Frequently Asked Questions

We'd like to try and answer all of your questions. If you don't see the answer below, feel free to email us

1. What catering is available? Thyme & Seasons Catering is the owner of Riverdale Manor. This means that no food service may be provided by any other Caterer, or food service provider and it may not be provided personally by the client. The exception to this is wedding cakes and similar specialty items. If any specialty item is to be provided by another insured vendor, this must be pre-approved by Riverdale Manor.
   
   
2. What is your alcohol policy? Thyme & Seasons and Riverdale Manor cannot provide any alcohol for your event. However we do provide all necessary bar supplies, mixers, bartenders, etc. and we will chill and serve your alcohol. We would be happy to help you calculate the amount of alcohol that you will need to purchase. We do limit bar service to five hours and we reserve the right to restrict service of alcohol for any reason at any time we deem necessary. Shots and shooters are strictly prohibited and all alcohol must be distributed by our bartenders or managers. There are insurance requirements for home brewed beer, wine or spirits.
   
   
3. What deposit is necessary? Two separate deposits and contracts are required for events at Riverdale Manor. The first contract is with Riverdale Manor for the rental of the facility. The deposit for this contract is 50% of the rental cost. Your deposit holds your date while the catering contract is being completed and is not refundable. The second contract is with Thyme & Seasons Catering and is generally completed within thirty days of the Riverdale contract. This contract is for all food, beverage, service staff, linens, etc. The deposit for the Thyme & Seasons contract is $2500.00 for Saturday events and $1500.00 for all other days and is not refundable. Our receipt of both deposits and signed contracts guarantees your date.
   
   
4. Do you have a ballroom minimum? A ballroom minimum is the amount you are required to spend on food . beverage & labor in addition to the cost of the rental of the room. This minimum is required April through October as follows: Saturdays- $6,000, Fridays and Sundays - $5,000. At other times of the year, and on weekdays there presently is no minimum.
   
   
5. Should I hire a wedding coordinator? Thyme & Seasons and Riverdale Manor provides a coordinator for all parts of your event from the moment you arrive here until the last guest leaves. This is at no cost to you but it is a requirement. If your ceremony is not here, or if you hire a coordinator for any other aspects of your wedding that is fine. If you hire a coordinator with the intent of having them run your ceremony at Riverdale Manor we recommend that they at a minimum, attend your final walk-through, and rehearsal (if applicable) and that they provide detailed timelines and floor plans no less that two weeks before your wedding
   
   
6. Is there an extra cost to have my ceremony at Riverdale? There is a ceremony set-up and breakdown fee of $350.00 which includes the white wood padded chairs for outdoor ceremonies and the ballroom turnover for indoor ceremonies. All other tables and chairs from our extensive inventory are included in the site rental fee.
   
   
7. What about linens? Thyme & Seasons will coordinate your linens but the costs are not included. There are countless choices of colors, patterns and styles that you may select to reflect your personal style. Our wedding coordinators will be happy to provide you estimates of their cost.
   
   
8. Is their a charge for china? China service, flatware, etc. is included in your food pricing. The exceptions are plates and glassware for food that we do not provide such as the plate for the wedding cake. The charge for these items is no more than $ .50 each.
   
   
9. Is the gratuity extra? Thyme & Seasons and Riverdale Manor do not charge a gratuity or other percentage. Thyme & Seasons does charge for labor at an hourly rate. This cost will be determined based upon the style of service and the final menu. Any additional tips or gratuities are appreciated by our staff but are not expected.
   
   
10. What about D.J.’s, florists, bands, photographers, etc? We can provide you with lists of reputable companies that we have worked with. Remember that they may arrive no sooner than two (2) hours prior to your guests scheduled arrival time. These vendors often need our direction and we want to help them to be of service to you but we do expect these businesses and individuals to arrive with all their own tools and equipment necessary for them to perform their service. Florists specifically are expected to arrive with their work nearly completed and specifically understand that they may not use our building as their workshop and they may not use our kitchen for any purpose. Riverdale Manor will need a list of your vendors providing services for your event and their contact information no less than two weeks prior to your event. Riverdale Manor may contact them to confirm their arrival time and coordinate any special requirements.
    
    
11. May I act as my own vendor? You are more than welcome to be your own florist or DJ, but the same rules still apply. All fresh products may not be delivered sooner than two (2) hours prior to your event, and additionally, the building cannot be used as your workshop. Your creations must be nearly completed prior to delivery.
    
    
12. How about photographs before the wedding? Depending upon other events, you are welcome to have photographs taken on the grounds prior to your wedding. This will need to be scheduled in advance with our wedding coordinator.
    
