Frequently Asked Questions
Little Lights on the Lane
Hi there! Welcome to the FAQ for Little Lights on the Lane. The questions below cover just about everything you need to know about planning your wedding at Little Lights on the Lane.
All of the questions we receive we add to this resource for you. It is always growing, so check back occasionally for updated information. If you have any questions after reading through this resource, please contact our team!
General
What is the address of Little Lights on the Lane?
2 Ember Lane, West Branch IA 52358 (Click here to view on Google)
This is also our mailing address.
What is the rental fee for Little Lights and what does it include?
Please see the details found here for complete pricing and included items.
What is the building capacity?
300 guests including the bridal party.
The “best fit” for your guests is 175-250.
Winter weddings are a 180 guest count max. This is so that there is room for an indoor ceremony, and space for a cocktail hour while the main hall is flipped from the intimate ceremony spot for your close friends and family!
What dates are available?
My preferred dates are unavailable. Do you have a cancellation waiting list?
No. We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are unpredictable. All available dates are posted here.
How do I reserve a date?
To reserve a date email us at info@littlelightsevents.com saying you are ready to book “XYZ” date if it is available. We suggest you email us stating you are ready to book your preferred date and then include a backup date in case your preferred date is unavailable.
Prior to booking a date, we hope you are able to come out in person to visit the venue. You can request a tour (or a Facetime tour if you live out of the area) on our tour request page (scroll down to view), but an in-person tour is not required prior to booking a date.
Dates are reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Whomever has first requested to start the contract process with us by email for a specific date will be first in line.
Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?
We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only.
We will not make or schedule appointments or tours on a Sunday. We value our staff and team members who sometimes work 6 days out of the week, so we reserve Sundays for our team members to have family time - thank you for understanding!!
What is included for our day at Little Lights?
30 hand-made farmhouse tables (10’x32”)
Seating for 300 (black Windsor-style chairs and farmhouse benches)
Reception seating setup
Ceremony setup (outdoor benches + arbor of choice from our “Something Borrowed” list)
8 standing tables for cocktail hour
Two 10’ buffet tables
Four 5’x34” tables (we use two of these + one 10-foot table for a large wedding party head table)
One 4-foot round cake table
One 5-foot round table (can be used for decor, desserts, gifts, etc.)
Kitchen, restrooms, sitting area, loft, & bar
Day-of use bridal suite & groom’s suite
Porch that can be used as ceremony location and appetizer/cocktail hour/outdoor dance floor
Food truck lane that pulls up to the porch for a late-night snack or dinner
Pop-up bar for the porch!
On-site Team Member(s)
Online planning resources *this is a huge perk for our Couples!
Are there layout restrictions at Little Lights?
With our included items listed above, we do not have the storage room to create a blank canvas at the venue. If you are considering this please reach out to a team member or talk to someone at your tour!
Little Lights will be able to accommodate up to 6 rounds into your layout with the rest being our hand-made farmhouse tables and chairs. You may also bring in different chairs for the head table/parent tables.
Our team has experience within our layout to be able to help you bring your vision to life, while also allowing your guests to understand the flow of events! If you would like more information about our design package let us know.
What is the average budget of a couple getting married at Little Lights?
That is a great question!
Little Lights on the Lane average budget (venue, food, dress/suit, photographer, DJ, hair & makeup, table décor, dessert & drinks): $30,000- $45,000* average, with some spending significantly more than average for an exclusive wedding day.
Catering & Bar
Do we have to utilize your caterers and bar service?
Yes & no.
Yes, all alcohol must be purchased through our in-house bar, ELDR. This is due to liability and is a convenience for you with it all being a part of our booking process. ELDR is both easy to work with and affordable. They can order a specific brand of alcohol for your specialty item if you give them at least three weeks’ notice, depending on availability. If you haven’t received it already, check with our team for a link to ELDR’s FAQ page.
No, you don’t have to utilize our caterers from our recommendation list. They are just vendors who do a great job! They are required to sign our contract stating that they are responsible for their own insurance, clean-up, and respect for the kitchen. They must include a professional and dependable staff for the event and proof of insurance. However, they must be licensed in the state of Iowa.
You will receive a link to our recommended Wedding Professionals after you book with us!
As an extra perk, we have rental options for all the dinnerware for your big day! We will have staff to help set and clear plates with your dinnerware rental (there is a 20% fee added to this rental to pay for the staff). You will get our dinnerware link after you book! Again our in-house dinnerware rentals are optional, not required.
