FAQ’s

General Questions

How much is your rental fee and what’s included?

Please see here for more details regarding pricing and inclusions.

How many people can Barber Mill hold, and do you have a max or min number of guests?

100 guests including the bridal party is our maximum outside (tent rental recommended) and for standing inside the house and porch.

55 is our max seated inside the house - it goes to 70 if seated on the porch as well.

Kids under 3 don’t count toward your guest count

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

We do require a $1000.00 reservation fee after you sign your contract to hold your date. Twelve months prior to your Event we require 50% of the remaining rental fee to be paid. The final payment will be required 60 days prior to the Event. You are more than welcome to send payments along the way in whatever amount, but must meet the required payment due dates. We also require a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds. State & County tax is also applied to each payment (Johnston County, NC).

What is the average budget of a couple booking a wedding at The House on Barber Mill?

The average budget of a couple getting married at The House on Barber Mill is between $15,000-$22,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, etc.). Depending on the guest count, food and beverage, etc. couples can do it for more or less! Smaller guest count weddings can be on the lower side of this range, but we wouldn't advise a couple with a budget less than $12,000 and more than 75 people to book with us. It’s important to us that every couple have enough room in their budget for the remaining vendors. We would hate for you to spend too large of a percentage on the venue and have to sacrifice other things. It would be our pleasure to recommend a venue that may be a better fit possibly.

Do we have to pick from your caterers and bar service?

One of the advantages of booking a newer venue is we are actively in the process of meeting caterers and bar services. While we do have a preferred partner list, you are free to choose who you would like to cater your big day!

Tip: under 100 guests is the typical threshold that a restaurant can cater. This will give you more options vs only a wedding caterer. Let us know if you’d like to see our vendor list!

In order to have your day go smoothly, we just ask that they come visit us at least 6 months ahead of your event, and have proof of being fully licensed and insured.

Are there overnight accommodations nearby?

There are accommodations about 15 minutes away in Garner, NC and even more options just a little farther (20-25) in downtown Raleigh.

We also have a partnership with a wonderful Bed & Breakfast nearby.

Please let us know if you’d like our hotel recommendation list.

What type of tables do you have available as part of booking with The House on Barber Mill?

We have (16) custom built rectangular wood tables for your use inside or outside, included in your rental. Renting linens are optional. If you decide on renting other tables, you will also need linens.

We also include (8) custom wood cocktail tables to match.

(4) standard 6’ folding tables for your use for misc. needs (cake table, gift table, buffet, etc) are included as well. These are in need of linens and we have a set of black linens you can utilize.

You are certainly welcome to rent other tables if you’d like! We can recommend vendors if needed.

Is a tent included in the rental fee?

We have (2) smaller tents, 10 x 30 each, as a rain backup only for your ceremony. They are not large enough for dining.

If you have a guest count over 55 (max dining indoors), a tent rental is recommended to accommodate your party on the lawn. You can rent one through us, or we can refer you to a vendor!

Do you have a plan in place or backup in case of rain?

In the case of rain, many times we can go completely indoors. The main house and our 1,200 sq/ft covered porch can accommodate up to 70 guests- (55) inside.

We do include (2) 10 x 30 rain-backup tents for outdoor ceremonies since the house accommodates a smaller 40 guest ceremony. These tents cannot be used for other purposes.

Please see the “tent” Q & A above for more info on tents.

Do you offer or include a day of coordinator?

There are (2) options.

First - The House on Barber Mill does strive to go above and beyond for our couples, and we offer the help of a staff member that will be on-site all day and can lend a helping hand. We also communicate with key vendors that may need direction. But we do not act as a day-of coordinator or to help run your ceremony. We highly advise hiring a planner & we can help recommend some great day of / month of coordinators in the area!

Second- we have an All-Inclusive Package! This package fits right in our proposed budget range for THOBM and includes full wedding planning by Cardinal Events. Please see the All Inclusive Package tab for a full breakdown.

Will the ceremony be held in the same room as the reception? If so, do you provide a transition setup from ceremony to reception?

We have several options to have a separate ceremony and reception. If you would like to have both in the same space, then yes we would do all the setup (we call it a “flip”) for you between the two events, while you and your guests are enjoying a cocktail hour on our porch!

Is there a security guard required for my wedding?

We follow all County & State ordinances regarding security needs. As a business, we have chosen to require one for any wedding with more than 75 guests (includes wedding party). The good news is that it is included in your rental fee! We will schedule and hire the security guard for your event if it is needed.

Catering Questions

Do you require the use of certain caterers?

Although we have a preferred vendor list, we want to be able to give you the freedom to choose. Our only stipulations are the caterer must be licensed, have all the proper paperwork, insurance etc. We also require the caterer to visit us at the venue a minimum of 2 months prior to your wedding date if they have never catered at The House on Barber Mill before. Our Booked Couples’ Open Houses are a great time to do this!

