We at Ewing Manner try our best to anticipate your questions and answer them for you. Listed below are some of our most frequently asked questions; if you have any other questions, please let us know.
How far in advance should I reserve the date?
Weekends in the spring and September are most in demand, and usually require a reservation one year in advance. Ewing Cultural Center is the home of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, which takes place from the third week in Jun through the second week in August; the site is not available for weddings during the Festival. Please call the director to inquire about availability.
How many guests can be accommodated at Ewing Cultural Center?
The maximum number of participants is set at 150, including the wedding party. No more than 90 people can be seated inside to witness a ceremony. Dinners for more than 60 must be outside, rain or shine. If you are planning a stand-up reception, all guests can be accommodated in the house in case of inclement weather.
Can alcohol be served at Ewing Cultural Center?
Yes, alcohol can be served based on State and local regulations. A licensed and insured vendor must pour the alcohol (usually the caterer can provide this service). Proof of liquor liability insurance is required.
Am I required to use a designated caterer?
You may use the caterer of your choice. If the caterer you select has not worked previously at Ewing Cultural Center, we do ask that they meet with the director at least 30 days in advance of your event. The staff at Ewing will be happy to offer any guidance you require in selecting a caterer. A certificate of insurance for the catering operation is required.
What is provided as part of the facility rental fee?
For the most part, your fee is for the use of the facility only. Tables and chairs inside the house are included in your fee. Food and beverage service, equipment for outdoors (tables, chairs, PA equipment, tents, dance floors, etc.) must be arranged for by the renter. Ewing can provide electric power to most areas of the site; in some cases it may be necessary for the renter to provide drop cords.
Can I decorate at Ewing before my event?
You set your rental time (5 hours minimum) and your fee is determined by it. You will not have access to the house prior to that time. You may do set up and decorating outside the day before or earlier in the day of your event. However, Ewing cannot assume responsibility for the security of your property and rented equipment.
Where do the wedding party and guests park?
Ewing Cultural Center has an arrangement with St. John’s Lutheran Church across from Ewing to the south. There is ample parking on the north, west, and south parking lots. From the St. John’s lot, please use the crosswalk on the corner at the stoplight. For your own safety, Ewing and the City of Bloomington strongly urge you not to use any other location to cross the street. No parking is allowed on the Ewing Cultural Center property.
Is Ewing Cultural Center accessible?
Many parts are accessible to persons with disabilities, however, some areas do involve stairs and uneven surfaces, most notably the restrooms. Please contact the director if you need an accommodation.
Is smoking allowed?
All areas, inside and out, are smoke-free.
How do I arrange a tour of Ewing Cultural Center?
The grounds at Ewing Cultural Center and the Genevieve Green Gardens are open to the public from 8:00 a.m. until dusk. To view the interior of Ewing Manor, we suggest you view the images elsewhere on this web site. If you are interested in renting Ewing for your event, please call the director and schedule an appointment to tour the facility during business hours Monday through Friday.
If I cancel my reservation, will I get my money back?
Payments are made in phases prior to the wedding and become non-refundable as the date of the wedding nears. If you cancel more than 6 months prior to your wedding and we are able to rebook the date, your $500 deposit will be refunded to you. Similarly, each $500 payment becomes non-refundable. The reason for this policy is that, because of the planning required, it is very difficult to fill a wedding date 3 month or even 6 months out. Keep in mind that this date has been held for you for many months. The revenue generated by weddings and receptions is very important to the operations at Ewing Cultural Center, and a late cancellation has a negative impact on our income. We will cheerfully refund your payments if we are able to rebook your date.
Ewing Manor is open to potential clients by appointment only.