Does Little Lights handle the bar orders for ELDR, or do I work with them directly?
You will work directly with one of our ELDR team members for your bar orders!
ELDR will chat with you at your 2-month out meeting for all things bar related! If you do have any immediate questions, you may reach them here: eldrbar@gmail.com
What time does my bar open?
The bar staff arrives an hour before the ceremony and they will start to serve at the conclusion of the ceremony. A bartender will also be available in the morning for mimosas and suite drinks!
What time does my bar close?
LAST CALL for the bar is at 10:45pm on Friday & Saturday, 8:45pm on Sunday.
Did you know that Little Lights offers catering for rehearsal dinners, lunch, breakfast, late night snacks with our food truck and more?
Check out all of our wonderful options here! You can work with a Little Lights team member on your order at any point during the planning process. We would like these finalized during your final meeting.
Does Little Lights have restrictions on caterers and other vendors that I choose?
You may choose any and all of your vendors other than the bar service, which must be purchased through ELDR. Your vendors must be licensed and insured. You will receive our list of recommended vendors after you book with us!
Little Lights isn’t responsible for working with your vendors (except for ELDR) so make sure you are communicating with your vendors about your rental times, day-of schedule, and our policies. Coordination couples are an exception.
Dinnerware Rentals
Do I have to use your dinnerware for my reception?
No, you do not have to use our dinnerware! We do offer a wide variety of dinnerware (along with bussing staff that is added onto your dinnerware rental) that you have the option of using.
When should I place my dinnerware rental?
You will need to place your dinnerware rental at least a month before your date.
Am I able to make changes or cancellations?
After placing an order, you can make changes if you are unsure of your final guest count or if ideas change.
Additions to orders are allowed but will be subject to availability.
Do you set up the dinnerware place settings on the tables for us (including silverware wrapped in linens)?
Yes, if you rent your dinnerware through us - we will set the table for you. At your final meeting, we will decide how you would like your dinnerware placed. This does not include decor or additional items apart from the dinner rentals.
Do you set up linens for us too, if we order those from another vendor?
At Little Lights, we think our handmade farmhouse wooden tables look beautiful without linens. That’s why we don’t offer them as part of our rental service!
Another great part about that, is that it saves you money when you don’t need to rent linens.
However, if you do want to have linens on your tables, you would be the responsible party to set up and tear down. You must let us know if you rented linens, so we can be prepared and this will affect dinnerware.
What is my responsibility when I return my rentals?
Little Lights staff will take care of all of the rentals made through us! Bussing and cleanup is also available and added in for a fee with your rental.
Damaged or missing items
Renters are responsible for items that are damaged or missing. Damaged and missing items will be added to the end of the ELDR bar bill at an itemized rate.
Are there any additional costs added to my dinnerware rental?
There is a 20% gratuity added to any dinnerware rental. This is necessary for our bussing staff, and means you do not need to leave a tip.
Do we need to pay for extra plates when we are having buffet-style?
Yes - you will want to add 30 plates to your order when having a buffet-style dinner.
How many staff members will you have bussing throughout the night?
We will always have 2-3 team members bussing through the duration of your event.
Where do I order my dinnerware or see what you have?
We will send you a link to all of our dinnerware after you book with us.
Hotels, Parking & Shuttling
Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
Yes. There are many nearby hotels in Iowa City, just a 15-minute drive.
We recommend staying at the Iowa River Landing, as it has many hotel options, places to eat/shop/drink and all within walking distance for your guests!
The Hawkeye football season tends to fill local rooms, with the months of August through November being the most challenging. It’s a good idea to take a look at the Hawkeye home game schedule when planning.
Nearby hotels book FAST. Iowa Hawkeye games dominate the rooms in the fall, and often they require a two night minimum. Please DO NOT wait to get a room block at a local hotel if you are interested in one.
The University of Iowa has families booking rooms during the month of May for graduation as well. Please DO NOT wait to get a room block at a local hotel if you are interested in one.
Should I hire a shuttle for my guests? YES! 100%
We strongly suggest that you hire a professional shuttle for your big day! These are the reasons why:
The professional shuttle will be all yours. You won’t share it with other parties like you would with the hotel shuttles. They are on your schedule! They will bring you out in the morning and be there for you at the end of the night.
The professional shuttle will be a safe, carefree and clean experience for your guests!
You will have a professional driver!
