Frequently Asked Questions

Since opening our doors in July of 2003, we’ve entertained many questions. In an attempt to better serve our guests and to give up-to-date information, we welcome you to our “frequently asked questions” page.  Like most brides, you will have many questions; we hope this will serve to answer at least some of them.

As always, feel free to contact us in person.  Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm, and Saturday by appointment.  If we don’t answer promptly, we are all either on the phone or busy hosting an event, so just leave a message and we’ll get back with you at the earliest possible time.

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Ceremony:

Does Carl House provide wedding direction?

Yes we do. Wedding direction is included as part of your wedding ceremony package and pricing.  Our in-house Wedding Director will work with you, starting three months before your event, on your overall planning.  You will then work with her three weeks before your wedding, to help you decide and plan important details of your ceremony and the flow of your ceremony and reception.

Our basic wedding direction package gives you approximately 11 hours of work with your Carl House Wedding Director.  This time includes your one-hour rehearsal and guidance during the day of your event.  Though our 11 hours of wedding direction is typically more than enough time for most brides, please know that we are more than happy to add additional hours to serve you at a nominal cost.  Please call our office to get a detailed handout of the specific details of our Wedding Direction services along with additional services we make available.

How much time do we have for our rehearsal and when is it usually scheduled?

Each couple receives a one-hour rehearsal, which is typically scheduled the day before the wedding at a convenient time for both the bride and groom and Carl House. Carl House is obligated to work around other event schedules and will do its best to be as flexible as possible in scheduling your rehearsal. It is important that your guests arrive on time, so that your ceremony can be rehearsed twice within the parameters of the scheduled time. Consider having your wedding rehearsal dinner at Carl House; this would give you more time to spend with your wedding party at Carl House and enjoy the privacy of our country estate.

What happens if we have planned an outdoor ceremony and it rains?

We can move your ceremony into our ballroom in the event of rain, with a minimum of 3 hours’ notice prior to your arrival time. This will give us time to re-set the ballroom for the ceremony. Following the ceremony, we will then configure the ballroom for your reception while your guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages, if you have chosen this as part of your menu. Remember also that Carl House has tent rental partners, in case you prefer to have a backup plan that involves a tent.

How much notice do I have to give if I want to change from an outdoor to an indoor ceremony?

At least three hours before your arrival at Carl House. Our staff will reset the ballroom for a ceremony and do a quick change over for your reception after the ceremony.

What is included in the Carl House ceremony fee?

The ceremony fee of $750 includes the set-up of up to 100 chairs, either in the outdoor ceremony garden or in our grand ballroom (additional chairs are available for a rental fee of $2.50 each), the services of your Carl House Wedding Director, an initial planning session with her (about three months before your event) and a final one-hour meeting with her (approximately three weeks prior to your event). Your Wedding Director will direct your rehearsal, usually held the day before your wedding, and handle the flow of your event on your wedding day.

Facility Rental Information:

What is included in Carl House’s facility fee?

We schedule only one event at a time at Carl House, unless otherwise specified. Your facility fee ensures that you have complete access to our entire four-acre estate – the house, the gardens and, of course, our grand ballroom. Your rental fee includes set-up and clean-up of your event, tables, chairs, linens, stemware, china and flatware. You are also welcome to use our centerpieces, which consist of an ivory candle in a globe, centered on an off-white silk hydrangea arrangement, ivy, or a rose patterned silk arrangement. In addition, we include a silver candelabra on our buffet table. You are free to add floral arrangements or additions to the ballroom, although there is little need to add much, as Carl House is already well-appointed with beautiful silk arrangements, ivy greens and lights on our curved staircase and throughout the ballroom.

What are the sizes of your tables?

Carl House provides 60” round tables for guests which can seat 9 people for a buffet seating and 8 for a formal sit-down service. Our buffet is set on 6’ tables, which we skirt and place together. We also have 48” round “sweetheart” tables available which can seat up to 6 people for buffet service and 5 for formal sit-down service.  We use our 48” round tables, as cake tables and for the bride and groom’s private meal in the bridal suite after their ceremony.

What kind of linens does Carl House provide?

Carl House provides floor length ivory underlays on our 60” tables. You have a choice of either ivory or white 71” square overlays. A beautiful ivory damask tablecloth is provided for our brides and grooms’ cake table, and if they choose to use a small sweetheart table for themselves in the ballroom.  Additional ivory damask and specialty holiday underlays are available for an additional fee. Our select event partners have other specialty linens available. We can refer you to them, or handle the ordering for you, with a 10% handling fee.

