Frequently asked Event Planning Questions
Planning a wedding or event often comes with what feels like a never ending list of questions, but we’re here to help!
Listed below are the questions that our clients routinely ask us during the different phases of their planning journey. Don’t forget that once you have booked your event with us you also get access to our Event Planning Resource Library, which contains many additional planning pointers.
Venue Tours
Is the rotunda open to the public?
Currently, The Rotunda is not open to the general public, except for some community based public events. You can learn more about those events, like Arcade Market Days and Holly Days, HERE.
Must we schedule a Venue tour?
Yes, all tours, meetings, deliveries, etc. are by appointment only. Our offices are located on the second floor of The Arcade and we need to know when to greet you and let you into the building.
Before you wish to schedule a venue tour, please check our rental rates and available event dates to make sure we are a good match for your event. Schedule your Event Rental Tour HERE.
PLEASE NOTE:
We do not schedule private tours for people just wishing to see the renovations. The best way to see the building renovations is by attending one of the many public events mentioned above.
If you’re looking for commercial or residential leasing information please visit ArcadeDayton.com
Can we view or learn more about your venue spaces online?
Yes, you can view image galleries, learn room occupancies, and what is included within each venue space HERE. We also recommend that you follow @DaytonArcadeEvents on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest photos from recent events.
Booking Information
Do you hold dates?
No, we do not hold dates. Dates are reserved on a first come first serve basis with a signed contract and booking payment.
What is required to book Dayton Arcade Events?
When returning your signed contract, you will need an initial payment of 50% of your venue rental total. The final payment of the venue rental total is due, in its entirety, 30 days prior to your contracted date.
Please make checks payable to CW Events. A credit card surcharge will be added to all credit card payments.
Catering and bar
Can we bring in our own food/caterer?
All food and beverage must be provided by a Dayton Arcade Events approved caterer. Catering costs are not included in the venue rental price and requires separate payment made directly to your contracted caterer.
Dayton Arcade Events does not provide any tableware, china, glassware, etc. as these will be provided by your caterer, Prime Time Party Rental, or other approved decor rental company.
Events wishing to book caterers specializing in international or cultural cuisines, like Southeast Asian Catering for example, must be approved by Dayton Arcade Events. They may also be required to reserve staffing and service support from one of the four approved caterers listed above.
Can we provide our own alcohol?
No alcoholic beverages may be brought in by the responsible booking party or their guests. Alcohol must be served by a Dayton Arcade Events approved caterer. No alcohol can be removed from the event spaces.
Wedding Ceremonies & Dressing Suites
Do you have different ceremony locations?
Wedding ceremonies are typically held in The Rotunda or they can be held in The Tank Inspired by CenterPoint Energy. The Tank is a theater-in-the-round type setup in the lower level of The Arcade.
If we get married in the rotunda, how does the rotunda get turned into the reception?
Holding your wedding ceremony at Dayton Arcade Events requires that you also rent The Tank. After your ceremony, you and your guests are escorted to The Tank for cocktail hour. During cocktail hour, Dayton Arcade Events Staff along with your caterer and decorator, flip The Rotunda from ceremony to reception based upon a pre-approved floor plan.
At the end of your cocktail hour, guests return to The Rotunda seeing a completely setup reception space.
Do you have dressing suites?
Yes, we have two dressing suites /green rooms with en-suite bathrooms located adjacent to The Tank. These spaces are only included with wedding ceremonies and/or weddings that add on The Tank. Reception only rentals of The Rotunda do not include dressing suite access. Access to the dressing suites begins 7 hours prior to the contracted event time.
General Planning Questions
Where do guests park?
The Arcade is surrounded by metered on-street parking, and there are several parking garages nearby. The Reibold Garage on 5th Street is the closest to our 4th Street entrance. Please view detailed hotel, parking, and transportation information HERE.
Are linens and decor provided?
Dayton Arcade Events provides tables and chairs (see a complete listing of available inventory in Event Planning Resource Library). Table linens, additional tables/chairs, furniture, etc. must be ordered by Dayton Arcade Events using Prime Time Party Rental or another permitted vendor. These additional rental items are not included in your venue rental fee. Dayton Arcade Events team is not responsible for setting up or placing any decor items.
Do you provide a wedding/event planner?
Your venue rental includes an Event Director to coordinate items as they relate to the venue (vendor load-in, floral/decor delivery, etc.), provide you with a floor plan, place and manage the Prime Time Party Rental order, and upon request grant access to the venue for planning purposes. The Event Staff is responsible for the setup and teardown of tables, chairs, and linens. The Event Staff is not responsible for setting up any additional decor like place cards, memory tables, centerpieces, etc.
If you’re needing more planning assistance like event design, creating seating charts, managing RSVPs, etc., we can refer you to a list of qualified wedding and event planners.
Can we use candles with a real flame?
Only battery operated LED candles are allowed in any of our event spaces.
are there any other decor restrictions?
With us being a historic property, we do have some decor restrictions. No glitter, confetti, rice, sparklers, real flame, or flower petals of any kind can be used within The Arcade or on the premises.
Low lying fog is permitted only through BLC Entertainment, an approved vendor.
Do you provide audio visual equipment or tech support?
Any requested AV equipment needs to be submitted to your Event Director at least 30 days before your event. We reserve the right to deny any requests in full or in part. Additional rental charges for AV equipment or tech support may apply. All supplied audio/visual equipment, lighting and/or sound equipment and tech personnel must be approved by Dayton Arcade Events.
Is there event security?
Yes, one security guard is included with the venue rental for up to 300 guests. One additional officer is required for each 100 guests after that at an hourly rate of $35 per hour. Additional security may be required at the discretion of Dayton Arcade Events Staff.