They will make sure all of your guests get back to their hotels, and you don’t have to pick just one hotel, although it really helps the driver if you have your guests staying in one location, which is why we recommend the Iowa River Landing!
These shuttles we recommend can also be found on our recommended vendor list.
How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?
95 cars, but we really hope the majority of your guests are on a shuttle so that they may enjoy themselves for the evening!
Can vehicles be left overnight?
Again, we really encourage shuttles! Here at LL we want your guests to have a great experience, just as you do. What we have seen in the past is that if guests drive to the ceremony they are much more tempted to drive home after the reception if they have been drinking, because their car is there and they can potentially convince themselves they are okay to drive. This is why we really encourage the shuttles. If your guests ride out in a shuttle, they don’t even have the option to think about driving home. That way they can really enjoy the evening and it just takes the stress out of the getting home part. We want your friends to have a great time, to enjoy the experience of your big day and to be safe in getting home, and we are sure you do too.
So, no - vehicles should NOT be planned to be left overnight, unless you are coming back first thing in the morning to get them (by 9:00am!). Please advise your guests of this policy and plan ahead with a shuttle/carpool. We recommend that you book a hotel with a shuttle or use one of the shuttle services that we refer our couples to above.
If a car needs to be left overnight because of drinking, then of course we understand and support that decision 100%. Again, we care very much about your guests’ safety. The car(s) need to be picked up between 6:00am- 9:00am the following day, because we will likely have another wedding/event/golf tournament and we need the parking space. Also please note that many times guests park right up front and leave their cars there overnight, which can cause a kink in the morning after schedule. So, if you know a car is going to be left overnight and have communicated this with us, please park it at the back of the lot.
Please let us know if you are going to leave a car overnight. That way we know when we lock up at the end of the night that those cars are meant to stay in the parking lot and everyone is gone for the evening.
Ceremony & Reception
What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?
You will (for sure!) want to be thinking about the location of the sun for your ceremony! We use this trusty sundial to know where the sun will be and when. Check with your photographer as well, because will have suggestions about this, too.
There is a recommended timeline we give you through your online planner - so be sure to check that out! We are also happy to help you with planning this part of your day! Stop and visit with us at a Booked Couples Open House, or set up a call and we will visit with you about it!
We are very experienced in building timelines as we have been working in the industry for a long time and see how the flow of the day can be built to be stress-free!
What time do you suggest we announce the bridal party? When do you do the toasts?
This is in your suggested timeline that we give you in your online planner! :)
Do we have to worry about golfers interrupting our ceremony or day?
No! The venue is situated on the beautiful Cedars Edge Golf Course, but the club house and venue spaces are separate. We have added fencing to make the outdoor spaces as private as possible.
Can we add decor to the pallets behind the tree?
Sure you can! Let us know beforehand what you are planning on using so we can help with logistics.
Do you provide outdoor seating for the ceremony?
Yes! We have outdoor benches for up to 300 that we provide and set up for you. The benches seat two adults, or two adults and one child, or three kids.
Do you offer round dinner tables instead of straight?
No, we don’t. But what is so awesome about our farmhouse tables? Oh, so much.
They are handmade.
They are so natural and beautiful that you don’t need linens or anything to cover them (this saves you additional money y’all!).
They are super easy to throw some greens on and make them pop! Your florist will love them.
This makes it so that we don’t need rounds at our venue. It’s less work, less cost, and more substance for you to channel your inner HGTV.
How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my sized event?
Yes, there is a tab for this in your online planner! Together, we make a floor-plan that is perfect for your day! We have several great options for you!
Friendly reminder that your online planner is sent out a year before your date; though, we tend to send out coordination couple’s planners beforehand to get a feel for the process.
Do you provide cups, silverware, etc?
We include the glassware for the alcoholic beverages, and we have other dinnerware for rental purposes!
Sometimes catering services include dinnerware, but if not, or if you don’t want disposable, you can hire our dinnerware services.
What happens in case of rain?
Unlike many venues, Little Lights has a beautiful 100x30-foot porch where ceremonies can be held in case of rain. This means that in the case of inclement weather the venue doesn't have to be "flipped" from your ceremony to the reception.
Rain backup plans should be decided by 9:00am on the day of your wedding. If we see that rain is in the forecast we may reach out to you to decide on a plan earlier in the week.
Winter weddings have the capability to have a dedicated intimate ceremony space indoors when staying under the guest count of 180!
Can we get married somewhere else at the venue other than under the big tree?
