GENERAL
How do I book a date?
Please submit an inquiry to confirm availability and receive an initial proposal.
DO YOU OFFER YOUR SERVICES AT EXTERNAL VENUES?
Yes, we will execute events at a venue of your choice. We also have a curated list of venues that we can share with perspective clients.
How far in advance can I book an event?
Please submit an inquiry with your event information.
What is your policy if someone else is interested in my event date?
Our policy is to honor whichever party is first to move forward with a deposit. We can let you know if there’s an existing inquiry or if we receive another inquiry after you.
What deposit is required?
A 50% deposit of the full amount is required to save the date. The balance invoice will be sent a few days prior to your event and due on the day of the event.
How should I place a deposit if I don’t have a confirmed guest count?
If you do not have an idea of your final guest count, we would suggest booking for the lower end of your estimated guest count. It's always easier to add guests as long as we can accommodate them in the venue. After we confirm an estimate, we only allow a 10% decrease in the booking guest count.
When do you need the final guest count?
We need a confirmed guest count 2 weeks before the event. At this date, the guest count agreed upon in the deposit can be decreased by a maximum of 10% and can be increased as long as we are able to accommodate those guests.
What types of payment do you accept?
Cash payment can be executed via wire transfer, cashiers or bank check. It's important to note that credit card payments are also accepted; however, a 4% surcharge will be applied to the total invoice amount when using this method.
What is the administration fee?
All events are subject to a 15% administration fee which is based on the full cost of the event. The fee covers our time and any other ancillary expenses incurred during the planning leading up to the event, such as rental coordination. An administrative fee is industry standard and covers all of the associated costs with producing an event.
Do you cater outside of the NYC area?
In 2023 and beyond, we are excited to continue offering our services in the five boroughs and beyond, traveling with our team to bring our tailored dining experience wherever you want to celebrate.
Is gratuity included?
All employees hired for events are paid flat hourly banquet rates rather than a calculated gratuity or tip, so it is not expected.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Do you offer a la carte options?
Yes, we can provide you with a custom proposal if you are interested.
Is there different food & beverage pricing for kids and minors?
Kids ages 5 and under are not included. Kids ages 6-12 are charged $50 for food & beverages. Guests ages 13-20 are charged a full-price meal with a reduced non-alcoholic beverage fee.
Do you offer vendor meals?
Yes! Vendor meals are $35 per person.
Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
Yes, we aim to accommodate all dietary restrictions and offer at least one entrée per guest for full meal service. Please let us know your and your guests’ dietary restrictions in advance.
Can we schedule a tasting?
Tastings are optional and can either be scheduled pre or post booking. There is a tasting fee of $150 per guest.
Shell’s Loft Fort Greene
What is the capacity and Is there a venue Fee?
For the full venue rental, we can host up to 150 guests. The rental fee is based on the date of the event and the time of year. The rental is subject to a 5% administrative fee.
How long is the rental period?
The event duration will be previously agreed upon and is not flexible on the day of the event.
What time do events need to end?
We host events until 12:00 AM. If you are looking to extend your end time past midnight please let us know and we can submit a request to extend to 1:00AM.
Do I need event insurance?
Yes, per our contract terms, you would be responsible for any major damage to the space. We hold a $2000 refundable damages and overtime deposit, returned to you following your event. If any damages or overtime occur, the charge will be deducted from deposit. A COI (certificate of insurance) is required from client and client's vendors.
Do you have vendor restrictions?
As a requirement, we handle all food & beverages, staffing, and basic rentals in-house. Please reach out for our recommended vendors list.
Do my vendors need insurance?
Yes, all vendors need to provide a COI.
What labor is included?
We provide a fixed labor cost based on your event type and venue which includes all staffing required to execute your event.
What rentals are included?
Depending on your needs, furniture, serving ware, dinnerware, cutlery, and glassware will be brought in for your event. As a requirement, we coordinate all rentals on your behalf with our vendor, Broadway Party Rentals. With your proposal, we’ll include an estimate for the basic rentals needed to execute your event. You may visit the Broadway Party Rentals showroom or browse their website if you'd like to pick out which specific tabletop pieces, chairs, linens, etc. you'd like to use based on your overall decor plans. You may contact any other specialty rental vendors directly. We do have some existing small decorative tables, sofas, and benches in-house that are already available for your event.
What setup am I responsible for?
Our staff will receive the rental delivery and set up the furniture and set the table a few hours before the event start time. You can decorate the space as you’d like, as well as the tables after our staff sets them up.
What breakdown am I responsible for?
Our staff will break down all rentals and pack them to be ready for pickup. Rentals will be picked up the next working day unless there is an event the day after. Our staff takes care of the pickup coordination. You are responsible for breaking down any decorations on the same night.
Do you provide decorations or flowers?
We do not provide florals or additional decoration than what is already in the space. We can recommend vendors if you would like, or you could arrange your own flowers on the day of the event. Balloons and confetti are not allowed in the venue.
Can we bring in outside food & beverages?
We provide all beverage services, so we are not able to have guests bring in their own liquor. We provide all food service. If there is a outside catering request for a special dish or dessert we are happy to consider this on a case by case basis. We would apply a dessert plating fee of $5 per person for any outside dessert, that may be waived if you’re already purchasing dessert service from us.
Do you have heating/air conditioning?
We have heating and air conditioning.
Is there parking?
Street parking is readily available in the neighborhood.
Can I have candles in the space?
You can bring additional candles if they are in the appropriate vessels and will not drip. We reserve the right to remove any candles that are in an unsafe area.
Is there a coat check?
We provide a coat rack for your guests. We can provide a coat check service for an additional fee.
Are you available for Photo shoot rentals?
Yes! Please submit an inquiry to confirm availability and receive an initial proposal.
WEDDINGS AT Shell’s Loft Fort Greene
Can I have a ceremony in the space?
We can host ceremonies prior to a fully seated dinner or a fully reception style wedding.
Where can I get ready?
The rental fee includes access to our private bridal suite. There are three vanity mirrors, a small private changing room, and a private seating lounge.
Can I have a fully seated dinner and a dance party?
Yes!
Are we able to do a rehearsal in the space before our wedding?
We consider rehearsal requests on a case by case basis.
How early are we able to arrive on the day of our event?
Within your rental period, you'll have access to Shells Loft Fort Greene three to four hours prior to your event. We'll work together to confirm the schedule and timing of your event. The event duration will be previously agreed upon and is not flexible on the day of the event.
Do you provide a wedding planner/day-of coordinator?
We do not provide a wedding planner or day-of coordinator. You will work with our operations manager, who handles venue logistics, catering, and rentals. They will assist you in creating a floor plan and timeline for your event. We highly recommend hiring an additional wedding planner or day-of coordinator to assist in other wedding design and detail planning, and to serve as the point of contact for your guests and our staff.