minimum?
Depending on the type of event, the minimum is normally 75 guests, however, this can be adjusted for smaller events.
What is included in the bar?
If you choose the Hosted Bar Package, it includes non-alcoholic beverages, mixers, cups, straws, napkins, bartenders, set up and clean up.
Music and Dancing
Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band?
Yes.
Are there any noise restrictions?
All music, whether live or via DJ, must be turned off no later than 12:00 am Midnight.
Payment
Are there different rates for peak and off-season dates?
Yes. Off-Peak dates include January, February, June, July, and August.
Are there any cleaning fees?
Cleaning fees are covered in the service fee. This only applies to venue related services only and is not meant for any vendors contracted for your event.
Are there overtime charges?
If your event exceeds the agreed upon time outlined in your contract there is a $1,500 charge per hour.
Do you require event insurance?
Yes, and we have an insurance agent that is already approved by the venue and make it simple to acquire insurance that covers your event period.
What is the tax and service charge?
The local tax rate is 7.25% and the service charge is 21%.
What kind of deposit is required?
Each event is required to submit a refundable deposit to secure the event. It will be refunded within 30 days after your event, after the final inspection is completed.
What is the cancellation policy?
You must notify Venue 116 immediately by email notifying them of the cancellation. The forfeited or returned payments are outlined in our contract. We do offer a 20-day grace period from when the Refundable Deposit is submitted.
What is the payment plan for the entire invoice?
We ask for a $1,500 refundable deposit at the time of booking to secure your date. The first payment will be 10% of your total, 30-days after the deposit is submitted. After that, at 9-months prior to your event is 30%; 6-months prior is 30%; and your final payment, due 3-months prior, is the last 30% plus any additional charges you request.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, ACH, wire transfers, and credit cards. There is a 3% processing fee for credit cards only.
When is the final payment due?
The final payment is due 3 months (90 days) before the date of your event; however, additional payments can be made due to changes in guest count, additional hours, etc.
Vendors
Are there restrictions for the photographer in terms of flash usage?
There are no restrictions for the photographer to use flash.
What suggestions do you have for locations to photograph?
All throughout the venue, you will find gorgeous backdrops for photos. Our big window during the day or at night makes for dreamy photos. We also recommend the back wall of our Seed Room, and the outdoor courtyard area!
Can we use cold sparks or fog machines?
Yes.
Do on-site vendors need insurance?
Yes. Any vendor working in on-site before, during, or after your event will need insurance naming Venue 116 as additionally insured. This includes, DJ, rental companies for decor, and coordinators.
Weddings (Ceremony and Reception)
If we have our ceremony offsite, does your fee change?
Our fee does not change
Can I have my ceremony here too? Is there an additional cost?
There is no additional cost for having both a ceremony and a reception, as long as they both fit within the 11-hour block of rental time.
What is the last possible date that we can make changes to floor plans and timeline?
You can make changes to the floor plan and timeline up to 30 days prior. Upon approval of a Venue 116 staff member, small changes, and before the final setup is completed, can be allowed.
Are there changing areas for the bride, groom, and/or wedding party?
Yes! The bride has a private bathroom in the bridal suite suitable for changing. The bridesmaids may also use this area. We also have 3 other single stalled bathrooms, perfect for the Groom and other members of the bridal party to change in!
Parking and Overnight Accommodations
Is there ample parking?
Yes, we have an attached parking lot suitable for all your guests.
Will guests be charged for parking?
No.
Are cabs/rideshares (Uber, Lyft, etc.) easily accessible from the venue?
Yes.
Overnight accommodations?
There are a lot of great options in the Katy Mills Mall area, about 10 minutes down the road.
Is there a shuttle service available?
We do not provide a shuttle service, but we do have recommendations for you.
