FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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• You mentioned that an AirBNB is close by. How can I contact them?

  • There is a newly remodeled AirBNB right next door. They have both a 1 bedroom that sleeps 4 and a 2 bedroom that sleeps 6. Contact Michelle @ michelle.a.moshiri@gmail.com. Pictures can be seen at: Homeaway.com Property #7194745 and Airbnb.com.

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• Will someone from your staff be available the day of our event?

  • Yes. We will have staff on site from the time you arrive until the beginning of the reception dinner. Russo’s staff will then be in charge until the end of the event.

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• Who puts our centerpieces on the tables?

  • If the tables are already set up (because your ceremony is outside or somewhere else) then your vendor can place them. If your ceremony is here, then Russo’s staff will place your centerpieces when they set up the tables.

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• Who cleans up at the end of our event?

  • Our staff cleans up. All you do is enjoy yourselves.

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• What if my date is not available?

  • What is more important? The date or the memories?

  • THINK ABOUT THIS FACT: Wedding publications are saying that a Friday wedding is the hot new trend as it allows all of your guests to hang out together for the rest of the weekend. Fridays are also less expensive and do not inconvenience guests that may have other plans for the weekend. Rather than a 6:00 to 11:00 on Saturday, consider a 6:30 to 11:30 on Friday. Maybe add a brunch for your closest friends the following Saturday. Our daughter said the day after brunch was her favorite part because she could actually relax with her friends. If you skipped us because you were looking for a Saturday that was still open, please come by and look at us for a Friday. We promise you that a Friday at The McPherson will certainly outshine a Saturday at a lesser venue.

  • YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER  A WINTER WEDDING: Winter weddings can be even more beautiful than summer. Because the temperatures are cooler, your guests tend to dress nicer. Men will wear jackets rather than just shirts and women have more comfortable and fashionable options. Our outside bar has drop down sides and heaters so that it can be used even when it is cold outside. Daylight savings time means all of our outdoor lights look fabulous even at the start of your event. Winter rates are also lower so you can spend more on things that your guests will really remember such as a band instead of a DJ or a photo booth. Also consider a black tie New Years Eve wedding, they are fabulous. Wouldn’t you prefer to have a beautiful winter Saturday wedding that everyone remembers and talks about, rather than a peak season Saturday night wedding at an unmemorable hall that people quickly forget.

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• We want a lot of young children or elderly guests to attend our reception. Any suggestions?

  • If your family wants to have young children attend the reception, then a Sunday wedding is a great option that can save you thousands of dollars. Have an afternoon ceremony and early evening reception so that your guests can get their children home in time for bed. The younger crowd can just walk down our street to a number of bars to continue the celebration later into the evening. There are Monday bank/govt holidays in January, February, October & November which makes those Sundays even better.

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• When can I expect a return phone call after I send a request for information?

  • Within 24 hours, however our office is closed on Sunday and Monday.

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• How far in advance should I book our wedding venue?

  • If you just have to have a Saturday during the 6 most popular months, then you probably need to book at least 18 months in advance. Fridays and off season Saturdays can usually be found with only 9 months advance booking.

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• Is there an extra charge to have our ceremony at the venue?

  • No. There is no additional fee to have your ceremony during the rental time. There is no discount for not having your ceremony, you just have more time for cocktails, dinner and dancing.

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• Can we provide our own food or use a different caterer?

  • No. All food must be provided by our exclusive caterer Russo’s Catering.

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• Can we provide our own liquor and beverages?

  • No. All liquor and beverages must be provided by Russo’s Catering. Russo’s provides all glassware and bartenders. Russo’s pricing includes premium liquor at The McPherson unless you request otherwise.

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• Can Russo’s provide ethnic food?

  • Yes. Russo’s has experience providing many different ethnic foods.

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• Can we have an outside ceremony?

  • Yes. We have a 5,000 Square Foot courtyard in the rear with a pergola and chandelier.

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• Can we have an outside reception?

  • Maybe. There are residential noise restrictions and all loud music must cease by 10:00.