The big tree location provides SHADE (important for your comfort, as well as to your photographer) and a beautiful walkway for that big, important moment when the wedding party comes down the aisle. Plus, it’s beautiful and provides a really nice flow of events: Ceremony under the tree, flowing to appetizer hour under the porch & games on the lawn, flowing to the reception connected to the porch.
The porch is normally only utilized for a ceremony as a rain back up plan!
You also have the option of marrying in the Main Hall if you are winter wedding!
We are getting married at our church (or another offsite location), or just having our reception or ceremony at Little Lights. Does your fee change?
Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite. If you want to get married off site, we recommend doing it earlier in your day so that you can have as much use out of the venue as possible!
Or, get ready at our space before heading to your ceremony. We’ll be ready when you get back!
Does Little Lights provide a dance floor? Where does the dance floor go?
Yes, we do! We have a lot of Couples who choose to have their dance-floor on the porch, and it’s a really great experience that allows a very outdoor/indoor vibe! The multiple bar locations outside, space to spread out and the attached food truck lane (or area for fire pits) and games area make this a great option.
If you would like to do your first dances inside and transition to the porch we feel like that’s a great option because your guests are still seated and paying attention after the speeches!
We also have an official dance floor you can rent through Little Lights - or if you have coordination booked with our team, this dance floor is complementary for you to use.
Do you have a sound system?
We have Sonos speakers that you are welcome to use to have music playing throughout the day.
For your outdoor ceremony, your DJ will need to provide a sound system for music and a microphone system if necessary.
We do not provide a sound system for reception, and strongly recommend that you hire a great DJ service.
Dj’s are kind of a big deal. They really make the night come alive and we really recommend you hire a good one.
You are also totally welcome to hire a band. We love the “live” reception feel and would love to visit with you more about this!
Can we use your Sonos System while we are getting ready?
Yes! It’s so much fun to play music while you are getting ready for the day :)
You need to download the Sonos app (it’s free).
You will connect to this when you come into our space and use WiFi. We will help!
You’ll need to decide what app you’re going to use to play music. We have Pandora One already connected to the Sonos Speakers, or you can use Spotify or Apple music. If you use Spotify you’ll need to make sure to find a public playlist, or make your own public playlist.
Please do not rely on this for your ceremony or reception, you will need a DJ with a microphone!
What time does the music need to end?
By 10:00pm on Sunday & 11:00pm on Friday/Saturday. This gives you, your vendors, and your guests time to gather up items and vacate by the nights end.
How many guests can you seat at a table?
Our tables seat up to 10 people (5 per side). It is more comfortable with 6- 8 total guests per table, so if you don’t need the full 300 seats we can adjust the seating for you.
We have a total of (30) 10’x 32” farmhouse tables for guests.
If you utilize your online planner and your seating assignments we can set up the correct amount of chairs at each table so this is taken care of ahead of time - we recommend it. :)
Should I count my vendors as I plan seating and dinner at my reception?
Little Lights staff members, caterers, bartenders, and your DJ do not need a dinner seat. Photographers, band members, your officiant (if staying for dinner), and videographers are likely to need a dinner seat and it may discuss this in their contracts. If you’re at full capacity (300 guests) and aren’t sure where to put them, talk to our staff and we’ll make sure your vendors have a place. The loft is used a lot of times for this so your vendors can have a break away from the crowd!
Some of these folks begin the day with you early in the morning, and stay very late in the evening. They will be so grateful that you’ve included a meal and a seat for them.
Do the string lights stay up all the time?
Yes! We love them, too, and we never take them down.
Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?
We are dog friendly, with some specific rules. Dogs are allowed at the ceremony and during photos, and it must be pre-approved before you do so.
Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom. Pets need to go home before the cocktail hour begins, so plan to have a friend who is responsible for taking them home. (This is due to food safety regulations.)
Do you have highchairs?
Yes, we will have seating for littles (high chairs + booster seats).
The benches are really great for families with young children who can sit/stand on their own. Mom and Dad can put them in between to sit for dinner.
Do you offer childcare or have a place for kids to play?
Children can be really fun at receptions, but there needs to be a plan for them or they will want to run because it’s a big space and they get excited (we get it!). As you know we have really taken the time to make sure the venue is furnished with lots of lovely things, so at times unsupervised children can be a big stress because of safety. Please remember that we can’t watch children and that a plan for them is really important for your day. As much as we love children, we are not babysitters - we are just trying to work to make your day the best it can be :)
When it’s nice out we have outdoor games and they are included in your package! Children gravitate toward these and that really helps with getting their energy out. Once the music starts, often they join on the dance floor or head home for the evening. It’s only when there are over 10 children that we really encourage you to have a specific couple of people in charge of children during this time (perhaps a friend’s teenager that you can hire to "babysit” for the evening and give color/activities to).
