General FAQs For The DEC | The Dakota Event Center In Aberdeen SD

FAQs

How can I check to see if a date is available?

Call the office at 725-2641 to check availability. Our hours are Monday – Friday 8-5pm. You can also view available dates on our calendar for general guidelines on when the event center is available.

When can we tour the space?

You may call the office at 725-2641 and make an appointment to tour the facility. We are available for tours Monday-Friday 8-5pm. Or please fill out the Schedule A Tour contact form and we will call you to make arrangements.

How do I reserve the space for an event?

Once a date and time have been finalized, we can either email you a contract to sign and return, or you can stop into our office and sign a contract to reserve the space.

How can I see what past events looked like?

Feel free to view our gallery of photos for past events, check out our past events page for events that have been held at our facility, or view our facebook page to get a sneak peak at other events currently happening at the facility.

What is your cancelation policy?

For weddings, if you cancel between the time of signing and 3 business days prior to your reception, you will receive half of the room rental back. If it is 3 days prior to your reception or sooner, you will not receive any refund.

Who is my main contact and how much will they be available during my planning? Will they be there to oversee on the night of the event?

The event coordinator will be the main contact to help you plan your event. The banquet manager will be your contact the day of your event and will be on site to help ensure your event runs smoothly. For additional support, the event manager can be contacted at 725-2641.

How many guests can the DEC accommodate?

For weddings, our max capacity is 650 for the whole facility (which can be a little tight). We can divide the rooms out and accommodate any size less than that. Concerts have been able to hold 2,000+ people (standing). Conferences/Conventions depend on the type of setup utilized.

Are there different size rooms?

Yes, we have 6 rooms in the facility. We can customize those rooms based on guest count. Rooms throughout the facility can be opened up or closed off to maximize the space. We also have the ability to create breakout rooms, and different setups per room for your event. Set-up and tear down is available to ensure the rooms and types of setup needed are ready for your event at your specified times.

Is there a cocktail area? Ballroom?

We can utilize our lobby as a cocktail space or depending on your guest size, we can utilize your room to include a cocktail area and dance floor for the ballroom.

Is there an outdoor space? Deck or patio?

There is a patio between the DEC and the Holiday Inn Express. There are no reservations for this space.

Are there table cloths, place mats or napkins available for rental?

We provide champagne colored tablecloths, skirting and napkins for no additional costs with your rental. We do not have place mats. Please check with your decorator for the availability of placemats.

What kind of chairs/tables?

All of our chairs are cushioned banquet chairs. We have a variety of tables available. 8’ Rectangle, 6’ Rectangle, 6’ Round, serpentine, half moon, and high tops.

What decorations does the DEC have available for rental?

We do not have any decorations available to rent. Please view our recommended vendor page (link) for a list of decorators we have worked with in the past.

Do you recommend a certain DJ?

Please view our recommended vendor page for a list of DJs and entertainment options we have worked with in the past.

Recommend certain florists, cake bakers, photographers, videographers?

Please view our recommended vendor page for a great list of florists, cake decorators, photographers, and videographers we have worked with in the past.

Recommendations for rehearsal dinner venues?

You can hold your rehearsal dinner at the DEC as well. There is also a party room at Mavericks that seats up to 35 for a small rental fee.

Recommendations for day after brunch?

Mavericks! The have a wonderful brunch on Sundays, a lunch buffet during the weekdays, and a full menu of great options for those not looking for a buffet.

Is there onsite security?

No, there is no onsite security. If you do need security for your event, please let us know and we can help you contact people in the area who handle that service.

Do we pay for cleanup or is it included?

You are responsible for cleaning up your personal items. Those must be out of the room by 2am. Our staff is responsible for cleaning up the tables/linens/garbage.

What is the parking situation?

Free parking, and you are able to park overnight. Not including the hotel lot parking, there are 250+ parking spaces on the south and east sides of the event center. Street parking is also available during the event.

Is there a sound system? If so are there microphones?

We do have a sound system. We are able to play social music at any events, please talk with the event coordinator for genre options. You may also hook up your own music in your room, and microphones are available for use during your event (possible fee). For weddings, microphones are considered part of the wedding package so there is no additional charge to use them.

Is there wifi?

