The Flower Barn at Shawnee Stems common questions

What type of events can I have at the venue?

The Flower Barn is able to accommodate a wide variety of events from Wedding ceremonies and receptions on the weekends to business meetings and luncheons during the week.  Family reunions or fundraisers are welcome also!

Are there 2 buildings?

We have our main reception barn and then we have our ceremony pavilion. Each can be used for as you see fit for your event.

How many people does the venue hold?

Our standard package accommodates up to 250 attendees. The barn is able to hold up to 400+people for larger events.

Note: extra rental of tables and chairs if attendance is over 250. 

If the event is a wedding ceremony and reception over 250 attendees an event coordinator is required.

How many people does the ceremony pavilion hold?

The pavilion holds approx 150-200 people seated depending on if side doors are open or shut.

What are my rain plan options?

Rain? No problem. Our pavilion is a beautiful option as a built in rain plan. The doors can remain closed to keep weather out. If your guest count is large for the pavilion you have the option of getting married inside our beautiful barn. Your worst case scenario is you are getting married inside a beautiful, timeless timber frame barn! 

Can I hold my rehearsal dinner there?
The rental is yours Friday at noon til Sunday at noon. If you wish to hold your rehearsal dinner here you are welcome to! We will not rearrange your tables if you wish for a different layout for a rehearsal dinner or next day breakfast though. Events must be over and cleared out by midnight each night for wedding events

Can I get married in the wildflowers?

Yes you absolutely can! You can utilize any area of the property for your wedding as you see fit with prior approval. Ceremony location decision will need to be made a week in advance so we can plan to have the area prepped and ready for seating and your guests.

When do your flowers bloom?

We have seasonal wildflower fields that bloom readily starting April through September. We also have rows of U-pick flowers available as well June through September.

Shawnee Stems also has about 1,000 peonies that bloom at the end of April-beginning of May.

We have specialty daffodils March and April.

Sunflower fields are usually July and August. With some smaller u-pick rows available end of June through September.

Zinnias are usually end of June through September.

How long is the rental for?

Our standard weekend package for weddings and reception is Friday at noon til Sunday at noon.

During the week for luncheons or business meetings, call to discuss pricing and details.

How late can my event go?

Friday and Saturday nights, the event must be over and all attendees gone by 12am. 

During other week days the event must be over by 11pm.

How do I reserve a date?

You can reserve your date with $1000 non refundable retainer and contract signing. This retains the date and it is now yours. The retainer goes towards the rental cost 

What if I want to pay in full?

We offer a 5% discount if the rental cost is paid with in 30 days of contract signing.

Do you offer any other discounts?

Yes! If you have an event planner or day of coordinator and getting married in 2025, we offer a $500 discount off the rental fee.

( Please note: A coordinator is required for events over 250.)

Is event insurance required?
Yes, event insurance is required. The requirements are at least $1,000,000 in liability and host liquor liability if providing alcohol. We offer 2 companies with links to make in convienent and easy. All days of the rental must be included in your event insurance. The price ranges from $100 to $270. The cabin located on the same property and any golf carts/side by sides need to be covered. As well as, animals or special activities.

Do you require cancellation insurance?
No, but it is highly recommended

Are there any other costs?

The only other cost is event insurance and a $500 refundable damage deposit due 30 days ahead of your event. If no damages, it will be returned to you within 14 days from the end of your event. Any larger damages, then your event insurance can be used.

Do you offer any add-ons?

Yes, you can add extra rental nights at the cabin or extra days to your event rental time. We offer a u-pick option for your wedding decor or has a bridal shower event with your bridesmaids or family ahead of your event. 

Is there heating and air conditioning?

Yes, the barn is heated and cooled with actual heating and air equipment. If the roll up doors are open, please do not run heat/AC full blast to conserve energy.

Do you provide tables and chairs?

Yes, seating up to 250 for both the reception and ceremony are provided. We will have 5ft (60in) round tables.

Note: Over 250 attendees, extra rentals are required.

Do you set up the tables and chairs?

Yes, we will set up your reception tables and chairs and ceremony chairs for you. We will also take them down at the conclusion of your event.

Do you have tables for food, cake, gifts, etc?

Yes, we will provide (8ft) rectangle tables, (6ft) rectangle tables, (4ft) round tables and (5) cocktail tables.

What about tablecloths?

Yes, we will provide white tablecloths if desired. We will also have black or white tablecloths for the 6ft and 8ft rectangle tables, 4ft round tables and black covers for the cocktail tables.

Will you be there during my event?
If you do not have a coordinator or planner I will be available to make sure the person appointed in charge knows where everything is. We are available to set up your tables and chairs and answer questions, how to open doors, where things are etc. I might pop in to make sure everything is going smoothly and check in but I will not be there for the total duration of your event. But, I will be available by phone or txt should an issue arise. We live on property, away from the venue, so we are still nearby should you need anything!

Do you have attendants to take out the trash or for clean up of spills?