How many people can Carl House accommodate?

Carl House can comfortably accommodate approximately 200 to 225 people for an inside, sit-down dinner. We prefer to seat everyone for a buffet, but Carl House can accommodate 350 when a seat for everyone is not required, and 450 to 500 if you choose to rent a tent. Seating varies, depending on whether or not you have a dance floor, where you like to have your buffet placed, and other factors. If you wish, we can assist with tent rentals for additional capacity. Carl House has recently added a lovely, large gazebo which may be used for your ceremony, additional seating or for your band.

May we bring our own decorations?

You are welcome to bring your own decorations, however, nothing may not be attached to the walls. The Carl House staircase decorations will remain, unless you request to have it removed (there is a $250 removal and re-installation fee). The ballroom mantle decorations will be removed upon request, and feel free to talk with us about other in-house decorations you would prefer to have removed for your event.

May we have a separate time to take photographs?

Carl House, schedule permitting, is available for this purpose for a rental fee of $100 per hour if you have booked your wedding at Carl House, or $150 per hour if your wedding is to take place elsewhere. The fee for each additional hour of rental time on your wedding day is $375 and includes assistance from our wedding director.

Can we bring the cake prior to our event rental time?

Because Carl House does not offer cake storage facilities, your cake must be delivered during your rental time.

What if we need additional rental time?

Discuss this with our Event Manager; if available, additional rental time can be purchased for $375 per hour and includes the assistance from our wedding director.  If you choose to keep your bar open during this time, this will result in additional charges.

We’d like to have our rehearsal dinner at Carl House, but with a different set-up from our wedding; is this possible?

Our Director of Sales, Faye Pressley, will be happy to suggest other areas within Carl House and different menu choices. Carl House’s third floor is perfect for a rehearsal dinner for up to 50 people, with a different look and feel from our ballroom or mezzanine space.  Ask for a tour, to see if it’s right for you and your guests!

Will Carl House be decorated?

Carl House will have its daily decorations throughout the house, including the staircase decorations and trees with lights on the mezzanine and throughout the ballroom. We will gladly remove the staircase decorations for a $250 fee.

John Campbell Photographers

Does Carl House decorate for Christmas?

Yes, we do! They usually go up a week before Thanksgiving and come down the second week in January.  We’ll be happy to send you photographs of previous decorations – just ask!

How early can our guests arrive?

We request that guests arrive no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. During the pre-ceremony time, the house is open only to the immediate wedding party, and we ask that your guests respect that our staff is busy preparing for your event.

If more guests show up than we expect, are we charged for them?

The Carl House Banquet Manager and Wedding Director will do a headcount during the ceremony or during your reception, to confirm the exact number of guests. Should your headcount go over the guaranteed number determined at your final headcount time (3 weeks before your event), you will be charged a $10 surcharge for each additional guest, along with the agreed upon food, beverage, service and tax charges for each guest. This applies to guests who are added after the guaranteed headcount and those who unexpectedly show up the day of the event. Our chef will do everything possible to accommodate any surprise guests you may have. We encourage all our clients to double-check their headcount, as unexpected arrivals create extra costs for you. Also, please remember that you will not be able to decrease your headcount after the final number has been guaranteed at your three-week meeting.

What if we go over our scheduled rental time?

If you go over your scheduled rental time, $375 per hour will be added to your facility rental fee, plus additional beverage costs if you plan to keep the bar open or other beverages available.

What is a typical timeline for a ceremony and reception at Carl House?

Together with your Carl House Wedding Director, you will be able to create a specific timeline, based on your desires for your special day. The following is an example for you to work from.

Payment:

What is your invoicing process?

In order to secure your event date at Carl House, 1/3 of your anticipated total fee is due when you sign your contract.  You will be expected to pay a second 1/3 at your initial planning meeting which is typically 3 months before your event, and the final 1/3 of your bill approximately three weeks before your event.

When is the final payment due?

The final payment is due in full upon receipt of our final invoice, following your three-week meeting with us.

What if our payment arrives after the due date?

Payments received later than two weeks before your event are subject to a 5% surcharge. Direct billing is only allowed with prior approval.

 Food and Beverage:

Why do I pay a service fee? Is it the same as a gratuity?

