FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you in your planning!

  • Hello! We are so glad you’re interest in this cool historic space!

    The process for viewing and booking is as follows:

    1. Inquire through our online form to receive pricing and date availability

    2. Book a tour to view the space (receive a customized estimate following the tour)

    3. Reserve a date and sign the contract/deposit.

    Once you’ve signed, we are available for any questions as you move forward on your planning journey via events@societymke.com. About 100 days out from your wedding, you’ll be assigned your venue manager (or as we like to call them, our Hundred-day Heroes). They will meet with you and get to know what’s important to you. They’ll also help create a finalized game plan/timeline for the day of and a floor plan to share with your caterer. They will also be there on the day of your wedding to ensure everything runs smoothly. They rock, trust us!

  • We recommend renting 1 parking spot for every 8-10 guests

    Hyatt Regency Milwaukee Parking

    333 West Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee

    Bonnies Lot North

    864 N Plankinton Ave. Milwaukee

    Wells Street Garage

    330 W Wells St Westown, Milwaukee

    Journal 62 Garage

    925 North Old World Third, Milwaukee

  • You can inquire about a ceremony rehearsal with your venue manager and they’ll be able to schedule that with you based on the event calendar and availability of the venue and staff.

    A 60min. rehearsal within museum hours (9am-5pm) can be reserved at $150 fee.

    A 60min. rehearsal outside of museum hours (5pm-6pm) can be reserved at a $300 fee.

  • While we most often host ceremonies followed by receptions on site, we also offer rentals of the venue for ceremonies exclusively. If you plan to host the reception elsewhere, we’re happy to work with you on organizing timing and communication.

  • Absolutely! Contact the Parks and Recreation* Department of Milwaukee to rent the Rotunda by the river and surrounding park for your ceremony. If this is your plan, let us know! We would love to support you in planning this portion how ever we can.

    *Page 114 of linked document or call the Park Dep. at (414) 257-4503 and visit CountyParks.com to download a Special Event permit

  • There are seven vaults total! The north-end vault has a 27 ½ ton door frame on its vault.

  • It’s so cool right? The patio within the brick pavers is included within your rental of The Society (WIN!)

  • Yes! We love to host cocktail out on our patio! This includes a beautiful set up of cocktail tables, signage to notify the public of your private event and our awesome Milwaukee Airwaves team will play your favorite tunes! Contact your venue manager for pricing and more details.

  • We are proud to be an exclusive partner with the multi-award winning, Milwaukee Airwaves, most recently they were named best DJ company in Wisconsin via Wisconsin Bride 2022 & 2023! Milwaukee Airwaves offers a plethora of additional rentals to choose from:

    Photo booths, marquee letters, uplighting, production and more!

    Bands are welcome too! Just let us know so we can be the best partner to them and their audio needs.

  • Thanks for asking! We are happy to work with you to whip up your dream timeline,* however, if you’re looking for a place to start, here is a flow we have found works really well. We just hope this is a helpful stepping stone.

    1:00pm - First look/photos

    2:00pm - Wedding party photos

    4:00pm - Guest arrival

    4:30pm - Ceremony

    5:00pm - Cocktail hour begins/passed apps

    6:00pm - Call for dinner

    6:15pm - Grand march and/or cake cutting

    6:30/45pm - Welcome toast and/or prayer into dinner service beginning

    7:30pm - Speeches begin after last table of guests is served their food

    7:45pm - Dessert announced & dance floor is prepared

    8:00/15pm - First dances

    8:15/30pm - Dance floor opens

    9:30pm - Late night snack arrives

    11:55pm - Last song

    *The rental of the space is a standard 1pm-12am window.

  • Public Enemies featuring Johnny Depp - definitely worth a watch on your next movie night!

  • While we do not hire formal security, our event staff keeps a close eye on any happenings. We have also cultivated a great relationship through our four venues throughout the city with the MPD.

  • Yes! We have a beautiful boardroom in the South-end of the building available for anyone who rents the space. The room features mirrors, tables and chairs. Large windows (with privacy curtains), outlets and lighting.

  • The Society will provide:

    - Mahogany wood folding chairs

    - 60” round tables (linen needed)

    - 8ft buffet tables (linen needed)

    - Cocktail tables

    Please inquire if you’d like to rent additional furniture.

  • Let’s make this space yours! Decor brings in those special touches, and we love it! Here are a few notes to keep in mind while planning...

    Candles:

    Real (flamed) candles are permitted within glass enclosures on top of tables.

    LED candles are required to be used on any other surfaces / floor.

    Flowers:

    Flowers and other decor is allowed but cannot be placed on vaults or exhibits.

    No silk dyed flowers, please!

    Setup / Take-down

    Set up can begin at 1pm. All decor, gifts and any items brought in that

    day must be removed that evening by 12:30am. No adhesives, command

    strips and tape, nails, glitter/confetti or artificial flowers with dyes.