 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
|||||
Brookside Gardens & Visitors Center
– Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How will my guests know where to go?
Is there seating in the garden?
Will restrooms be open during my reservation?
Does my photographer need a permit?
May I have a rehearsal at Brookside?
Are decorations allowed?
May my guests throw rice, etc?
Does Brookside have a dressing area?
Will garden visitors be able to walk through my wedding?
What do my vendors need to know about deliveries?
When may my vendors and caterer deliver?
Is there electricity in the gardens?
Are candles allowed?
When should I reserve?
How much is the deposit?
What if I need to rent more time?
Who sets up?
Do I need to rent tables and chairs?
May I bring food?
May I serve alcohol?
Where do my guests park?
May I set up a tent?
Is music allowed?
What if it rains?
How will my guests know where to go?
When sending out your invitations to your guest you might want to indicate that this is a garden event. You may want to include a map of the site. Before the event you may place small signs designating the way to your rental site. Please remove them before the close of your event.
Also, our information desk will be happy to give directions to your guest and vendors. A limited amount of wheelchairs are available. Please request these in advance. Brookside employees cannot transport your guests or packages or other items.
Back to Top
Is there seating in the garden?
Seating in the garden is not provided by the facility. A few Brookside chairs, if available, may be used by the rental party for those who cannot stand. It is recommended that the renting party take into consideration those who may need special needs while attending the event.
Rental chairs are permitted in the Fragrance Garden, Japanese Teahouse, Anderson Pavilion, Yew Garden and a few open areas as designated by the event coordinator. Delivery and pick-up of the chairs must take place within the rental period. Typically, an additional hour must be rented to allow time to set up and take down the chairs.
Will restrooms be open during my reservation?
Restrooms will remain open for you and your guests for the duration of the rental period. There is also a portable restroom located at the rear of the conservatory lot. Water fountains are located at the Conservatory entrance and inside the Conservatory, Fragrance Garden and Visitor Center.
Does my photographer need a permit?
Not if you are renting a site at Brookside. Your photographer may take photos before and after your rental period, as long as you do not interfere with another reserved event. You may take photos throughout the garden. The Conservatory is limited to the bride, groom and photographer.
May I have a rehearsal at Brookside?
A one-hour period may be reserved to rehearse for your special day. To avoid conflicts with other events, please call the event coordinator to schedule the time. Brookside does not staff the rehearsal.
Are decorations allowed?
You may place freestanding decorations in your rental site. Please keep in mind the safety of your guests. Decorations may be tied to the gazebos. Tape, nails, tacks and the like are not permitted. Do not mar the garden or structure in any way. Runways are permitted. Bring materials to anchor them in order to prevent them from blowing away.
May my guests throw rice, etc?
Throwing/releasing birdseed, rice, butterflies, doves, etc is not permitted. Flower petals and bubbles are allowed. All petals must be cleaned up after the event.
Does Brookside have a dressing area?
Brookside does not have a changing room for bridal parties or others needing a private dressing area. Classrooms, if available, may be rented for this purpose.
Will garden visitors be able to walk through my wedding?
Your rental site will be closed off to the general public, with appropriate signage during your reserved time. Staff will also monitor your site.
What do my vendors need to know about deliveries?
Service roads at the garden are for use by staff and emergency vehicles. For the safety of your guests and all garden patrons the service roads must remain clear. If your event requires equipment delivery to garden areas, permission must be obtained from the event supervisor. Vehicles must follow the instructions given by the garden staff. If permitted to use the service road (blacktop paths), vehicles must not remain on the service pathway after unloading. If the driver is requested to move the vehicle, it must be moved immediately from the service path. Under no circumstances are vehicles allowed to drive or park on any lawn area. Strict compliance is enforced.
Each vender must be self-contained. Brookside does not supply ladders, electrical cords, dollies, carts or other incidentals.
Unfortunately, Brookside staff cannot haul, carry, set up, tear down or transport any vendor's equipment. Please notify all of your event constituents.
When may my vendors and caterer deliver?
As stated in our contract, the beginning of the occupancy is when the rental period begins. Vendors may not enter the site prior to that time. If you need additional time in order to complete the setup and teardown, it must be requested at least 21 days prior to the event. An amendment will be issued for your records. Additional hours, if available, are $300.00 per hour. The event must end at the time specified as occupancy ending. Cleanup is to be done within your rental period by the rental party. All vendor and subcontracted equipment must be picked up before the end of the rental period.
Is there electricity in the gardens?
Each garden has electrical power nearby. Extension cords will have to be used in most cases. Please come prepared.
Are candles allowed?
Yes, but all flames must be enclosed in a hurricane glass or the candle must be recessed below the flame level in glass.
When should I reserve?
It is recommended that reservations be made six months to one year in advance. A tentative hold may be placed. (The length of the hold depends upon the season.) When renting the facility for a six or seven hour wedding reception, a complimentary hour at one of the outdoor garden locations is included. The ceremony must take place within the six or seven hour period.
How much is the deposit?
A $50.00 booking fee is required to initiate a contract. The balance of 40% of the rental fee will be due with the signed contract. The remainder of the fee, as well as a refundable security deposit, in some cases, will be due one month prior to the event.
What if I need to rent more time?
Additional time may be purchased, as available, at the rate of $300.00 per hour for garden sites and the reception hall. If you are expecting vendor deliveries, setup or teardown outside of the rental period, you must purchase additional time.
Who sets up?
Setup and cleanup are the responsibility of the rental party. Brookside staff do not set up or clean up rental functions.
Do I need to rent tables and chairs?
Brookside provides tables and chairs for rentals in the reception hall and the classrooms. Additional furniture, if needed, must be provided and set up by the renting party. You must provide your own rental furniture and equipment for outdoor rentals.
May I bring food?
All food service must be provided by a catering firm that meets our requirements (see requirements, below). Caterers must provide all catering supplies and equipment. A small warming kitchen is available when renting the Reception Hall. Other sites in the Garden may require a catering tent. All food and drink is restricted to the rented area.
To qualify as an approved caterer, the following documents must be submitted to the event coordinator no later than 30 days prior to your event:
- A current copy of the caterer's health department inspection certificate.
- Liability and damage insurance for one million dollars with Brookside Gardens named as an additional certificate holder for the duration of the event.
- A current caterer's license (for off site catering).
May I serve alcohol?
Except for hard liquor or distilled spirits, alcoholic beverages are permitted at functions.
Where do my guests park?
Parking is limited, with 120 parking spaces plus overflow available on a first-come first-served basis.
May I set up a tent?
Yes, tents on the lawn are allowed at specified times and areas. The renter is responsible for these arrangements. Setup and breakdown of tents must be scheduled to avoid conflict with other reservations. Because there are no lights in the garden, all tented events in the garden must end by 8:00pm.
Is music allowed?
Indoor music and limited outdoor music is allowed. Outdoor music must comply with the Montgomery County noise ordinance and is permitted only after 4:00pm. Electrical outlets are available throughout the gardens.
What if it rains?
Brookside is primarily a garden, so indoor space is always limited. If there should be inclement weather during your ceremony we will make every effort to find an indoor location on the property.
For additional information about the public gardens, including hours of operation, horticultural programs and events, visit the Brookside Gardens Web site.
Montgomery County Department of Parks
9500 Brunett Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20901
www.montgomeryparks.org
Contact us
Privacy
Terms of Use