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• Who supplies the tables and chairs?

  • We provide all tables (round or rectangular) and all chairs. The chairs are X back chairs which are much more comfortable and attractive than the standard venue chairs.

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• Who provides the linens and tableware?

  • Russo’s provides all linens and tableware. Russo’s uses only glassware and china at The McPherson – no plastic. Contact them for available colors & options.

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• Can we extend or change the hours of our event?

  • Yes. The rental time is 5 hours but you can add additional time or adjust the start time.

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• Is the parking lot included in the venue rental?

  • Yes. The parking lot and an attendant is included in the venue rental.

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• Can our guests leave their cars in your parking lot overnight?

  • Yes, but they must put our parking permit on their dashboard.

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• Do I need to have valet parking?

  • Absolutely not. We have more than enough parking for you guests. Other venues that do not have parking lots may charge you up to $700 for a valet service.

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• Is the bridal suite and groom’s room included in the venue rental?

  • Yes. However, there is an additional charge for extra early access.

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• Can I add or delete options after we sign our rental contract?

  • Yes. You can add and delete options subject to certain time limitations.

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• If something horrible happens and I have to cancel my event, can I get a refund?

  • Maybe. We will make every attempt to find a new party that wants your date and if we are successful you will get a significant amount of your payment refunded.

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• Where can my out of town guests stay?

  • The DoubleTree Hilton offers discounts to our clients and there are several AirBNBs within a few blocks. Chase Park Plaza and Holiday Inn are very close.

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• Where can we take bridal party pictures?

  • Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, Missouri Botanical Gardens or our rear courtyard.

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• Can I use my own florist, DJ, band, limo service, etc?

  • Yes. We just require them to call us in advance to discuss logistics.

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• Are there bars nearby for after reception parties?

  • Yes. There are 7 bar/restaurants within 1.5 blocks and 12 additional bars 4 blocks away.

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• Does Missouri charge sales tax on venue rentals?

  • Yes. Unfortunately, the state has decided that venue rentals are subject to sales tax.

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• If we choose to have a ceremony rehearsal, when can I schedule it?

  • Thursday 11:00 till 5:00. Other days and times by appointment only based of staff availability and other scheduled events. If you have elected to have early access you should consider having it the morning of your event. We do charge for rehearsals so this option would save you not only our minor fee but also the expense of a rehearsal dinner.

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• Will my elderly guests have easy access?

  • Yes. The McPherson has all new main floor restrooms that are ADA compliant. Five of our six entrances are ADA accessible. All of the reception space is on the main level.

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• Is use of the courtyard included in the venue rental?

  • Yes. There is no charge for the courtyard for cocktail hour or pictures, however there is an additional fee for chair rental if you intend to have your ceremony outside.

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• When do I have to pay for my venue space rental?

  • A deposit of $2,000 is due when your contract is signed. The balance is due 2 months later. Payment for any additional services added after that time is due 2 weeks prior to your event.

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• According to Brides magazine, what is the second most common complaint from wedding guests?

  • Long lines at the bar! We have 2 separate bars and if you have more than 100 guests, we recommend that you consider asking Russo’s to provide one additional bartender during the cocktail hour. An inexpensive extra to insure that your guests enjoy your celebration.

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• Do you have a designated smoking area?

  • Yes. Cigarette smoking is permitted at the outside bar which has a large covered area that can be enclosed in cold weather. No smoking is allowed inside the building. If you want a cigar bar it would be set up in our drive-thru portico.

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• Will there be other events at the venue during my wedding?

  • No. Your wedding and reception will be the only event and you will be allowed to use all parts of the venue for the entire evening. This is your day and you will not have to share it with strangers.

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• How long does it take to set up the main hall for the reception after the ceremony?

  • It has been done in as little as 30 minutes, but what is the rush. Let your guests enjoy the cocktail hour and plan on 45-60 minutes to turn the room. We have plenty of both indoor and outdoor spaces for your guests to enjoy while the room is being set up. If you have an outdoor ceremony, the main hall will already be set up for your reception.