Your service fee covers the services of our trained kitchen and service staff in attendance at your event. All our servers have gone through rigorous, professional training to know how best to serve you and your guests. A gratuity is not required; it is left to the discretion of each client.

liana.tv

How many servers will be in attendance if we have 100 people at our event?

For sit-down meals, Carl House typically staffs one server for 2 tables (or every 16 people). For buffet service, we usually have one server for every 20 to 25 people. Carl House employs approximately 30 trained servers, seven utility (or back kitchen) workers, one Executive Chef and one Sous Chef. A Banquet Manager and an Event Manager are present at each event, as is a Wedding Director for wedding ceremonies and receptions. In addition, we assign one server to the wedding party, to assure they have the very closest attention and best service. It is our practice at Carl House to introduce our staff to our clients before their event, whenever possible.

Do you have a cake cutting fee?

Yes. Carl House’s $1.50 per person cake cutting fee covers the cost of providing plates, flatware and our cake cutting service for your event.  Our maximum charge is $150 or the cost to serve cake to 100 of your guests.  Each additional guest is complementary.  Please come sample the cakes of our various providers at one of our periodic cake and food tastings, well before your event.

John Campbell Photographers

Do I have to pay the full fee for children?

No, you don’t. Children 5 years of age or younger eat at Carl House for free. We are happy to provide special children’s meals upon request, and for a nominal fee, Carl House can also provide entertainment for the children in your party.

What brand is Carl House’s signature coffee?

Our perfectly roasted and brewed coffee comes from St. Ives Coffee Roasters in Gainesville.

What is Carl House’s house wine?

For our basic package, we have a wonderful California brand, Black Oak, in Chardonnay, White Zinfandel and Merlot. In our premium and deluxe packages, you will find a wide variety of choices.

If there is food left over, can we take it with us?

Health codes prohibit taking food off the premises, except for the wedding cake.

Can we order snacks and drinks during set-up time?

Yes. For the bride and groom and their attendants, we can provide snacks and drinks in the upstairs suites. Prices vary, depending on your food and beverage choices. Clients are not permitted to bring in their own beer, wine, champagne or food.

Does Carl House have specialty kosher, vegetarian or other menus?

Yes. Carl House can provide any type of menu you would like. If you have a particular recipe that is a family tradition or otherwise has a special meaning for you, bring it to us and we will do our best to make it taste authentic!

Additional Services:

Does Carl House provide rentals of such items as candelabra or microphones?

Yes. Carl House has a complete list of rentals available for our clients. These include unity candles, candelabra, kneeling benches, microphones, podium, aisle stands, aisle runners, TV/VCR/CD/DVD, LCD projector and screen, tables, chairs, linens and more. Let us know what you need and we will arrange it for you.

Do you have bridal packages?

Carl House does provide various menu packages and event partner packages for brides and grooms to consider. We believe that every couple is distinct and looks forward to their own unique event. With that in mind, we encourage couples to pick the ceremony and wedding reception options that best suit their style and taste.  Please ask Denise Myers, our Senior Wedding Director about our wedding packages which include a variety of our preferred event partners including floral, linen, DJ, cake and limousine options designed and packaged together for your convenience and budget.

Miscellaneous:

Does Carl House provide chair covers?

Carl House does not provide chair covers, however we have a relationship with several specialty linen partners who do provide chair covers and who can share a wide selection of varieties with you.  Carl House has beautiful mahogany chivari chairs for you to use if requested.

Other than weddings, what kind of events does Carl House host?

Carl House is a beautiful, friendly gathering place for all kinds of events.  We have hosted brunches, bridal luncheons, red hat society gatherings, tradeshows, dinners, corporate meetings, holiday parties, anniversaries, birthdays, holiday parties, political gatherings, all kosher Jewish events and corporate retreats.  Whatever your gathering needs are, our estate, with its exquisitely-appointed rooms and professionally-landscaped gardens, is available to meet them.

May we use our own vendors?

Certainly. We have a suggested list of approved Event Partners, but you are more than welcome to bring in vendors you feel will help fulfill the vision you have for your very special wedding.

Outside vendors are required to complete an Event Partner contract, which tells them how we work at Carl House.  A valid business license and proof of insurance are required of each vendor.  The outside vendor contract is due back at your final planning session, approximately 3 weeks before your event.