What is the average cost of catering?

The boutique experience of The House on Barber Mill is designed for smaller guest counts. The average cost for 75 people in the Raleigh area is around $15-25 per person for bar and $30-40 per person for catering. This comes out to be between $3,500 - 5,000.00. This varies vastly with the type of dinner (buffet/plated), type of bar service, guest count etc.

Planning Questions

What is an Open House?

Our open houses serve many purposes, and are meant to give you other opportunities to come see the venue! We love encouraging our booked couples to use this time for a rehearsal, or showing their family, friends, or vendors the venue. This is especially beneficial to officiants, and caterers. We also allow you to look at and design table centerpieces with our free to use décor or even test the décor you may be bringing! We will also be there to answer any questions you may have! We can’t wait for you to take advantage of these if you book with us!

Will you tell us when we need to give you our final guest count?

We require a final headcount three weeks in advance. This will be in your online wedding planner as well!

Do you have suggested table and chair layouts?

Yes! Since the tables we provide are custom built to fit our venue, we have figured out some layouts that best fit our space! We are happy to give the layouts to you upon request, but you will get them in your online planner if you already booked with us!

When should we start our ceremony?

Great question! We suggest that on Fridays your ceremony be at either 4pm or 6pm to help with any possible road noise. On Saturdays and Sundays between 4 and 5 pm works great. If your wedding is after the time change or you’re not planning on doing a first look, contact us for further recommendations of start times!

Do I have to have my ceremony in the suggested 3 places you offer?

While we suggest 3 beautiful options, we can discuss any other spots on property you might be considering! We also can recommend churches near by if that is a route you want to go. As a reminder, an indoor ceremony has a max capacity of 25 in the hallway.

What time does music need to end?

Due to county ordinances music needs to end by 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays music must end by 10 pm.

Can I leave my vehicle overnight?

Vehicles can be left in our parking lot overnight, but must be picked up by 10am the next morning!

DD’s are always recommended.

Wedding Day Questions

Can we hang anything from the Magnolia?

Yes, please! Although anything you’d like to be hung needs to be approved by Haley or Leslie Lenderman, we encourage couples to dress Ol’ Maggie up! We love the use of fabric, lanterns, and twinkle lights. We do avoid heavy items. The pictures that come from this are stunning!

Please note we don’t allow anything to puncture the tree. This includes nails, hangers, thumbtacks, etc. And only The House on Barber Mill staff members, or approved vendors will be allowed to climb or hang anything in the tree. Anything hung over 9 feet high will need a licensed professional for safety! Also, be careful to not let any of your guests or children get too rambunctious with the magnolia- she’s a 120 yr. old grandma who needs special care:)

Can we tailgate in the parking lot before the ceremony / reception? Or bring outside food or drink?

Unfortunately no. We cannot allow alcohol or outside food and drink to be consumed in the parking lot before the wedding.

We do allow outside food and drink for the wedding party before the ceremony only while they are getting ready for the event. No glass bottles inside or outside will be permitted.

We do not allow outside food or drink at any time after the ceremony starts through the reception / end of the evening.

What dates are available?

Pleases email us at info@thehouseonbarbermill.com to check in on available dates!

How do I reserve a date?

To reserve a date email us at info@thehouseonberbermill.com. Please include the date you would like. Please also include a backup date in case your original is not available due to a same day email request from another couple.

We highly encourage coming to tour Barber Mill in person before booking a date. If you can’t make a tour in person, contact us and we can help schedule a Facebook or Zoom tour. You can request a tour on our tour page. Dates are booked for a couple on a first come first serve basis, meaning whomever emailed and began their paperwork process first for that date is the first in line.

Are all tours by appointment only?

Yes, we ask all tours schedule an appointment. You can click here to do so.

Are you LGBTQ friendly?

The House on Barber Mill would be honored to host any couple regardless of gender or preference. It is our desire to celebrate love between any two people!

Is there a food and beverage or guest count minimum?

No- we don’t require either! We want you to be able to adjust either of these without us interfering with what you want. The House on Barber Mill was designed for the couple who wants a personal, custom & specialized experience - so you’re in charge. We also don’t take a commission from our caterers like many other venues. Some caterers may individually have a food and beverage minimum for specific date, so be sure to ask!

Will there be another wedding on the same day?

No! This is a perk of choosing a small intimate venue. You have absolute exclusivity for you, your family and friends.

How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?

50 cars - plenty for up to 100 max guest count.

Do you provide linens, cups, silverware?

No we do not. We do provide tons of other goodies including hundreds of décor and furniture items. See here for our inclusions list. We are happy to give you vendor recommendations to rent from, or you can bring your own!

Linens are required to be rented if having an outdoor reception or an outdoor special event. Our custom wood tables are for indoor use only. You will have the choice of rectangular or round tables outside that will require a linen.

