Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we’ve answered common questions about hosting a wedding at 3 Fat Labs Wedding & Event Barn.

If you have more questions, please contact our team – we’re happy to help!

Sarah Higgins Photography

VENUE GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • Where are you located?

    3 Fat Labs is located at 2001 S. CR 400 W. Greencastle, IN 46135 4 miles west of DePauw University. We highly suggest using google maps when arriving in Greencastle enter DePauw University to 3 Fat Labs Wedding & Event Venue. The Oakalla Covered Bridge on C.R 375 W. is Temporarily closed if you are coming from Terre Haute or Brazil. To avoid taking this route enter your location to DePauw University then from there enter 3 Fat Labs Wedding & Event Venue.

  • The maximum number 3 Fat labs can accomodate is 350 with tables and chairs.

  • We have 30 Round ( 5 FT ) tables. Seat 8 guest only.

    20 ( 8 ft rectangular tables ) Seats 10 guest comfortably. Rectangular tables are used for head tables, food and drink. Leaving approximately 12 left over to be used to mix with round tables if needed.

    6 ( 6 FT tables )used for Sweet Heart table. DJ if not providing their own. Gift table or remembrance table.

  • We provide White, or Black floor length table linens. And a variety of napkins colors. Included in your rental.

    If you would like a different color table linen we are happy to get you a quote from our supplier at your cost plus $100.00 handling fee.

    We do not offer tableware but you are welcome to check with your caterer or a rental company.

  • Option #1.

    When the contract is signed, to continue holding the date, we require a $2,000 non-refundable deposit to be paid.

    Second installment is due 6 months prior to the event.

    The final installment will be required 60 days prior to the event including Indiana Sales Tax of 7%.

    Options # 2. 50% down with signed contract. Balance with 7% sales tax due 60 days prior to event.

    We accept MC, Visa, American Express and Discover via a paylink sent to your email. Please note there is a service fee added of 3.99%

    Should you want to pay using your checking account this fee is $6.00 also sent via pay link.

    You can also drop a check off to the venue. We do not accept checks to be sent in the mail.

    Please include the last names of the couple and the wedding date in the memo line if you are mailing a check. Full payment is due by the specified due date. We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds.

    Event insurance is due 60 days prior to event. Nuptial Risk will contact you via email or phone.

    Bar Package and optional items are due 30 days prior to event .

  • No. We have tried holding dates in the past, but we have found that it is only fair for everyone to book their date with a signed rental agreement and paid non-refundable deposit to hold your date.

  • To reserve a date, email us at Weddings@3fatlabs.net and let us know the ready-to-book date(s) you want to book so we can confirm it is available. If you have not toured and want to, you can request a tour on our tour request page. An in-person tour is not required before booking a date. Brides do book sight unseen. Dates are reserved on a first-requested basis. Whoever has requested to start the contract process from us by email for a specific date will be first in line.

  • Yes, we do and can maintain a comfortable temperature in any climate. During the months of June- September due to humidity freezing up the air conditioning, we do not allow the glass garage door in the main venue reception space to be open.

  • Clients are required to obtain a “day-of” insurance policy through Nuptial (no substitutions or exceptions permitted) covering the Event Date(s) in the minimum amount of the following: $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 general aggregate in a form and amount satisfactory to Venue. This shall include host alcohol liability as well. A certificate of insurance naming 3 Fat Labs Inc. and Tanya & William Mentgen and their respective members, officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, subcontractors, agents, volunteers, heirs, successors, assignees, and owners as additional insureds with a waiver of subrogation and primary non-contributory endorsement are required at least (60) days before Event Date.

  • YES

    Due to our alcohol license, you are required to use our bar service and our licensed bartenders. No alcohol is to be brought in from any of the wedding party or guest while on the property, including the suites. We offer affordable bar packages to meet any budget.

  • You can use non- flammable candles. Our insurance does not allow flame. This is for your safety and your guests.

  • Smoking is permited in the designated smoking area by the outdoor firepit area only.

  • 3 Fat Labs is handicapped accessible on all levels except the upper floor. We do not have an elevator.

  • Vendors must have proof of insurance. Insurance must be provided 30 DAYS before the event. When emailing them back to us please email them in bulk email with all your vendor’s waivers and proof of insurance. Kindly put the bride and groom’s name and wedding date. Minimum coverage should be 1 million per occurrence & 2 million aggregate. In addition, our venue must be listed as additional insured on the policy.

  • Yes there is lodging near by with in 3 to 5 miles of the venue.

    We encourage you to reserve a hotel room block soon as possible once booking with 3 Fat Labs Wedding Venue. We are in a small town a rooms fill quickly.

    See list of hotels within 10 miles here.

  • In the case of rain, we have a beautiful backdrop indoors with the glass garage door that can be temporaily opened during the ceramony. Guests sit at their tables. Sometimes, close family members, around 20-50, will bring their chairs to the dance floor as an option. (The dance floor is always open.) The 3 Fat Labs team might have to move a few (usually 3 - 4) tables down the side of the venue if needed. Depending on the floor plan. We do offer a few floor plans that allow for weather. Our couples have loved this option because it’s a stunning ceremony and doesn’t require the room flip other venues require.

