Tom Gilliam Photography
We have the A’s to your Q’s
Our goal is to be as transparent and as helpful as possible at all the different phases of your planning journey.
After you have booked with us, you will have a ton of different specific questions, which is why we have created our very own free planning Resource Library. This includes an insane amount of information like sample seating charts, complete inventory lists, vendor referrals, final prep forms, and so much more.
Why don’t we bombard you with that info from the start? Because at the start of your planning journey (just got the ring, woohoo!) you aren’t ready to start hashing out timelines and finalizing guest counts yet. We want to help you throughout the different stages of planning without overwhelming you with too much nitty-gritty detail stuff as your initially shop for a venue.
General Venue/Planning Questions
What is the rental fee for The Brightside and what does it include?
Please see the details found HERE for complete pricing and included items.
What is the building capacity for a wedding reception?
It depends on the style of the event. For a seated meal, we can host 200 guests including the bridal party members. For a cocktail-style event, we can host up to 400, depending on layout details.
What dates are available?
Please see the available dates information HERE.
When are the payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
Upon signing your contract, 50% of the rental rate is due along with a $500 Security Deposit. We do require the first 50% payment and Security Deposit to hold your date, but we can break up the remaining balance into 3 separate payments.
How do I reserve a date?
To reserve a date, email us at TheBrightsideDayton@gmail.com saying you are ready to book your preferred date if it is still available. We suggest you state 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 tour The Brightside. You can request a tour on our tour request page, but an in-person tour is not required prior to booking your date. Dates are reserved on a first requested basis. Whoever has requested to start the contract process from us by email first for a specific date will be first in line. We do require that contracts are signed and all payments are received to secure your date. We do NOT hold dates.
Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?
We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only. You can request a tour HERE.
What is the average budget of a couple getting married at The Brightside?
That is a great question! In general, we believe the average budget of a couple getting married at The Brightside is between $12,000-$15,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, etc.). We have had some creative couples with smaller guest lists host beautiful weddings in the $9,000 - $12,000 range, and we have had several lovely events here spending significantly less and more than the average. That is the ultimate flexibility of The Brightside…you can budget whatever you wish!
Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum?
No. Many venues have minimums because they make a 10 - 15% commission from the caterer based on how much you spend on food. We choose NOT to make a commission because we want our food options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows, and therefore we don't have a food, beverage, or guest count minimum. However, some caterers may have a reasonable minimum for specific dates.
Do we have to utilize your caterers and bar service?
At The Brightside, we welcome you to select THE CATERER OF YOUR CHOICE! We have hosted weddings with food provided by seasoned local wedding caterers, beloved restaurants, and even food trucks. We have food truck power outlets built into our patio, so your event will not be interrupted by food truck generators! Your cater/food truck will have to be approved and provide us the proper insurance paperwork.
The Brightside has a liquor license, so we must be the only source of alcohol on the property. This does include alcohol consumed during the day while getting ready, and we have several options to provide day-of hospitality to you and your wedding party. You can learn more about our Host Bar Service and bar menu HERE.
Will there be another wedding on the same day?
At The Brightside, we only host one wedding each day to ensure that each couple's event is special and receives our full attention.
Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
Yes. We have several downtown hotel options available.
Marriott at The University of Dayton
Airbnb South Park (or any Airbnb in Oregon District, South Park, or St. Anne’s Hill will work!)
How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?
We have 67 parking spaces in our immediate parking lot, 60 additional spaces in an adjoining lot, and two overflow lots shown HERE.
Do you offer straight tables instead of rounds?
We have a limited number of straight tables onsite that can be used for your gift table, head table, etc. Usually, we have a few extras that can be mixed in with reception seating, but the majority of your guests will be seated at round tables. If you prefer to use all rectangle tables, we can provide rental company options.
Do you provide table linens, plates, silverware, etc?
No. The Brightside provides an awesome venue, tables, upgraded wedding chairs, and a few bonus decor options for the allotted amount of time. Linens and other decor items can be rented through our suggested rental suppliers, but are NOT included in the rental fee.