At this time, we do not. We will provide trash receptacles and trash bags. There will be a dumpster located in the parking lot for waste to go in. If you need attendants we will provide for an hourly fee.

Do I need to clean the venue after my event?

What you bring in you must bring out at the conclusion of your rental time, unless other arrangements have been made. Any excessive messes or trash will need to be cleaned up and disposed of. Caterers kitchen will need to be removed of any food or organic contents at the conclusion of the rental. We will do the deep cleaning and tear down of tables and chairs.

Do you provide toilet paper or clean up supplies?

Yes, we will make sure your event is stocked with toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, clean up supplies for spills, etc.

Is there a parking lot?

Yes, a parking lot located right in front of the building that will hold approx. 150cars.

Extra parking during the dry time of year can overflow in the grass on the uphill side of the parking lot.

Are there parking lot lights?

The barn will have outdoor lighting and a floodlight pointing to the parking lot. There will also be solar lights around the parking lot as well.

Are there bathrooms?

Yes, a men's and a women's restroom is located inside the barn. Both restrooms are ADA compliment. A baby changing station will be in the women's restroom.

Is there a space for the bride to get ready?

Yes! We have a bridal get ready room in the downstairs portion of our barn. Complete with a powder room, vanity station for the bride and bridesmaids, mini fridge, seating, and outside access.

Where can the groom get ready?

A 2-nights stay in our rental cabin is included with the weekend rental. The cabin can be used as a grooms get ready area. It is separate and private and still located on property.

Is the cabin included in the rental?

Our standard weekend package includes our cabin, located on property for both Friday and Saturday night. The cabin sleeps up to 8 people. It is private and secluded, 2 bedroom 1 bath. The bathroom has a double vanity and rain shower. Wifi, smart TVs, fully stocked kitchen, outdoor fire pit, and outdoor seating. The cabin is pet friendly. Extra nights can be added for $250 per night.

Can I rent the venue for extra days for my weekend event?

Yes, an extra 24hr rental time is $1000. This includes an extra night at the cabin. Please make sure your event insurance covers the extra day(s).

Can I bring my dog? Horse and cart? What about a shot donkey?

Yes, yes, and yes. Provided you fill out the animal authorization form and get the O.K. from the owner. All vaccinations will be required and a handler for the animal during the entirety of the event is required. Event insurance must cover specialty vendors.

What about fireworks?

Yes! We allow day and nighttime fireworks. As long as a licensed pyrotechnics company or fire department sets them off for you, preferably not past 9:30-10pm.

What is NOT allowed at The Flower Barn?

No Vulger, nude, racist decorations. 

No glitter bombs or decorations with excessive glitter.

No chocolate fountains.

No open flames

No nails or permanent decorations 

No swimming in the ponds.

No illegal drugs or activities 

Can we have alcohol?

Yes! You are welcome to provide your own beer and wine as long as you are not charging money for it. 

If you are having hard alcohol, liquor, spirits, mixed drinks you will need a licensed bartender with a class F license to mix, pour, and serve those drinks.

You can also hire a bartender to serve your beer and wine if you so desire.

Can we use the bar?

Yes! You are welcome to use the bar in the venue as you see fit. Your bartender vendor is welcome to use it as well.

Weill have an ice machine in the kitchen, ice storage, mini fridge, and sink at the bar.

Do you have vendor restrictions?

No, we have no vendor restrictions at this time. All vendors must sign the waiver of liability/save harmless agreement.

Can we leave a car overnight if we need to?

Absolutely, there is no need for anyone to drink and drive. Or, if the need arises to leave a vehicle you can let the owner know. If the car is left for a couple days it will be subject to towing.

Can we use a shuttle service?

Yes, if you want to coordinate and use a shuttle service that is up to you.

What is available for us or our caterer to use in the kitchen?

The kitchen will have an ice machine, a double refrigerator, a food warmer, triple sink for dish washing and counter space. We will have some basic serving utensils and an extra cake slicing set if needed. The kitchen also has its own door for outdoor access to bring food in and out as well a door into the reception area.

Can I use whatever photographer/caterer/florist/DJ I want?

Absolutely! You are free to choose your vendors! If you need recommendations, I can provide some for you! Any and all vendors including officiant, hair and makeup, DJ, bartender, caterer, rental drop off, will need to sign a save harmless agreement to be on property.

Can we have a bounce house, beer wagon, balloon lady, petting zoo?

Just run any special activities or specialty vendors past the owner. There isn't much we will say no to. As long as your event insurance covers it. Again, any vendors will be required to sign a save harmless agreement. 

What if I need to cancel my event?

If the event is cancelled 6 months or more ahead of event,we will return to you what you have paid towards the event MINUS your $1000 retainer.

If cancelled 6months or less from event then no refund will be given. The date is still yours to have an event so long as you have paid your rental amount in full 30 days prior to your event and paid your damage deposit. Events such as a family reunion, a "Dodged a Bullet" party, whatever you want. 

If the owner or venue has to cancel for any reason such as a tornado or fire, then 100% of your money will be returned.

Any other questions? Please feel free to reach out!