Wedding FAQs
- How many guests can the Blackwell accommodate?
- The number of guests The Blackwell can accommodate varies by the additional set-up requirements that you may have. For example, a typical reception set up with a head table for 12 or less, rounds of 10 people, a dance floor, DJ set-up and cake table can accommodate 250 guests comfortably. Keep in mind, our Blackwell Patio is also available for events; it may be tented at an additional cost to accommodate more guests. Please ask your Blackwell catering manager for more details.
- Is there a minimum number of guests or dollar amount that is required?
- We do not have a minimum number of guests required. However, we do have a minimum in food and beverage revenue (not including tax or gratuity.) Please note, the minimums may vary by date and lower minimums are available on Friday evenings and Sundays or off-peak dates. Ask your Blackwell catering manager for more details.
- What if I do not meet my food and beverage minimum?
- The Blackwell can upgrade your food or beverage choices to help reach your minimum. However, if you do not meet the minimum in food and beverage revenue (not including tax and gratuity), the difference will be billed as a ballroom room rental fee.
- Can I have my ceremony there?
- The Blackwell has hosted several wedding ceremonies. Comfortably accommodating up to 150 guests for a ceremony in one section of our ballroom, we require one hour to reset the room for your reception. This time can be spent on our plaza level for your hors d'oeuvres reception. There is a set-up fee of $500 for the ceremony (plus tax and service charge).
- What is included in my Blackwell Wedding Experience?
- The Blackwell provides the following as a standard for all wedding packages:
- One Tasting of our cuisine with the Chef (limit of three entrees, Chef's choice starch & vegetable)
- Double clothed ivory linen table cloths and napkins
- 20 feet x 20 feet Wooden dance floor
- Cake cutting service and packaging remainder
Please note, upgrades to linens such as color overlays or floor length linen can be ordered through your Blackwell catering manager at an additional cost and the dance floor size can be adjusted smaller to fit specific set-up needs.
- How much time is included for my reception?
- Your event is contracted for five hours, including the time spent on our plaza level for a pre-reception. Additional hours may be added for $200 per hour until midnight.
- Are tax and gratuity included?
- Standard tax rates will apply to all charges and 20% gratuity is automatically added on top of all room rental fees and food and beverage rates. If you wish to add additional gratuity, this can be arranged through your Blackwell catering manager.
- May I hold the date tentatively while I am deciding?
- A two week hold may be placed on the date, which allows you "first right of refusal" if another bride is interested. After the two weeks, you may request a contract or release the date.
- What is required to reserve the date?
- A contract will be sent outlining the date, time, deposits and other details. You will have two weeks to review and return a signed copy of the contract along with your initial deposit. Payment schedule is outlined below:
| Due at Contract Signing |
$2,000 or 20% of anticipated revenue (whichever is greater) |
| Due 6 months prior to event date |
50% of anticipated revenue |
| Due 2 months (60 days prior) |
75% of anticipated revenue |
| Due 3 business days prior |
100% of anticipated revenue |
Based on guaranteed count, a credit card authorization is required for incidentals and any additional costs the evening of the event.
- What is your cancellation policy?
- All deposits are non-refundable. If you need to move your date, your deposits may be transferred to the new date when re-booked within six months and to occur no later than six months after the original date, based on prior approval of the Blackwell management team.
- Does the hotel offer parking for my guests?
- The Blackwell offers valet service for your guests at a rate of $5.00/vehicle for an evening event. Your guests may also self-park at the Tuttle Park Garage about a block and a half away for a nominal fee. Overnight valet parking is $15.00. Please note, your guests may NOT self-park in the garage overnight, guests that self-park in the garage overnight will be ticketed by OSU.
- How are payments handled?
- We accept cash, check or major credit cards. A deposit schedule will be sent to you with your contract with payments broken down over several months until the final payment. The final payment will be due 3 business days prior and a credit card authorization form must be on file for any incidentals.
- When do I guarantee my number of guests?
- Your final guest count is due by 10am three business days prior to your event date. After this, you may not decrease your count, but in most cases you may add a few guests up until 36 business hours prior to the event date.
- Are children's meals available?
- Yes, we can accommodate children ages 3- 11 with either a lower price on a buffet or a pre-planned plated meal (chicken fingers & fries).
- Do you have any limitations on decorating?
- Restrictions regarding decorations are; no glitter or confetti, no open flames and no affixing anything to the walls. As set-up times may vary, we prefer to set out any decorations for you, as you and your guests will be busy that day. You may drop off items the no earlier than 2 business days prior to your event without a storage handling fee. A storage fee of $5/box/day will be applied to your account for earlier drop offs. If you would like for our staff to place your favors, centerpieces or other table settings, a set-up fee of $25 per table will be applied to your account.
- Do you have a pastry chef you can recommend for my cake?
- The Blackwell has an in-house pastry chef who will make your cake a day or two prior to your event. The cake cost would apply to your minimum, should you choose to use our in-house pastry chef.
- Do you have florist you can recommend?
- The Blackwell has an excellent on-staff florist. Utilizing our florist does afford you some extras such as the hotel lobby centerpiece to match as well as any food stations and bars floral arrangements. Our florist can also do the flowers for the church and attendants. Pricing varies.
- Can I taste the food prior to my reception?
- We offer a complimentary tasting for up to four guests after you have a contract with us. Generally you would select 2 – 3 entrees, a salad and/or soup. Please allow at least two weeks to schedule your tasting.
- What if I want to have a band?
- We have no problem accommodating a band, however it is important to provide us with specific space requirements and any requests from the band so we can make appropriate arrangements.
- Is Smoking allowed at your facility?
- Smoking is not allowed in the building. Your guests may smoke on the patio or outside of the building.
- What about a football Saturday?
- Due to our close proximity to the Ohio Stadium, parking challenges and the last minute game time announcements we cannot host weddings on home football games.
- Do you have a preferred list of vendors?
- We have a list of vendors that we have worked with in the past, but you are not required to use them. Please ask for more information.