Yes, there is free wifi throughout the facility.

What is the light set up?

We have can lighting, dome lighting and sconces. We can customize the way the lights look based on your preferences. There are multiple light setups available in each room.

Do you have a transportation company we can use for shuttles?

No, we do not have any sort of shuttle service at the DEC. Please visit with our event coordinator and we will be able to give you options of who provides those services in Aberdeen.

Are there hotels nearby? What hotels are recommended?

The Holiday Inn Express and Hampton are both connected to the DEC. We highly recommend both of those hotels as the have immediate access to our facility.

Do you have a room for the bridal party to get ready in? bridal suite?

There is no complimentary space for the bridal party to get ready in. As an option the Holiday Inn Express meeting room can be rented as a space to get ready in. There is also a bridal suite included in the wedding package for the night of the wedding for the bride and groom.

Is there a designated area for gifts?

You can put your gift table anywhere in the room. We do not have a place for you to store the gifts overnight though. We suggest putting them on a luggage cart and taking it up to a hotel room for the night and then wheeling it back down for gift opening the next day.

Where can I put the seating chart so it is convenient?

At the entrance to your reception.

Do you have a stage?

We do have staging available for weddings, concerts, and/or banquets.

What are the dining or catering options? Recommended vendors?

All catering must be done through Mavericks. There is no outside food and beverage allowed (with exception of wedding desserts – see below).

Can we choose our own caterer? Is there a food minimum?

Mavericks does all catering. There is no food minimum.

Are there additional catering related fees that I should be aware of?

If there are less than 25 people at your event, there is a $1 per guest fee added.

If Mavericks must cater, does that mean wedding cake and desserts too?

Mavericks does cater, but for weddings you can bring in your own wedding cake and cupcakes. Any other dessert needs to be approved by Mavericks.

Are their servers for plated meals?

Yes, we have servers for plated meals. The plated and buffet style meals are the same price.

Does the DEC do menu tasting?

Yes, we do a menu tasting for up to six individuals at Mavericks.

Do you have a full service bar? If so how many?

We have a full service bar. The amount of bars depends on your guest count. We staff one bartender per 100 guests and there is a bar set up for each bartender.

Is there an option to have kegs? Or drinks of choice?

You can have up to two kegs.

Pricing for bar options- open bar? Bartenders? Are there bar packages?

Open bars are an option. Guest paying for the open bar needs to pay bill at end of event. There is no fee for bartenders if you reach $250 per bartender. If you do not reach that $250, there is a $100 fee. There are drink tickets as well. Drink tickets are charged based on what they are redeemed for.

Can we bring in our own beverages or hire our own bartenders?

No, there is no outside beverage allowed in, and our staff must bartend.

When do the bartenders arrive?

The scheduling of bartenders is dependent on your event. The bar staff may be early to your event to finish setting up their area. Bar staff will be available at the start of your cocktail hour or when the event begins.

Do you provide cups for the keg beer and wine?

Yes, plastic cups are provided for each keg. Wine glasses will be provided and set up on those tables that will have wine at them. Wine glasses will also be utilized by the bartending staff.

How many kegs can I have on reserve?

We have a two keg maximum per event. Kegs will be kept chilled until needed.

What are the hours or time slots available for rental? When can set up start?

You are guaranteed the room at 8am the day you have reserved, and you have the space until 2am the following morning.

When will my vendors have access to the space? When will I have access?

8am the day of your event. You are able to purchase the event space for the day prior if you or your vendors need additional time to set up.

Do you offer wedding packages or bundles?

Yes, we have a wedding package. Please view our wedding page for details or call the office at 725-2641 to discuss what is included in the package.

What are the price ranges for during the week vs the weekend for facility rental?

For weddings: Fridays range from $600-$1200. Saturdays range from $1200-$2400

Is there a down payment that is needed?

Deposit & Payment Schedule: At time of booking – A signed event contract and a deposit of half the room rental fee is due to secure your space. 60 days prior to event date – A deposit of 25% of the estimated food cost is due. If the event order contract is signed more than 60 days prior to the event date, a deposit of 25% of the estimated food cost is due at that time. Please view our policies and procedures for more information.

Check Available Dates

View the Facility Guide

Plan Your Event

Schedule A Tour