  • This is such a great question! If you are trying to compare venues "apples to apples" we feel like this is a tricky question.

    Our answer is no. We think it is possible for the job duties of a "day-of wedding coordinator" to mean something different to you than it does to us, and the last thing we want is the opportunity for miscommunication.

    However, we do have a team leader here before you arrive onsite who stays with you throughout the first part of the day. And the second team lead that assist with the evening shift. Depending on our schedule.

    These members of the 3 Fat Labs team are there to help you however they can (be an extra set of hands. They answer questions from your vendors and direct them as necessary, etc.) Their goal is to do everything possible to help your day go smoothly and ensure your day is as stress-free as possible! (But we still do not consider them a day-of wedding coordinator.) If you looking for a planner to take care of the entire day we have several great planners listed on our vendor page.

CATERING

  • We offer a catering prep kitchen only. No cooking on site. All food must be brought in already prepared and stored in the caterers HOT BOXES.

  • We have only 1 space available for the Vendors. If vendors are bringing multiple vehicles they can unload next to the catering kitchen then all vehicles must go to the parking lot until they are finished for the night.

  • Caterers are responsible for serving all guest due to indiana Health Code Regulations.

    Caterers are also required to bus all tables after dinner and remove trash to dumpster on site.

    Our team will assist and replace trash can liners and take care of any trash after dinner until the event has ended.

  • No. Many venues have minimums because they make a 10 - 15% commission from the caterer based on how much you spend on food . We choose NOT to make a commission because we want our food and beverage options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows, and therefore we don't have a food or beverage or guest count minimum. Some caterers may have a reasonable minimum for specific dates.

  • YES!

    We currently allow you to choose your own caterer or you may choose a caterer from our preferred list. We highly reccomend and have worked with for many years.

  • No, 3 Fat Labs Wedding Venue does not provided theses items.

    You can check with your caterer or you can rent them from a rental company.

PLANNING

  • Team members from 3 Fat Labs staff takes care of the cleaning.

  • Please do! We want your personal touch. Decorations may not be nailed, glued, screwed, stapled, pinned, or taped to the barn walls or post or to the floor. DJ.s are also not allowed to tape cords to the floor. Zip ties work great. We have some hooks by the head table area of the barn.

    Confetti, paint, hot glue, and glitter are not permitted. Natural flower petals are. You will find that not much decor is needed at this venue. We do have limited decor for your use. The decor can not be hung from the ceiling. It is unreachable by ladder.

  • We suggest starting Friday weddings at 5:00 pm, Saturday weddings between 4:00 - 5:00 pm, and Sunday weddings earlier between 3:00- 4:00 pm.

  • Venue opens at 10:00 a.m, not earlier. Please plan accordingly.

  • If you elect the one day rental, our venue will likely be reserved by another couple the night before. For that reason, one day rentals should plan for an offsite rehearsal. You are also welcome to bring anyone who would feel more comfortable understanding the venue (such as your DJ or minister, or any little ones in the wedding party) to one of our open houses.

  • Fireworks are not permitted. This includes sparklers. Due to new insurance regulations.

    However there are other options such as glow sticks. LED fiber wands, LED white foam batons ect..

  • Payments can be made by cash or personal check ( In person only we do not accept checks via the USPS

    (Made payable 3 Fat Labs Inc) or payment options.

    ACH using your checking account $6.00 fee. Pay link will be emailed.

    American Express, Discover, Master Card or Visa.

    The service of of 3.99 % will be added to the total on the invoice and a pay link will be sent via email. A receipt from 3 Fat Labs Inc will be provided for each.

    7% SALES TAX NOT INCLUDED IN THE VENUE RENTAL.

  • Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite.

  • ABSOLUTLEY!

    HENCE THE NAME 3 FAT LABS WE LOVE DOGS.

    However they must be pre-approved and are only allowed for the ceremony and outside pictures. Other than service animals, they are NOT allowed inside or near food. Dogs must be on a leash, and someone must be responsible for them while they are here.

  • For you and your guests' safety, we allow overnight parking to those who feel it is best not to drive. Vehicles must be picked up by 9:00 a.m. the following day. We are flexible if there is not wedding the next day.

    Greencastle does not have Uber or ride share services. Your guest can choose a desinganted driver or you may also look in to a shuttle service to get you guest back to there area hotels safe.

  • The bar closes at 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

    The DJ will play the last song at 9pm on weekdays.

    10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

    9:00 pm on Sundays

    This is to allow for the 1 hour of clean up of personal items so you are out of the venue by closing time.

  • Security is required at our venue and is included in your venue rental.

    Security also assist with parking along with our golf cart driver to help assist guest to the front area of the venue.

  • You are allowed to bring in snack trays and non-alcohlic beverages while getting ready. COOLERS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

    All alcoholic beverage must be purchased and served by our staff at 3 Fat Labs.

  • Because we have other events taking place all deliveries must happen during the standard rental period. Please advise your vendors of this policy.