SMITH/HUDSON WEDDING FAQ

This [was] the place to come for answers to many possible wedding questions! It's still here because I still think it's funny.
Jennifer, are you changing your name?

Yes, I am. Despite comic attempts at Smidson or Hudmith as a compromise, I will become Jennifer Lynn Hudson (no hyphenation for me, thank you). Although Smith has been a wonderful name, I'm very much looking forward to changing it--then, I won't have one of the most common names in the world!!
Is the wedding black tie?

No. It's not even "black tie optional" -- although we certainly won't stop you if you want to show up in a tux! (Word of caution: If you do happen to show up in a tux, we may just make you a part of the wedding party!)
Why is the wedding in Traverse City?

Why wouldn't it be? Seriously, neither of us had any special ties to Lansing or Grayling, there's nothing in Kalkaska, and we initially considered Mackinac Island too expensive (ha! we're spending about as much in TC!). So, since we met in Traverse City, have both lived in Traverse City, have good memories of Traverse City--and my dad lives there now--we thought it would be the perfect spot!
Why are you having the ceremony in the gardens?

I didn't want the typical church wedding...so we decided on something different that we both liked! And its location was very convenient for the reception!
What happens if it rains?

We were originally going to have a tent, but after much thought and planning, we realized it just wouldn't fit nicely. So in case of rain, we will move the wedding inside to the library's meeting rooms...
What happens if it's just REALLY hot?

Unfortunately, we will just have to deal with it. (Since we aren't having the tent, we will have no protection from the sun.) But even in mid-August, it shouldn't be THAT hot at 10:30 in the morning! And the train is air-conditioned, so that will be comfortable.

So, the reception is really going to be on a train?

Yes. The Grand Traverse Dinner Train is an actual train! You will be served an elegant, 4-course, gourmet meal (of your choice) that is prepared fresh on-board. The nice thing is that it is a stone's throw from the ceremony site--right across the train tracks!
So where should we park?

It would be best if some guests would park at the train station and some work park at the library. Since the venues are right next door to one another, it will be easy/convenient to walk between the two.
I am a vegetarian--will there be a meal choice for me?

Absolutely! Just be sure to mark the vegetarian selection on your RSVP card so we can let the chef know how many to prepare for (vegetarian meals are not normally a menu option). Please be aware that you must request the vegetarian meal ahead of time; orders cannot be accommodated the day of the event. Also, the meal cannot be rescinded on board--if you pre-order a vegetarian meal, you cannot change your mind!
Why do we need 45 minutes to board the train?

That 45 minutes is used to check in, board the train, and take your orders so the chef can start preparing your meals. Don't worry, though--you will be able to move about and visit during this time.
How will I know where to sit?

Upon check-in at the station, you will be issued a boarding pass with your name and seat number on it! This allows for more organized (and quicker) boarding!
Will I really be left behind if I don't make it to the train by 1pm?

Unfortunately, yes. They make their schedules for a reason, and they need three hours turnaround time to clean up from the luncheon and to get ready for dinner. I would suggest you don't wait until the last minute to board, either, as there will be approximately 125 wedding guests boarding--along with any other passengers for that trip--and orders need to be taken.
What if--at the last minute--I decide to bring another guest to surprise you?

Neither you nor your surprise guest will be very happy. Unfortunately, last-minute and surprise guests cannot be accommodated as we booked the train for a certain number of people, and that's how many people there will be room for (and that's also how many we have paid for).
Well, what if I decide not to come at the last minute?

That is your choice. However, there will be an empty seat and we will still have to pay for your uneaten meal.
What if I discover I can't make it after I have already returned my RSVP? Should I let you know?

Yes! If you discover you will not be able to attend, please let me know as soon as possible as I may be able to recover your meal and ticket cost!
Will we be able to move around on the train?

Yes and no. It is asked that you stay in your seat while courses are being served. However, you can move about your car (and the connecting car) between courses. However, in the event that three dining cars are needed, the people seated in the third car will not be able to visit with people in the other two cars. Why? A kitchen car separates the two sides of the train and the staff does not want bunches of people traipsing through their workspace. The one exception? The bridal party can move freely through the kitchen in order to visit ALL the guests.
Will we be able to smoke on the train?

Smoking is not permitted in the dining cars, but is permitted in the vestibules, located outside each dining carriage. Ashtrays are provided for your use. In consideration of other passengers, we request that you try to keep dining carriage doors closed whilst smoking. (From the Dinner Train website.)
Will alcohol be available on the train?

Yes--the Grand Traverse Dinner Train offers a good selection of wines (ranging from popular local varieties to the imported) and bar service offers a full-range of beer and cocktails (including specialty and blender drinks). Please be aware that payment of all alcoholic beverages will be the responsibility of each individual guest. Alcoholic beverages are subject to a 6% sales tax and the appropriate gratuity (18% is recommended). All bar tabs must be paid prior to disembarking--Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards, cash, or local checks may be used to pay bar service tabs onboard the train.
Will there be enough wedding cake for everyone?

We certainly hope so!! Because dessert comes with the meal, we decided we probably wouldn't need a huge cake to feed everyone. We figured not everyone likes (or wants) wedding cake, but we still wanted to have one (for pictures and such). There should be enough for at least a small piece for anyone who wants it!
Is the reception really going to be over at 3pm?

Yes. When we decided we wanted to have the reception on the dinner train, our budget limited us to the luncheon instead of the dinner--and luncheons always run from 1pm to 3pm. (For those curious cats out there, another $2,500 would have gotten us the dinner!)
Does this mean there will be no dancing--no hokey pokey or the chicken dance?

Exactly.
So...no bouquet toss either?

Exactly.

And no garter toss?

Bravo--you're catching on!
Jen, if you had to pick one thing off your registries that you wanted the most, what would it be?

Definitely the Scooby Snacks at Bed Bath & Beyond!
So, say I bring a card or a gift...what am I supposed to do with it?

We will no longer be having a gift table set up next to the ticket counter where you check in! The gift table will now be located on the train.