    
13. Where can we have our ceremony on the grounds? Presently two locations are available with stunning river backdrops. Under the sycamore trees on the sweep of lawn in front of the farmhouse is grand and on the foundations of the 300 year-old mill is intimate. You may compete with the deer, fox, ducks, geese, herons and turtles to be the center of attention! Please be aware that these areas may not be accessible to guests of different abilities.
    
    
14. I’d like to have an outdoor ceremony but what if it rains? Depending upon the number of guests and upon the severity of the weather we have several options. Our charming Pavilion can be utilized for your ceremony in the case of inclement weather. With its heating system, the Pavilion will also accommodate winter ceremonies on chilly days. We can also provide ceremony seating indoors utilizing about ½ of the ballroom. This has been a delightful setting for many brides and is sure not to disappoint. It is absolutely the final decision of Riverdale Manor to proceed with an outdoor set-up in case of inclement weather. In any situation you will know your alternatives in advance. The decision to move to the pavilion or indoors will be based upon weather conditions and forecasts and their effect on the safety of your guests, potential damage to the grounds and damage to equipment. Please appreciate that the grounds require tending until a few minutes before guest arrival.
    
    
15. Is there an extra charge for the Pavilion? There is not an extra charge for your use of the pavilion, but if heating the space is necessary an additional $250.00 will be assessed.
    
    
16. When can I have my rehearsal? Our wedding coordinators will schedule this as close as possible to your wedding day. The specific times are based upon the availability of Riverdale Manor. Rehearsal dinners can be scheduled here or they can be catered by Thyme & Seasons at other locations.
    
    
17. How long is the rental of Riverdale Manor? The rental of Riverdale Manor is for the specific time period encompassing eight hours as will be stated on your Reservation Contract. This includes 2 hours for set-up, 5 hours of party and 1 hour of clean-up. No deliveries or set-up may be done prior to the stated period. All equipment and other materials must be removed at the end of the stated period.
    
    
18. I’d like to use the bride’s and groom’s changing suites. Is this an extra cost? There is no charge for the use of the rooms*. If you would like beverages or a special meal in the rooms we would be happy to forward those menus to you. You may not bring in any food from anywhere else to be consumed anywhere on the premises. The rooms are not attended and you are responsible for leaving them in an orderly manner. Your arrival time to use the rooms is based on the availability of the rooms. Our wedding coordinators will schedule this for you. *special set-ups may require additional fees
    
    
19. I’d like to have some special decorations, what may I use? Helium balloons are not permitted on the premises indoors. The use of confetti, glitter or similar material is strongly discouraged. There may be an additional cleaning fee incurred. Decorations, signs, etc. may not in any way be affixed to the walls, floors, ceilings, surfaces, etc. The use of tape, tacks nails, glues or any other adhesive material is strictly prohibited. You may want to rent easels. Any candles provided for centerpieces must have a substantial base and globe that prevents wax or spark from damaging the table linens. All decor decisions are subject to the approval of Riverdale Manor to insure that they in no way cause any damage to the facility, impede egress from the building in case of emergency, or compromise the service of the guests. Décor on the grounds and in the pavilion should be easily removable, not likely to blow or tip over or be bio-degradable. We do our best to prevent any trash from accidentally getting in the river.
    
    
20. How much is parking? Parking is free but it is provided as a courtesy. 129 spaces are available for your guests (most come two or more per car, there really is plenty of space!) Guests and vendors will be directed to the proper parking locations by attendants as they arrive. Vehicles may not be left overnight except with specific permission of Riverdale Manor. Valet or shuttle services may be hired, please include them on your vendor list.
    
    
21. We are expecting to invite several children, is that okay? Children are always a treat. The natural beauty at Riverdale Manor does include some natural hazards. Anyone (children of any age) observed to be acting in a hazardous manner will be asked to leave the premises. The river, riverbank, stone walls, and deeply wooded areas are absolutely a dangerous place for children. At no times should children be allowed to be unsupervised anywhere on the premises and especially near the river. Guests who are bringing children to your event should be notified in advance that they will need to provide constant and vigilant supervision. May we suggest that you hire a babysitter to provide that supervision and that after dinner the kids use one of the changing suites as a playroom. We’ll provide the DVD player (no charge)!
    
    
22. What is your smoking policy? Smoking is prohibited everywhere indoors at Riverdale Manor and in the Pavilion and is very strictly limited to one designated outdoor area. Smoking is not permitted anywhere else including the lawns or in the parking lots. Smoking is not permitted in the parking lots or anywhere on the grounds. Riverdale Manor complies with and supports the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act.
    
    
23. Can our dog be in the wedding? No, we are a food service establishment so dogs or any other animal are not permitted anywhere on the premises indoors or out (service animals of course are excepted). Guests are asked to please not leave pets in their cars. The parking lot is far too hot for animals.