General Questions

What is the rental fee for Studio D2D and what does it include?

  • Please see the details found here for complete pricing and the included items.

What is the venue’s capacity and size?

  • Total Venue Capacity: Up to 300 guests, including the bridal party.
  • On-Site Ceremony Recommended Capacity: Up to 220 guests for the best experience.
  • This ensures comfort and an optimal setup for your event.
  • The Loft is approximately 6800 sq feet and City View is approximately 7000 sq feet.

What dates are available?

  • Please see the available dates information here.

When are the payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?

  • To secure your event date, a $1,500 booking fee is required at the time of contract signing. The final installment is due 30 days prior to the event.
  • We offer flexible payment options:
    • You may make smaller, partial payments at any time before the due date, allowing you to create your own payment plan.
    • Installment payments can be set up through Weven upon request.
  • For mailed checks, please include the couple’s last names and wedding date in the memo line.
  • Important: Sales tax is applied to each payment, and full payment must be received by the due date to maintain your reservation.

How do I reserve a date?

  • To officially reserve your date, please email us with your preferred event date and a  backup date (just in case your first choice is booked)
  • Important Notes: Dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.  The first client to request to begin the booking process via email for a specific date will have priority.

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

  • We kindly ask that all tours be by appointment only to ensure personalized attention and availability.
  • Request a tour here.

What is the average budget of a couple getting married at Studio D2D?

  • On average, couples hosting their wedding at Studio D2D  spend between $15,000–$18,000 for their entire wedding—including the venue, catering, attire, DJ, photographer, and more.
  • Budget-Friendly Options: Some creative couples with smaller guest lists have planned beautiful weddings in the $12,000–$15,000 range.
  • Luxury Celebrations: We’ve also had many couples invest significantly more to create an unforgettable, high-end experience.
  • Your wedding budget is unique to you, and we’re happy to help guide you in making the most of it! 

Will there be another wedding on the same day?

  • At Studio D2D, we offer two completely separate venues. The Loft is located on the first floor at the south end, while City View is located on the third floor at the north end. 
  • Many guests have shared that they didn’t even realize another event was taking place! We ensure privacy by staggering event start times, providing separate getting-ready suites, and offering plenty of parking.

We plan to have our ceremony offsite or only plan to have a reception at Studio D2D.  Does your fee change?

  • We offer separate ceremony and reception packages, allowing you to customize your experience. If you’re only hosting your reception with us, the fee for that package will apply.  The details for these packages can be found here. 
  • Additionally, any items from the ceremony package can be added to the reception package if you’d like to enhance your celebration.

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

  • We are dog-friendly with a few important guidelines:
    • Dogs are welcome at the ceremony and for photos.
    • Animals (except service animals) are NOT allowed at the reception or near food.
    •  Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
    • A designated person (other than the bride & groom) must be responsible for the dog during the event.

What form of payment does Studio D2D accept?

  • Cash or check
  • ACH
  • Credit card with a 3% processing fee

 Is a day-of coordinator included? What are their responsibilities?

  • Yes, a day-of coordinator is included with your ceremony package. They will lead your rehearsal and assist with any questions or tasks. On your wedding day, they’ll ensure you stay on the timeline, guide you when it’s time to head to the ceremony, help with the wedding party entrance, and assist during the room flip. They’ll also help with introductions. Coordinators typically stay until the dinner portion or slightly after. After that, the DJ/MC takes charge, but event staff will be present throughout the entire reception to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Catering & Bar Questions

What are our catering options at Studio D2D?

  • After years of working with various caterers, we’ve selected our preferred caterers to work exclusively at our venue: Distinctive Catering, Kangaroo Kitchen, White Linen Catering, KJ Catering, City BBQ, Donkey Taqueria, Catering Concepts, & Yo Chef
  • You can contact these caterers directly to inquire about pricing and menu options.
  • If you prefer outside catering, we do allow it, provided the catering company is licensed and insured. Before booking, we require communication with the catering company to ensure they understand our service expectations at Studio D2D.
  • Please note that there is a $500 catering fee, which can be paid by either the catering company or the clients.

