Frequently Asked Questions
What is the catering policy?
Please choose your caterer from our Preferred Vendors list, as they are familiar with our venue. We have a variety of cuisines and price points included. All cooking must be done off-site as we don't have a full kitchen. We have a proofer and refrigerator for your caterer's needs.
How do we secure our date?
To secure your date, we will need a signed Client Agreement and an advance deposit of 50% of the rental fee.
Do you provide table linens?
We do not provide linens, and we recommend renting linens through your caterer to minimize work on your part. All items must be delivered on the day of your event.
Are candles allowed?
We allow tea lights, votive, and pillar candles. No open flames are allowed, meaning the candles must be enclosed within a jar, container, or hurricane candle holder. No candles are allowed on the ground.
Do you have a bartending service?
We have a primary bartending service, Catered Cocktails, that will take care of your bar needs. If your caterer also provides bartending service, you may use them. Mane Tap is a fun and unique option as well! All alcohol services must be coordinated between either Catered Cocktails, Mane Tap, or your catering service. Private parties may bring in their own beverages for private events. There are no cash sales for alcohol on the premises, meaning it has to be an open bar.
Who provides the alcohol?
Clients may purchase and provide their own alcohol as long as a licensed bartender is serving. Guests may not bring their own alcohol. Any alcohol brought in for personal use will be confiscated by our staff and put behind the bar for the bartender(s) to serve.
Is there a getting ready suite?
If you would like to book a getting ready suite, there are one-bedroom suites are available less than 1,000 feet away at the Hyatt Place Hotel across the street. Please contact the Hyatt for availability and pricing!
What time can we start setting up? What time do we need to be out by?
Our doors open at 10am on the morning of your event! For Fridays and Saturdays, we ask that the music and bartending services wind down at 11pm and that everyone is out by midnight. For Sundays and weekdays the end time is 10pm.
Who is responsible for clean up?
Caterers and bartenders are responsible for removal of their trash. If the caterers or bartenders cannot or do not do so, it's the responsibility of the client to dispose of all kitchen and bar trash and recycling. You are responsible for removing all décor and personal belongings at the end of the event. If you do not have a caterer and/or bartender at your event, the client is responsible for clean up and removal of trash and recycling. Palestrina will remove the bathroom trash after your event.
Is parking provided?
Yes! There are 75 parking stalls directly in front of Palestrina, including four handicapped stalls. There is also overflow parking provided behind the Hyatt Hotel, just a short walk away.
Does a wedding coordinator come with the rental fee?
We do not provide a wedding coordinator. We will have one or two staff members on site on the day of your event, but we do not provide any coordination or planning services.
Can we have a rehearsal here?
Three months out from your event date, you may reach out to us about renting Palestrina on the evening before your wedding for a rehearsal and/or rehearsal dinner. Please contact us about pricing.
Who move the chairs and tables from ceremony to reception?
Since we will only have one or two staff members on site, we recommend asking a few guests or members of your wedding party to assist with moving the tables and chairs into place for the reception. Palestrina staff members will help out where they can, but cannot flip the room alone.
Is the furniture included in the rental fee?
All of the furniture in Palestrina is included in the rental fee.. In the dining area, we supply 8 rectangular tables, 23 round tables, 4 cocktail tables, and 180 chairs. We do not supply glassware, tableware, linens, barware, bar tools, or cups. Please let us know 30 days out from your event how you would like the furniture laid out for your event.
Who is here the day-of?
We will have one or two staff members on site for your event. While we do not require an event planner or a day-of coordinator, we do recommend looking into those services. You'll find a list of wonderful event planners on our preferred vendor page.
Will there be another event going on at the same time as mine?
Palestrina only schedules one event per day. You will have exclusive use of the premises.
Are there any hidden fees?
We're not looking to shock you with the bill! Our pricing is very transparent. We ask for the rental fee, plus the standard 5.5% Wisconsin sales tax and a refundable $500 security deposit. If there is no damage or mess left after an event, you will receive your security deposit within 14 days of your event. If you would like to include your pet in your event, we have a $25 pet fee. We ask that our clients obtain general liability insurance for their event, which is a small fee (not paid to Palestrina). Please discuss insurance options with your personal representative or look into a service such as Travelers Insurance.