If you are asking friends to provide you with services, or vendors who are not certified, we ask that you consider purchasing special event insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen damages.  Please ask our office for details concerning special event insurance and why it may be a smart choice for you. One group we recommend is R.V. Nuccio & Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. at www.wedsure.com.  Carl House derives no profit from your special event insurance, but rather hopes to prevent unnecessary risk to you.  Clients must sign an event partner contract if they are having friends or uncertified vendors supply services.

For your food and beverage needs, we require that you use the services of our chef and well-trained wait staff.

When can I have my rehearsal?

We typically schedule rehearsals on Thursdays at 4 PM, Fridays between 3 and 5 PM, and on Saturdays at 4:30 PM.  We encourage our brides to also have their rehearsal dinner at Carl House, to ease the travel confusion between different locations. Please ask about our private third floor space for rehearsal parties of up to 50 people or for brunch service the next day for out-of-town guests after your reception!

After reserving my space at Carl House, when can I call in with questions?

We welcome all questions, however in order to provide the level of service that we intend for all our clients, our Wedding Director typically schedules time to talk with each of our brides once a month. Please feel free to schedule a time with our Senior Wedding Director, Denise Myers, to go over questions that can’t wait for either your initial planning session, (scheduled approximately three months before your event), or your final planning session, (scheduled three weeks before your event).  Keep in mind that Denise is at Carl House only for scheduled meetings.  She will call you back within 24 hours to set up a time to talk and will keep track of her scheduled time with you to allow you budget your time with her or purchase additional time if needed.  Or, for an often speedier reply, you can e-mail.

When did Carl House open?

Carl House hosted its first wedding on July 5, 2003.  It was a very successful event despite rain pouring down just 30 minutes prior to the start of the outdoor ceremony. Our staff was able to rearrange the ballroom so that everyone had a perfect seat for the impromptu indoor ceremony.

How many weddings has Carl House hosted?

As of January 2008, Carl House has hosted well over 375 weddings!!

What are Carl House’s plans for the future?

Owners Tom and BB Webb have purchased acreage behind Carl House to build overnight facilities for guests, called "Carl House Stables". There is talk of possibly including a restaurant as part of the Stables and an additional wedding facility.  Ideas for a creativity and wellness center are also being considered.  A large multi-purpose gazebo is now gracing the Carl House grounds, perfect for additional seating, a band, or for your ceremony.  Carl House is looking forward to accommodating bridal guests at the Stables and hosting corporate retreats.  BB Webb is also working on creating greater awareness of Carl House through her media and public speaking work which can soon be seen at www.bbwebb.tv.

What sort of events does Carl House currently provide for the public?

Currently Carl House offers Mother’s Day brunches, cake tastings, hors d’oeuvre and wine dinners, small business development workshops and relationship workshops. We also provide an excellent venue for theme parties and corporate events.

How many cars can Carl House accommodate for parking?

Our parking lot can accommodate approximately 200 cars. We also have a large field area behind the parking lot for additional vehicles, when needed. Shuttle services for guests can be arranged upon request.

Is there more than one event scheduled at a time?

We schedule one event at a time at Carl House.  For our holiday party options, we sometimes have several small parties in different parts of the house who share the same buffet and ballroom.

Can Carl House host more than one event per day?

Yes, this is possible.

Our daytime events on Monday through Friday are typically over by 5 PM and on Saturday by 4 PM, so that our evening events can begin on time. On Sunday, we may host a morning brunch and an afternoon or evening wedding.

Does Carl House have accessibility for people with disabilities?

Yes, Carl House is handicap accessible downstairs.  We do not presently have access to our second floor or third floor for people with disabilities.

Yeakle Photography

How many bathrooms does Carl House have?

Carl House has four bathrooms on the first floor. On the second floor, there are a masculine, granite bathroom for the groom’s party and a beautiful pink marbled bathroom for the bridal party.  Our third floor has two additional bathrooms, for a total of eight throughout the house.

Does Carl House provide overnight facilities?

At the present time, we do not, but we plan on building Carl House Stables as overnight facilities in the near future. Please stay in touch to find out more about these luxurious sleeping rooms.

We partner with Wingate, just 10 miles away at the Mall of Georgia, as well as Chateau Elan and the Hilton Garden Inn for overnight accommodations.  These facilities are happy to assist with shuttle services and group booking rates, if needed.  Please ask our office for contact information and be sure to tell them that you are a Carl House client to assure the best rate.

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