 Does Studio D2D handle the catering orders for these caterers, or do I work with the caterer directly?

  • To ensure the most efficient and cost-effective planning, we recommend that couples work directly with the caterer of their choice. Once you’ve booked your big day with Studio D2D, simply reach out to your selected caterer to schedule a tasting and start planning your menu.
  • Once you’ve chosen your caterer, please let us know, and we’ll share all relevant event details and floor plans with them.
  • You’ll find contact information for each of our preferred caterers on this page.

Can we bring in our own desserts?

  • We have no restrictions on desserts! You are welcome to bring in homemade or store-bought treats, or even hire a dessert company to set up a spread for your guests.

Can we bring our own wine, beer or champagne?

  • Distinctive Catering handles all bar services for the venue. They will work with you to create a custom package that includes beer, wine, signature cocktails, or top-shelf liquor. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted at the venue.

Who should we include in our dinner count?

  • It is customary to provide a meal for your photographers, as they will be working throughout your event. D2D event staff, including DJ and day-of coordinator, do not require a meal.

What styles of service are allowed?

  • The catering team you choose will customize a package based on your preferred service style:
  • Buffet, Plated, or Family-Style – Choose the serving style that best fits your vision and guest experience.
  • Formal China or Disposables – Select elegant dinnerware or budget-friendly disposable options.
  • Our goal is to provide flexible choices to accommodate different budgets and event styles.
  • If your guest count is over 175, you can add a second buffet line. 

Is there a cake-cutting cost?

  • Yes, if you’d like your cake professionally cut, you have a couple of options:
  • Through Your Caterer: You can request this service from the catering team for an additional fee. They will provide all necessary tools, plates, and silverware.
  • Through Studio D2D: We can also provide cake-cutting service for a fee. In this case, you would need to bring your own knife, serving utensils, plates, and silverware.

 

Planning Questions

What time do we start the ceremony?

  • We suggest starting Friday weddings at 5:00 or 6:00 pm, Saturday weddings at 4:00, 5:00 or 6:00 pm, and Sunday weddings at 3:00 or 4:00 pm.   Guests are welcome to enter the venue 30 minutes before your start time. 

What additional options are available for our reception?

  • We offer several enhancements to elevate your reception experience, including:
    • Photobooth for fun guest entertainment
    • Late-night pizza or snack options to keep the party going
    • Tux or suit rentals for added convenience
    • In-house floral and décor services to bring your vision to life

Can we add additional hours to our reception?

  • Yes! You can extend your reception for $350 per hour. However, all events must conclude by midnight per Grand Rapids city ordinance.  Reception packages include 5 hours, and the ceremony adds an additional hour.  So your guests will have a full 6 hours to enjoy your wedding. 

How does the decoration setup work? Is there an additional cost? Are we allowed to bring in our own decorations?

  • Our floral and design team (Poppy & Posy Designs) is available to discuss decoration options with you. You are welcome to bring in DIY décor items (except fresh floral) and handle your own setup starting at 12:30 PM. If you’d prefer, our staff can set up your items for an additional fee.
  • For more details or to discuss specific décor needs, you can email our floral team directly at [email protected].

Are there overnight accommodations nearby?

  • Yes, we are just two exits (about 1 mile) from downtown, where you’ll find a wide variety of hotel options. We also provide a suggested list of accommodations to make your stay even more convenient.

Is there parking on-site, and is it complimentary?

  • Yes, we have a spacious parking lot available for all guests, and parking is completely free of charge.

How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?

  • 220 vehicles

How does the photo booth work? Can we bring our own?

  • We offer a photo booth rental for $495, which includes our staff managing the booth, organizing props, and assisting guests in creating an album with copies of their photos for you.
  • If you prefer to bring your own photo booth, you are welcome to do so, but you will need to provide someone to manage it throughout the event.

Do you offer straight tables instead of round? 

  • We have a limited number of straight tables available for use, ideal for your gift table, head table, and other special setups. 
  • While we typically have a few extras that can be incorporated into reception seating, the majority of your guests will be seated at round tables for the best layout and flow.

Do you provide table linens and place settings? 

