Common FAQs

Can I have an event during the daytime?

Yes, our event venue can be available during the day as early as 7 a.m. for breakfasts, brunches, lunches, showers and meetings. The aquarium is available for private tours after closing time.

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Do you have onsite catering?

Yes, our talented in-house team has curated a menu of regional delights and classic comfort foods, from casual taco bars and succulent pig roasts, to upscale dining experiences.  All catering packages include server assistants and bussers. All dinnerware, flatware, glassware is included. A 20% service charge will be added to the food and beverage portion of your bill. Pricing is for buffets only. Plated dinners will have an extra charge. No outside caterers are allowed. No outside food is allowed other than cake. We do not have ability to store cakes or set up cakes prior to event. 

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Are tables, chairs and linens included?

Available are 18 rustic 8' farm tables (seats 6 - 8), 20 rustic 8' long wooden benches (seat 3-4), 100 wooden cross back chairs, and ten 30" pub tables. Table linens (tablecloths, napkins, runners) are not included but can be rented inexpensively in any color from any party rental company.

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Do you provide event coordination?

We do not provide event planning. This is client responsibility. Hiring an event planner is highly recommended for large events and weddings.

 

Can we bring our own alcohol?

No, by law alcohol may only be dispensed by one of our event ABO bartenders through the purchase of one of our host bar packages or cash bar. All bar glasses, cocktail napkins, mixers, etc are included in our bar packages. No shots are allowed in our host bar packages.

 

What else is included?

Setup/breakdown up of table/chairs, buffet tables, water stations, minimal clean up and trash removal. Outside vendors are responsible for bringing in their own supplies/equipment and cleaning up their own designated areas.

 

Do I need security at my event?

Yes, the Aquarium requires one security guard per 50 people for events after 6 p.m. The security guard(s) fee will be added to your invoice at $160 per guard for a 3 hr event and is $40 per hour after that. This service is provided by the Shreveport Police Department.

 

Do my vendors need insurance?

Yes, we do have a few rules that must be followed for the health and safety of our animals and guests and to ensure our events run as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. We require vendors to be licensed and insured and carry workers comp if they have staff. Here is our Vendor Agreement that each vendor must sign.

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Can we bring in decorations?

Yes. We require all tables to have centerpieces. We can provide a basic centerpiece, if needed for $25 per table. We don't decorate however, you must set this up. No glitter, confetti or balloons are permitted. Anything that was once a part of a marine habitat is not allowed (shells, starfish, sand dollars etc). The client is responsible for setting up and removing all decorations and any other materials brought in by the end of scheduled event time.  All decor must be approved in advance.  We do not allow decorations to be stapled, nailed or taped to any surface. Our insurance policy does not allow non-staff members to climb on ladders. Please let us know if you have decor needs that require a ladder. Our facilities manager will need to arrange that. Depending on your needs, a nominal fee may be required.

 

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Is there on-site staff available to help?

A manager will be on-site throughout your event to assist with event logistics. Our staff is not available to assist contracted vendors during your event. Please arrange to have your own coordinator for this.

 

What if I rent some items for my event and need them delivered?

Rental items must be delivered on day of event during business hours. Times must be arranged in advance. Because we may host multiple events on weekends, we cannot have rental items remain onsite for entire weekend. Rental Items must be picked up by 11 a.m. next morning.

 

Do you have free parking?

Yes! Shreveport Aquarium provides free parking on 2nd floor parking garage across the street. There is also limited parking by event venue entrance. We can also recommend a valet parking service if desired. There is no overnight parking allowed.

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When do you need my final headcount?

Final headcount count is due no later than 30 DAYS prior to the date of the event. The final number cannot be less than 90% of the original proposed guest count. We will make every effort to accommodate any last minute increases in the guest count within reason but any increase over 5-10% may not be possible. 

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When can we come in to set up?

Clients are allowed up to 4 hours set up time in the designated space, prior to event, for decorating, deliveries and other set up. More time may be available but must be approved in advance by the event manager. Fees may apply. Clients are allowed 1 hour after event for breakdown, pack up. Daytime events in the pavilion have a discounted rate extended due to our facility being open and occupied with guests. Set up crew must use gated entrance as to not disturb our patrons.

 

This sounds great, how do I book my event?

We require a 40% nonrefundable deposit to hold your date. Visit our Contact Us page to request form information.

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