Frequently Asked Wedding ?s

 
 

What is the venue capacity?

250 seated guests including the bridal party. Up to 128 at round tables or up to 172 at rectangular tables in the Great Room. The loft accommodates up to 72 where only rectangular tables are used.

Up to 100 additional guests may be seated outside on the covered wrap-around deck.

Inside ceremonies will accommodate up to 250 guests with complete visibility.

What is the rental price and what does it include?

Please see the genuinely affordable pricing and included items HERE.

What dates are available?

Choose from selections on our Dates Page

Is there a deposit?  Is it refundable? When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?

Upon signing the contract, there is a $600 non-refundable deposit due. This goes toward your total fee. The remaining balance can be divided into monthly payments if that is your choice. Larger payments in fewer increments are what we write on the contract. 50% of the balance must be paid by 6 months prior and the final balance is paid 30 days prior to the event date. These payments may need any of your “extras” such as linens, patio lights, cabins, etc.
added to them.

What form of payment does Life’s Finer Moments accept?

We accept cash, check, money orders, or credit/debit cards.

Is there a refundable security deposit?

Yes, a $300 refundable security deposit is added to your total invoice if no card is on file. Upon post-event facility review and cleaning, you will be refunded the security deposit accordingly, or charged for any damages incurred.

How do I reserve a date?

Prior to booking a date, we hope you are able to come in person to visit. You can request a physical tour (or a Facetime tour if you live out of the area) on our Tour Request page but an in-person tour is not required prior to booking a date. Call or email us at jana@lifesfinermoments.com saying you are ready to book a date and would like a contract and have your deposit ready. We suggest you include a backup date in case your preferred date is unavailable. Out of respect, we reserve on a first requested basis. Whoever has requested to start the contract process from us for a specific date will be first in line. We follow up with a contract and invoice. When we have received both the signed contract and deposit, you’ll be reserved and may start cartwheeling!

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 on our Available Dates page. Before you rule out a venue based on availability, many couples have had amazing experiences with Friday or Sunday weddings, and they saved a piece of their budget to splurge on something else they love.

What is the average budget of a couple getting married at Life’s Finer Moments?

We serve a wide range of couples but find that most budgets are in between  $8,000 - $12,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, decor etc.).  We also have many couples that lean more on the DIY side of things and manage a budget closer to $5,000 (family or friends usually make the food, arrange florals, run our free sound system, etc).  

What if I planned an outdoor ceremony and the weather doesn’t cooperate?

It is an easy adjustment to make accommodations for the wedding to be moved indoors. See the details here for Rain/Extreme Weather backup plan and select accordingly in your Online Planner with us.

What is your alcohol policy?

We are a family-friendly dry venue. Please hear our heart here. Your wedding is one of the most special days of your life. Your friends and family are there to celebrate and honor you, and they are beyond thankful for the meal and fun you are supplying. We desire for this occasion to truly be one of your life’s finer moments. These policies are in place to protect the sanctity of your event. It’s our greatest joy to help make it a memorable time.

What is your parking lot capacity?

150 vehicles on a commercial lit gravel lot.

What are my table options?

Rectangular & Round

See the measurements section below for more details

What about table linens?

We do offer white table linens for rent as a venue add-on item. To see the reasonable cost for this service please go to our Optional Sweet Add Ins section on our Pricing page. You don’t have to utilize them and may bring your own linens. Be advised you must have your own linens ironed or steamed BEFORE you arrive as there’s simply not enough time the day of. Ask how we know this!

How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my sized event? 

We provide an online template in which YOU determine your preferred layout. It’s due 3 weeks prior to the big day!

What if we want to have only the ceremony or only the reception, not both at this venue?

Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite. Your best value is the combination, but it’s not required. Understand that you are purchasing the value of a DATE.

Are candles allowed?

Yes, but in containers or jars where the flame is completely contained. No open flames, tapers, or hanging candles. We’ve tried it before, but it just simply didn’t work out.

 
 

What decorating rules are there?

Please take a photo of our current seasonal decor and its placement if you are going to replace it with your own. At the end of the evening, your family can return our decor to its rightful place with the aid of your pre-event photos on a cleanup member’s phone.

Our wood is beautiful as is, but a Command Hook is allowed if you need to add your decor. No ladder can reach the beams so nothing will be hung from them. You may bring fishing line to hang lightweight things from the loft rail. All decor assists must be removed upon exit. No loose confetti or glitter items of any kind inside or outside.