A lot of our couples invite only the children in their immediate family and bridal party, and we support that decision too. We all love children, but it is really nice for Mom and Dad to have a date night at your wedding, and they will probably thank you afterwards when they realize that too.
What time do my guests, vendors, and I need to be out of the venue by?
By midnight on a Friday or Saturday, and 10:00pm on a Sunday.
Music concludes at 10:00pm on Sunday & 11:00pm on Friday/Saturday so that you, your guests, and your vendors use the last hour to gather up personal items and depart by 10:00pm or midnight.
All cars should be off property, unless in case of a drinking necessity! -- In which case, of course leave your car and get it the next morning, by 9:00am.
Payments
Is there a deposit? When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes, we do require a deposit. $6,000 of your venue rental cost is due at the date of contract signing to reserve your date. The remaining installment will be required 6 months prior to the event - if you would like to make some smaller payments before the 6 months deadline, reach out to our team and we can set that up for you!
Full payment is due by the specified due date. We also take a damage deposit for damages to the facility or grounds. The damage deposit check is voided after your date, unless any damage were to occur.
What form of payment does Little Lights accept?
Our preferred form of payment is check, because that’s what we pay in credit card processing fees via Honeybook, we would much rather give that amount to you!
We also take credit cards.
What happens if I’m late on a payment?
Late payments are subject to a 1.5% finance charge per week. Please communicate with us ASAP if you think you will be late on a payment.
Is there a Damage Deposit required?
Yes. A damage deposit in the amount of $1000, provided by check to the venue, is required.
In the event of damage, the venue will use the amount required to repair the damage +20% from the damage deposit and return the remaining balance.
In the event there is no damage, Little Lights will responsibly dispose of the check.
The check is required 60 days before your event written out to Little Lights Events, along with proof of event insurance via our insurance partner Nuptial.
Are there any discounts to the regular packages?
Yes! All of our pricing is transparent and available on the Investment page of our website. Our Special Rates are as follows:
Military Discount: 10% off package price.
Local West Branch resident special: $100 discount.
Book at the time of your tour or within 24 hours, receive $1,000 the cost of the venue.
Pay in full via check and receive $500 off the cost of the venue.
Book Spark Coordination within 30 days of booking the venue and receive $500 off the package or book Ember Coordination within 30 days of booking the venue and receive $1000 off the package.
Does the locals discount extend to West Liberty, Tipton, Springdale, Eastside Iowa City, or any other neighboring communities?
We are really supportive of our community. Our locals discount applies to West Branch residents only. You must reside in West Branch and have a West Branch address to receive this discount.
Is there sales tax applied on top of the package price?
No, there is no sales tax added on top of the venue rental.
Planning
When can I visit the venue after I booked?
We set aside regularly scheduled open houses for our booked couples to come visit us + enjoy the venue! This is also a great time to ask us questions about planning, vendors, and day of flow!
What are booked couples open houses?
Our booked couples open houses are specifically for booked couples! It’s a great time to invite your friends, family, and vendors to visit our venue, plan your big day details, and check out inventory items of the “Something Borrowed” Little Lights has to offer.
Additionally, we welcome former and future Little Lights couples to attend an open house to take photos around the space in nice weather months (family, baby, etc.).
Open House dates will be posted as they become available. Please RSVP to the event (form sent after you reserve your date!)
We are planning our wedding from out of state. Can our family attend open houses for us and FaceTime while they are there?
Absolutely! Many of our couples are planning their wedding from out of state. Family and friends are crucial during this process and we welcome them to any event we have to attend in place of you.
We also have many resources online so planning from far away is a lot less stressful!
Do you include a "wedding day coordinator?"
Within your venue rental we have a Venue Manager and/or team leader on site before you arrive that helps you throughout the duration of your big day. This member of the Little Lights team is there to help you however they can (be an extra set of hands, show you around the course where you can take wedding pictures, answer questions from your vendors and direct them as necessary, etc.) Their goal is to help your day go smoothly and ensure your day is as stress-free as possible (but Wedding Coordinators are the best addition to your day!).