If we plan to have our ceremony offsite, or plan to only have our ceremony at Barber Mill.  Does your fee change?

We have separate reception only, & ceremony only packages! Please see pricing page for those!

What form of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, bank transfer, credit card

How many restrooms are on site?

We have 3 public bathrooms inside the house for your use regardless of whether you are having an indoor or outdoor wedding. Remember, when you have your wedding at The House on Barber Mill the entire house and grounds are yours to use exclusively. Two of the restrooms inside the house are also handicap accessible.

We have a 3rd smaller bathroom ( not handicap-accessible) that is inside one of the dressing suites. You’ll be able to choose whether or not you would like this room to be locked with your personal belongings, or open for guests to use.

Do you have a list and pictures of the included décor you include?

We have many pieces of decor for you to borrow! We are adding more to the site every day and you can Click here to access our décor inventory!

What time will we have access to begin decorating?

The time listed in your paperwork is what we go by. Typically it’s 10 am (12pm for Fridays).

We do offer an hourly rate to rent extra hours prior to your agreed upon start time.

Do you allow dogs / pets onsite for our wedding day?

We are dog friendly! We ask that your furry friend(s) only be a part of your ceremony and for pictures before the reception. Animals, other than service animals, are NOT allowed under any roof /covering, or near food. Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom. Please inquire further with a House on Barber Mill employee.

Do you have caterers you can recommend?

Yes! We would love to point you in the right direction based on your preferred tastes, guest count, and budget! We will update our vendor list as we add to it, but you can also always reach out via email!

Can you handle catering for me ? Or do I go directly to the caterer?

Great question - there are (2) options.

First - In our industry many venues add a service charge to the catering fee.We choose not to do that to make our venue more affordable for you. Working directly with the caterer yourself will save you time, and is more cost effective for you as well!

Second- We have rolled out an All-Inclusive Package! This will include your caterer amongst other key vendor choices.

When is your next open house?

At this time we are having an open house every other month. Our FB page for Booked Couples currently announces specific dates and to sign up if you’re a booked couple!

Are you child friendly?

Yes we most certainly are! We just ask that children are supervised through the entire event. We’ve found what works best is designating someone in advance to take on this responsibility.

Our grounds are spacious, so that can be a positive in finding an area to setup things to keep them occupied when needed. But spacious grounds can also be an enticing playground for them to run and we do have roads nearby. Safety first always, so let’s plan this in advance and we can help with any suggestions you may need.

What are my options to have a rehearsal if I don’t do the two-day Thursday/Friday package?

We do include a free hour of rehearsal time with your rental!

Private Rehearsals / Dinner on a day of your choice can be booked by the hour, unless you book the two day package.

Are we allowed to bring our own alcohol?

Yes, you can bring your own, but it must be served by a licensed & insured bartender.

You must hire a licensed and insured bar service to serve any alcohol per North Carolina law.

We do highly recommend you hire a bar service that will be able to plan for your guest count and ensure there’s plenty of inventory for the evening. An added benefit is that it’s off of your plate before and after the event.

Am I allowed to have fireworks, sparklers, or candles?

Fireworks and sparklers are not allowed. We want to keep the county, and neighbors happy! And since our lovely venue is a very old home we want to protect her too!

Real candles are allowed as long as they’re in a nonflammable container and the flame is at least 3 inches below the top of the container. Thanks for helping us keep people and the venue safe!

Can I use confetti at the wedding?

Although it would be a beautiful picture we don’t allow confetti, rice, glitter, bird seed or faux flower petals inside or outside of the Venue. A lot of these items can stain our beautiful floors, harm the wildlife, or honestly get stuck in every crevice for the next wedding!

Some alternatives we can suggest are real flower petals outside, bubbles (outside only), bells, flags or streamers.

Can my vendors drop-off or pick-up rental items early or the day after the event?

We allow pickups to happen either at the end of your event or between 8am -9:30 am the morning after your wedding. Unfortunately since we have other weddings and events on the weekends we ask that you tell your vendors that all rentals, décor, etc. be dropped and picked up on the day of your event, between the agreed upon start and end times of your event.

Can we hang lights or décor inside the house? What about the porch?

The answer is yes! As long as there are no holes being made in the walls, ceilings, mantels to do so. We do have exterior lights and fans and also outlets for extra porch lights.

Remember, anything hung over 9 feet high will need a licensed professional to hang them and take them down! Let us know if you need a vendor for this!

Do you require the bride and groom to help clean-up at the end of the night?

Nope! Barber Mill staff members handle normal trash pick-up and cleaning. If you brought décor we will place it on a designated table at the end of the night for you to take home! That’s it :D

Can we pick flowers from the Magnolia trees or wildflower field?

We do not allow any flowers to be picked from the trees or flower field. We would love to allow this, but future weddings wouldn’t have the privilege of the beautiful photos later on in the season!