What do you mean by “family-friendly” venue?

  • We are a dry venue. We host beautiful alcohol-free weddings. See the alcohol policy in this FAQ section.

  • Plan to spend time with your family enjoying all the space with some of our games or bring your own. Use the lawn, patio, covered deck, or loft depending on the activity.

  • We have a projector and screen so everyone can enjoy a PowerPoint slideshow or videos of you growing up. Yikes!

  • You may bring in your own family favorite foods instead of utilizing a caterer.

  • To sweeten your budget, with our sound system, Cousin Mike can be your own DJ... Another Yikes!


Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?

We can't wait to meet you and talk about your vision. All tours are by appointment only. Request one HERE


Do we have to utilize your partnering caterers? May our family “do the food” for the wedding or rehearsal dinner?

You have 2 options. Because remember, we’re family-friendly!

  1. Your family may bring in your own food as one of our Optional Sweet Add-Ins for a kitchen fee of $200. We understand Uncle John might smoke meat like no other but be sure and request your family food details with us for approval.

  2. Choose 1 of our partnering caterers and save some time and stress! We are selective and have purposely chosen a few small business owners in our area, because although no one is perfect, and none of our caterers claim to be, when you work with a small business owner they are personally invested in the success of your wedding day. To save you the stress and trouble of Googling your engagement away, our  PRE-APPROVED PARTNERING CATERERS have done great work and have frequented Life’s Finer Moments. They are familiar with the venue and have proven to genuinely care about your wedding day. We like to keep our small businesses alive and well; please utilize them to save yourself some stress.

Do I work with the vendors directly?

Yes. Contact information is included in the vendor listing.


Will there be another event at the venue that day?

No, when you book a wedding event with us, you are the exclusive attraction. You are purchasing a date which makes it unavailable to others.


Do you have overnight accommodations?

Check out our cabins on site! It’s just one of our very popular Optional Sweet Add Ins. If you’re choosing a 2-day package, we also have overflow sleeping for families in our loft on the hide-a-beds for significant savings. (We have private showers in the Lower Level restrooms) Ask for information.

There is a motel in town, 5 minutes away, and we also can direct you to other lodge options we have exclusive access to. Please ask.


Do you allow dogs on-site to play a part in our wedding day?

We are dog-friendly, with specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed outside (only with pre-approval by a manager) at the ceremony and pictures. Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride, groom, or anyone else in the wedding party. Only service animals with accompanying paperwork are allowed inside.


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.


 How far in advance do you need our final headcount?

3 weeks in your online planner


Can we have fireworks on the property?

If there is no current burn ban, certain fireworks are permitted with permission from the manager after detailed specifics are discussed. We must request from the sheriff ahead of time so it’s crucial that you make your request to us at least 2 weeks prior. Again, not a 100% guarantee and is dependant on the weather.

Can we use confetti or other fun send-off items?

Send-offs of the newly married couple can definitely be one of the highlights of the evening. We allow bubbles, sparklers on the sidewalk AWAY from the wood porch, and biodegradable items for send-offs. No germinating grain is permitted, and no confetti or glitter items of any kind inside or outside. Ask us to share the story about the next event’s businessmen with “bedazzled” back-sides following a previous group ignoring this policy.

Can we drive on the grass?

Sorry, no. We work hard to keep the lawn looking gorgeous for you. Also, broken sprinkler heads are expensive! Use a dolly or carry your DIY decor down the sidewalk to the patio or lawn.

Important measurements you may want to know:

  • 16 Round Tables: 60"

  • 30 Rectangle Tables: 8' x 30”

  • 1 Rectangle Tables: 6'

  • 2 Rectangle Tables: 4'

  • 5 Rectangle Seminar Tables: 8’ x 18”

  • 350 Chairs

  • Media counter: 9’ x 21”

  • Kitchen serving window: 9.5’ wide and 3’ deep

  • Fireplace Mantel: 9’ 4” x 12” deep

  • Fireplace Hearth: 9’ 4” x 18” deep

  • Firewood Holders: 32” x 32” and 41” tall

  • Covered Deck: 14’ wide entire perimeter of bldg

newlyweds making hand heart with grass and  nature trail in background

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Life's Finer Moments-wedding venues near Manhattan, KS

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