If you want more in-depth planning + a LL team member to run the timeline of your day, we offer wedding coordination as an additional add-on. Please inquire about our packages at the email: info@littlelightsevents.com
Outside coordination must be approved by Little Lights on the Lane.
What are Little Lights Team members doing on my wedding day, and what can I expect them to help with?
Our team members on site are busy with a ton of behind-the-scenes duties throughout the wedding day. If you have specific asks of our team, please communicate with us about this.
What our team does on the wedding day:
Setup of reception hall and ceremony (chairs, tables, arbor, benches)
Moving any furniture items for reception or ceremony
Directing vendors
Communicating with ELDR + their staff
Being available for questions
Busing of Little Lights rented dinnerware (there is a fee added on your dinnerware rental for this!)
Regular cleanup (bathroom checks, sweeping, mopping, washing tables and chairs)
What our team does not do on the wedding day:
Setup of decor (that’s not LL’s)
Unloading personal items from vehicles
Timeline management (if you want this, inquire about our coordination services at the email: info@littlelightsevents.com)
Keep personal items safe
Being responsible for guests and/or children.
Removing personal decor
Loading personal items into vehicles
How many times do we meet with the Little Lights staff?
Our open houses take place regularly, and our booked couples are welcome to come to as many or as few as they want! This is a great time to plan decor, see the space, speak with our team about your specific details, bring your vendors and show friends and family your wedding venue. Besides coming to our open houses, we host two meetings with our couples throughout the planning process.
The schedule for these is as follows:
Private Tour:
Meet with a team member, tour the venue, go over all booking information and questions that you have together. Visit about alcohol, catering, and all the information in this FAQ. Review setups, site plans, and other resources.
Attend an Open House(s):
Please, come for an open house! This allows you to see the venue all set up! You will receive an RSVP form to sign up for these once you are booked. You can bring a group of up to (6) with you.
2-month out Meeting (phone-call):
Go through your entire online wedding planner to double check details.
Talk about your ELDR bar order, dinnerware order, and “something borrowed” items.
Final Meeting 1-month out:
Finalize your floor plan layout.
Confirm a timeline and review your Aisle Planner.
Finalize choices such as appetizer hour, arbor, setup, etc.
Finalize Something Borrowed requests.
*Please note coordination meeting schedules will look a bit different.
What will the ceremony to reception transition look like for my winter wedding (November - March)?
If your ceremony takes place in the Main Hall, their will be a designated area in the front for an intimate ceremony with seating for 30 of your close friends and family - the rest of your guests will have an assigned seat at their tables.
No worries, it is really cute and your guests appreciate having an assigned spot to themselves the entire night!
If you do this we highly suggest having your caterers walk around and serve your guests at their tables because your guests will not have a designated cocktail area during flipping.
Our Wedding Day ceremony and reception will be on the smaller side. Will the venue be too big for us? Are there ways to make the space feel smaller?
Little Lights on the Lane absolutely works for smaller events!
We will move furniture around and lay the tables out in a way that makes the space feel cozy.
We offer “Lane Collective” furniture rentals that can help fill the space in a way you envision, as well! Please inquire if this is something you are interested in.
What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?
You will have access to the venue at the time listed on your contract, not earlier. Please plan accordingly! If you want to add an extra hour to the start of your day you may do so, for $175 per hour.
We have worked to make this a stress free, furnished space so that you really only need flowers for your tables, a guest book, photos and other small decor. This will save you time the day of with setting up! Remember that we are setting your tables and chairs up, lights on, music playing, so a lot of the work is done for you!
Where do our guests go during the cocktail hour while rearranging is taking place?
For spring, summer or fall weddings with nice weather, your guests can mingle on the porch, on the lawn with yard games, or the food truck lane (this is where the pop-up bar will be).
For a winter wedding, your guests can hang in the main hall, loft or lounge in the lobby!
Does Little Lights provide standing cocktail tables for cocktail hour on the porch and in the serving hall?
Yes, we provide these tables for our couples! We have 8.
If we choose Saturday only, will we be able to access the location early to rehearse our ceremony?
If you elect the one day rental, our venue may be reserved by another couple the day before. You do have a one-and-a-half-hour rehearsal included, and these can be used the Wednesday or Thursday before your wedding day. You are also welcome to to bring anyone who would feel more comfortable understanding the venue (such as your DJ or officiant or any little ones in the wedding party) to one of our monthly open houses.