  • At Studio D2D, we provide a stunning venue space, tables & upgraded wedding chairs, and floor-length linens for every table.
  • Table service, including cups, silverware, and place settings, is provided by your chosen catering company.
  • You will need to provide the plates and napkins required for the dessert table.

Do we need to get liability insurance?

  • No. Liability insurance is included in your venue package.

Rehearsal Questions:

  • Who will run the rehearsal? Your day-of coordinator will run the rehearsal.
  • Will the DJ be there? No, the DJ will not be at the rehearsal.
  • Should the officiant be there? Yes, the officiant should be present at the rehearsal.
  • When will the rehearsal take place? The rehearsal is typically held on the Thursday before your event.
  • Where will the rehearsal be held? The rehearsal will take place at Studio D2D.
  • How long will the rehearsal last? The rehearsal typically lasts for about one hour.
  • Can our rehearsal dinner be held at D2D? Unfortunately, we do not offer rehearsal dinner options at Studio D2D.

When do we try on our tux & suit rentals?  When do we pay?

  • Tux try-on will be scheduled one hour before the rehearsal.  We will collect payment at that time. 

Can vehicles be left overnight?

  • Yes, vehicles can be left overnight. We kindly ask that they be collected the following morning to ensure space is available for other guests and tenants in the building.

What time does the event need to end?

  •  According to the Grand Rapids city ordinance, all events must conclude by midnight.

What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?

  • You will have access to the venue at the time specified in your contract. Once our final setup, cleaning, and room inspection are complete, you can begin your DIY decorations. Please be sure to plan accordingly to ensure everything is ready in time.

What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding?

  • Vendor access to the venue begins at 12:30 PM on the day of the event. This allows plenty of time for setup before your celebration begins.

Does the DJ provide wireless mics for the officiant?

  • Yes. A lapel microphone is available for the officiant.  Our in-house DJ also has wireless microphones for vows, readers, singers, and speeches. 

Are candles allowed?

  • Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is fully contained within a candle holder. For safety reasons, tapered candles and any type of hanging candles are not permitted. Specific policies and DIY guidelines are shared at the time of booking.

How many guests can be seated at dining tables?

  • Our tables are designed to comfortably seat up to 12 guests. Most couples typically assign 8 to 12 guests per table.

When do we review the final details with our DJ for our event?

  •  Throughout the planning process, our team will document the details for your event, which will be shared with the DJ the week before. The DJ will contact you on Monday or Tuesday of your wedding week to go over everything. You can create a playlist or a do-not-play list for them, and Spotify playlists are also welcome and will be shared with the DJ.

Setup and Day-of-Event Questions

Do you have signage or other aids to direct guests to my event?

  • Yes! We provide parking lot signage, hallway directional signs, and TV monitors displaying the bride and groom’s names along with the venue’s name. Additionally, D2D staff will be at the door to greet guests and assist with directions.

Are outside snacks and beverages permitted in the getting-ready suites?

  • Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted before the ceremony. Please, no drinks in glass bottles.

What is the event clean-up process?

  • D2D staff will take care of all standard clean-up and trash removal throughout and after your wedding reception so you can relax and enjoy your special day.

Can we take photos around the venue on our wedding day?

  • Yes! There are many beautiful indoor and outdoor locations around the venue and building for photos. You are free to use the entire property to capture your special moments.

 Can we hang decorations on the walls or from the wooden beams? 

  • We generally do not recommend adding additional décor to the walls. If you plan to hang a neon sign or other decorations, please use poster putty or Command strips to avoid damage.
  • For any décor above head height that requires a ladder or stool, our D2D team must handle the installation for safety reasons. Our in-house floral & décor team is happy to assist with any DIY items—just let us know how we can help!

Is gratuity included or appropriate?

  • At Studio D2D, clients often ask us about appropriate tipping amounts. While tips are not required or expected, they are always appreciated. We do not add a service fee or gratuities to your account, leaving the decision up to you if you want to recognize the hard work of our team or other vendors who helped create your event. The week of your event, we will provide a list of the staff members working. If you’d like to offer gratuities, you can place them in individual envelopes for each person, or our office staff can distribute the tips to the team for you.