What happens in case of rain?
In the case of rain, we have ceremony options in the Upside Loft or in the Ballroom depending upon your guest count. For a ceremony in the ballroom, guests sit at their tables and the Brightside team moves the few (usually 3 - 5) tables down the middle of the room to create a beautiful aisle. Our couples have loved this option because it’s a beautiful ceremony location and doesn’t require a big room flip, which could be disruptive to your event.
We plan to have our ceremony offsite or only plan to have our ceremony at The Brightside. 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.
Do you allow dogs on-site to play a part in our wedding day?
We are dog-friendly (just ask Max!), with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval by Carli) at the ceremony and pictures. Animals, other than service animals, are NOT allowed at the reception or near food. Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom at all times.
What form of payment does The Brightside accept?
Cash, check, or credit card (3% fee added).
My preferred dates are unavailable. Do you have a cancellation waiting list?
We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are unpredictable. As soon as a date does become available, we post it HERE. If your desired event date is less than 90 days out, we suggest you check our general event calendar as well.
What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?
You will have access to the venue at the time listed in your Online Planner, not earlier. If your wedding party members or vendors arrive prior to the opening time, we invite them to check out a local coffee shop or they are welcome to hang out in the parking lot until the doors officially open.
Do you include a "wedding day coordinator?"
This is such a great question! Unfortunately, if you're trying to compare venues "apples to apples" we feel like this is a tricky question. Our answer is no. We think it’s possible for the job duties of a "day-of wedding coordinator" to mean something different to you than it does to us, and the last thing we want is the opportunity for miscommunication. However, we do have a team leader here before you arrive onsite who stays with you. This member of The Brightside is there to help you however they can (be an extra set of hands decorating, turn on lights, answer questions from your vendors and direct them as necessary, etc.). Their goal is to do everything possible to help your day go smoothly and ensure your day is as stress-free as possible! But, we still don't consider them a day-of wedding coordinator, but rather a friendly property manager. We do have a list of wedding planners and day-of coordinators that have worked with us before.
Catering & Bar Service Questions
What are our catering options at The Brightside?
After you book with The Brightside, you will be given a password to access our Resource Library. Here we will have a complete list of our suggested caterers, food trucks, bakeries, etc.. Keep in mind that you do NOT have to use any of those suggestions, but over the years these vetted pros have become our favorites because of food quality, good service, and overall experience.
The caterer/food truck of your choice will need to be approved by The Brightside and provide the proper insurance.
How much should we expect to spend on our Bar Package?
Most couples at The Brightside select our Host Bar option, which is essentially opening a tab with a limit. Once the limit is met, the bar transitions to cash/credit. It is possible to provide Domestic Beer and Wine for up to 6 hours for 150 - 175 people for under $2,500 including two bartenders, insurance, and alcohol. Learn more about bar service HERE.
Does The Brightside handle the catering orders for these caterers, or do I work with the caterer directly?
You or your wedding planner will work directly with the caterer. Simply book your big day with The Brightside and reach out to the caterers of your choice to schedule a tasting and get the ball rolling!
Planning Questions
When is the next open house?
Our open house events are designed for couples who have already had a private tour of The Brightside. If we have already had the chance to meet we welcome you out to one of our open house events. Open house dates and the RSVP form can be found HERE.
What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?
We suggest starting Friday weddings at 5:00 pm (if you are not seeing each other before the ceremony for photos) or 6:00 p.m. if you are doing all photos before the ceremony. Saturday wedding ceremony between 4:00 - 5:00 pm, and Sunday weddings at 4:00 pm.
How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my sized event?
After you book with The Brightside, you will be given a password to access our Resource Library. Here you will be able to view several suggested Brightside table layouts based upon various guest list totals. We will reach out to you to determine your preferred layout prior to the big day!
Can we do a Wedding Rehearsal at The Brightside?