Rehearsals also go well if you all show up right in the morning on the day of your wedding and run through a quick 15 minute rehearsal! If you are interested in a two-day rental, reach out to us regarding availability and pricing. :)
When can I do my rehearsal?
Our monthly open houses are a great time to bring your party to rehearse. You can do this as many times as you want! Rehearsing at the open house event allows you to coordinate complex schedules much more easily, taking the pressure off the night before.
If you would like to have a rehearsal in the days leading up to your wedding, we reserve Wednesdays and Thursdays for this purpose. We will reach out to you to reserve your rehearsal time at your 2 month meeting or feel free to do so at your 6 month meeting.
At Little Lights, we have weddings on Fridays too! That’s why rehearsals are reserved to open houses and weekdays.
Can I have my rehearsal dinner at Little Lights? Can you cater the dinner?
We often book one wedding per each day of the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), especially in prime months (May, June, September, October). On these weekends there will be three weddings needing to do a rehearsal for the coming weekend. The rehearsals will take place on Thursdays for this reason.
As explained above, we have a sign-up process for rehearsals. If you’re wanting to have your dinner with your rehearsal at Little Lights on the Lane, you must: (1) Let our staff know the details of this so we can plan ahead with staffing; (2) You must clean up after yourselves; (3) You may not leave any personal items or decor overnight. (4) There is a $175 fee per hour after the provided 1.5 hours.
And yes! The Lively (catering for your rehearsal dinner under the same roof as Little Lights) is a wonderful option for rehearsal dinners!! Couples will have an option of having a "Lively" rehearsal dinner at Little Lights the Thursday before your date at 7pm - either under the covered porch or in the cozy loft. The slot is first come first serve for any Friday or Saturday weddings. If this is something you are interested in and want to book/solidify your plans - it is a $1,000 food and beverage minimum invoice we will send you to reserve it. Check out our sample menu HERE. If you wish to create a custom menu, reach out to hellolittlelightsevents@gmail.com and we will work together with our chef to do so!
When do we have to decide our rehearsal plans?
Rehearsal plans are strongly encouraged to be set 1-2 months prior from your date.
How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
Three weeks, please!
What is the Something Borrowed Closet?
We are so excited to offer this to our couples! The Something Borrowed Closet is our collection of wedding day decor that you are welcome to use on your wedding day, FREE!
Our collection is always growing, and includes items such as table number holders, lanterns, baskets for various uses, candles & votives, cheesecloth, chalkboards, clipboards for kids, and more. When our booked couples attend an open house, these items will be on display.
Our something borrowed closet is always growing and we have many brides pass on some of their decor after their wedding :)
You are also welcome to upgrade to the Lane Collective rentals.
Can the items we want to use from the Something Borrowed Closet be added to our contract?
The decor in our Something Borrowed Closet is a super fun bonus that we are so excited to offer our couples, free of charge. We don’t add them into the contract, because they are a bonus! At the open house or final meeting when you select your items, we will make a record of what you have selected and make sure it’s available to you on your day. We will also record your order in your Aisle Planner!
What are the benefits of having a “First Look”?
First looks are great for your timeline (so that your guests don't have a long wait time between ceremony and reception while you are doing photos). Having a first look also allows you to have a private moment for the two of you to react alone together while your photographer capture its, and so that you have the opportunity to use the grounds throughout the day where one of you is not in hiding.
Setup, Decor & Day-of Event Questions
We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period? What about my florist, caterer or planner?
They are welcome to drop things off the morning of your wedding after 9:00am (for a Sunday wedding after 10:00am) and picked up by 12 am (for a Sunday wedding by 10:00pm). Please advise your vendors of this policy. Reach out to us if you are interested in a second day rental and we will check on price and availability for you and your vendors!
Will there be another wedding the same day?
No! When you reserve a date at Little Lights, it’s yours! We only host one wedding each day to ensure that each couple's event is special and receives our full attention.
What is the event clean-up process?
Little Lights staff will handle all standard clean up and trash removal throughout and following the wedding reception - aside from personal items. Please make sure remove all your personal belongings + your personal decor.
What time should we start cleaning up?
After dinner, our staff may begin to come around and pick up table numbers to put away.
On a Friday or Saturday, 10:00pm is a great time to have your VIP person start picking up decor items and gathering personal items. It typically will take bridal party members 30 minutes to find and gather their belongings from the suites, and 45 minutes to gather up decor and things that you want to take home with you.
On a Sunday, cleanup should begin at 8:00pm.