We book events 7 days a week at The Brightside often meaning we are not available for rehearsals. For that reason, you should plan for an offsite rehearsal. You are also welcome to bring anyone who would feel more comfortable understanding the venue (such as your DJ or minister, or any little ones in the wedding party) to one of our monthly open houses.
Can we have fireworks on the property?
Only sparklers for a sparkler sendoff are permitted. We recommend that you use the extra-long sparklers and you must have at least two metal buckets and a designated person (like a wedding planner or guestbook person) to collect the used sparklers afterward.
Can vehicles be left overnight?
Vehicles can be left in our parking lot, as long as they are removed by noon the next day. Be sure not to leave cars in any of our adjoining overflow lots. The Brightside also assumes no liability for cars left in our main parking lot or neighboring lots.
What time does the music need to end?
Music on Friday's/Saturday's must conclude by 11 p.m. to ensure that you, all of your items, and all of your vendors are off-property by midnight. Music on Sundays must conclude by 9 p.m. to be off property by 10 pm.
We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period?
We are a working music and event venue that often operates 7 days a week depending upon shows and corporate events throughout the week. For that reason, all deliveries must happen during the standard rental period, unless prior arrangements with Carli have been made. Please advise your vendors of this policy.
PLEASE make sure that we know about your rental orders 2 weeks before your event date. It’s amazing how many random rental orders show up here at bizarre dates and times. We want to ensure that your rental order arrives in time for your event AND that it goes to the correct event. Help us help you with rentals!
Can we get married somewhere else on the property other than the patio or loft?
You can have your ceremony in the ballroom either on the stage or in front of it. Depending upon the size of your guest list you can have a traditional ceremony chair set up with an aisle or for larger guest lists you can do it ‘California-style’ where your guests sit at their reception tables as they watch your ceremony.
Are candles allowed?
Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a candle holder. Tapered candles and any type of hanging candles will not be allowed for safety reasons. However, you can use LED taper candles and LED hanging candles/lanterns.
Is it possible to seat 10 people at a table?
Our 5’ round tables are described as “able to seat 8-10.” We recommend testing the 8 and 10 seat count when you attend one of our Open Houses. However, we recommend that you keep 8 seats at a table unless there are children at the table. 10 guests per table starts to get tight feeling.
How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
Two weeks (as will all your vendors)
How do I obtain a marriage license?
To obtain a marriage license in Montgomery County, Ohio, learn more HERE.
Setup and Day-of Questions
Are outside snacks and trays permitted?
Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted prior to the ceremony. It is not allowed after the start of the event. The Brightside has its own liquor license so alcohol MUST be purchased through us. Please let us know how we should stock the mini-fridges in each of the dressing suites with alcoholic beverages before the ceremony.
What is the event clean-up process?
Brightside staff will handle all standard clean-up and bar trash removal throughout and following the wedding reception. However, you or your caterer are solely responsible for removing all food-related trash, and you are solely responsible for removing all personal items from the dressing suites prior to the ceremony, and all decor items belonging to you after the event.
Where can we take photos at The Brightside on our wedding day?
We would love for you to take your photos at The Brightside! Because we only book one event per day you have the full use of the property for photos including the Upside Loft, Dressing Suites, Vod-Vil Bar, Brightside Ballroom, Patio, Murals, and surrounding cityscape. Many couples and their photographers walk the short distance to The Cannery or Second Street Market for other fun photo ops. We adore seeing your wedding photos so don’t forget to tag @thebrightsidedayton on Facebook and Instagram so we can share the love.
Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like greenery or lanterns from the beams?
The Brightside is over 130 years old so we kindly ask that you do not tack, tape, or nail anything to our walls or beams. We will have areas where hooks are already placed that you are welcome to use for any additional decorations. The beams at The Brightside are very tall and not reachable by a ladder. For this reason, we do not allow for anything to be hung from the beams without a professional, insured event decorator that we can connect you with. We hope that you will find them beautiful without any extra work!
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