It’s a great idea to assign a special helper or family member to be in charge of getting all personal items + personal decor! You will be so happy you did this later on!
Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?
We have made a wall that is just for this. Ask us about it at an open house!
Other than that, we ask that you don’t attach things to our white walls! We want it to be beautiful for the next couple, as well as for you!
Prohibited Decor Items
The following decorations are prohibited by Little Lights Events: confetti, glitter, (indoors), fake rose petals (outside), sky lanterns, bubble machines, nails or tacks (unless in designated area), bird seed, rice, fireworks, marshmallows (in the fire pits), balloons, or biodegradable decor used for client’s exit/toss on the exterior of the property.
The use of ladders is not permitted by client or their guests. Should the install of decorations require the use of a ladder a liability waiver will be required and is subject to verification by Little Lights Events.
Are candles allowed?
Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a candle holder, and wax is contained. There must not be a possibility of wax spilling onto the table. Tapered candles will need to have a glass cover. If we notice that candles are becoming dangerous or beginning to spill onto decor and the tables, we may speak with your decision maker of the day and then blow them out inconspicuously.
Can we have fireworks on the property?
Fireworks are not permitted. This is about fire code and being respectful to neighbors. We are happy to talk with you about other send-off ideas.
Sparklers: These are okay with previous communication and consent from Little Lights Events, and strict adherence to safety protocols. After Labor Day, sparklers must be in our food truck lane. They are a fire hazard along the hydrangeas. in Ask us if this interests you!
What are some alternative send-off ideas?
Ribbons on string sticks, bubbles, glow sticks, real flower petals, leaves.
Can we make our own mimosas or bring wine in the morning?
All alcohol consumption on Little Lights property must be provided by ELDR. This is both a liability and a convenience for you! We have beer and mimosas available for you to enhance the process of getting ready for your wedding day.
If you have any other drink requests, please ask! ELDR would be happy to work with you and accommodate your needs.
Are there designated smoking areas?
Yes, there are designated areas for smokers. Smoking is not permitted in any other area, especially in any outdoor seating areas. Our food truck lane is also a great area for this!
Are there tables, chairs, and other necessities available for hair and makeup stylists to come to the Little Lights Bridal Suite?
Yes, there are hair and makeup stations in the bridal suite! All your stylists need to bring are their tools. There’s plenty of space for the professionals to lay out their supplies and places for everyone to sit while they do their work. Your girls are welcome to spread out to the loft, as well, to get ready.
If we get married under the big tree or on the porch, are there outlets for us to use for microphones and music during the ceremony?
Yes, there are outlets specifically for this!
We also have a DJ door located on the side of the building for moving DJ equipment indoor + outdoor for your ceremony.
Is there space and a power source for a live band?
Yes, there is space for a live band to the left of the sliding glass door, if you are inside the Main Hall facing the door. They have their own outlets here and do not need to bring anything extra for setting up their equipment!
On chilly nights, will there be space heaters available if we still want to use the porch during our reception?
Yes, we have space heaters available for chilly nights. Let us know that you want these to be made available for your reception.
We also have small table-top fire pits located on the porch for your guests to gather around :)
Is there any area for our guests to hang their coats? Do you provide a coat check service?
Yes, we do have a coat rack for guests’ coats.
At this time we don’t have a coat check service, but if that’s something that interests you for winter weddings, please let us know!!
Other
Does Little Lights require couples to have their own wedding day insurance?
Yes, we do. Nuptial, our partnership provider, offers event insurance for $245 for the standard $1,000,000 coverage requirement. They will reach out to you once you sign a contract with Little Lights. They will also send out reminders leading up to the day of your event. If you choose to have cold sparks, the coverage required is a higher policy.
Why does Little Lights require wedding day insurance?
We recommend it to protect you on your wedding day, not because we expect something to happen, but because it covers you and gives you breathing room in case anything does happen. The most common claims from wedding day insurance are for vendor issues, illness or injury, or weather issues, but could also cover things like stolen or destroyed gifts.
What happens if we (the client) have to cancel our event?
In the event of a cancellation for any reason by the Client, any money paid up to the date of cancellation is non-refundable. It is the sole discretion of the venue to consider a partial refund, but it is not guaranteed. No refund will be considered without proactive notification by the client ahead of payment due date.
What is the mailing address for checks, proof of insurance, our damage deposit check, and other correspondence?
Little Lights Events, 2 Ember Lane West Branch, IA 52358