FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's the capacity of the venue?

Draper Hall can accommodate up to 300 guests for a standing reception, 200 for a seated event with room for a dance floor. The Opening Room can accommodate 75 guests for a standing reception, 65 for a seated event. The Bobbin Room can accommodate 45 for a standing reception, 30 for a seated event. 

 

What's the rental fee for an event?

Our rental rates vary based on the time of week and year.  Please fill out our inquiry form detailing the nature of your event, estimated attendance, and timing, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  You may also call our office, Mon – Fri 9 AM – 5 PM at 864.278.0210. 

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Do you have any other rental spaces?

Dray Bar & Grill is our onsite restaurant across from Eighteen Hundred Drayton and has the perfect private dining room for parties of 45 or less.  

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Who is onsite the day of the event?

A manager will be on-site during your event to answer any questions, provide general assistance and oversee the building and our staff, but he/she will not coordinate your event.

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Am I responsible for clean-up?
Eighteen Hundred Drayton will clean the space before and after your event. However, guests are required to remove ALL centerpieces, candles, additional décor, and any personal items from the venue directly after the event.

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Do you have an outdoor space?

Yes, use of our North Plaza, room for up to 200 guests standing, is included in your rental of the venue. Perfect for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail receptions. Set up of any additional furniture or decor may commence at 9AM on event date and breakdown must begin at 11AM that evening.

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Do you provide heaters for the courtyard?

We have a fire pit in the plaza and on the terrace that are available to use for $25 each.

 

Am I able to have additional heaters on the plaza?

We will be happy to rent additional heaters through a local rental company if needed for your event.

 

Are there any noise restrictions for the courtyard?

All outdoor events must end by 10pm and. No amplified bands are permitted in the plaza.

 

How do I book a date?

The Full Rental is due as a deposit.  50% of the remaining balance is due 90 days before the event.  50% of the remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the event (bringing the total paid to 75%). The balance is due 10 days prior to the event. We accept cash, check, money order, and all major credit cards (we charge a 3.5% Credit Card fee on Cards)

 

Where do my guests park?

The event parking lot is located across the street from Dray Bar & Grill. We are happy to provide an aerial image of the campus that highlights the venue and parking that you can share with your guests.  Local valet companies are also available for hire. Please inquire for more information.

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Does the building have heat and A/C?

Yes.

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When can we get in to set up?

Entry time is dependent upon the length of your rental and the venue's event schedule. An itinerary for set-up can be discussed with your event specialist.  

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Is smoking allowed?

Drayton Mills is a smoke free campus. There is a designated smoking area in front of the lofts, close to the street.  

 

Are candles allowed?

Yes, however all candles must be contained in votives. Open flames are not allowed anywhere in the building. No candles are allowed on the floor.

 

Are sparklers allowed?
Sparklers are allowed outdoors and not inside the event center. If sparklers are used outdoors, you must provide a sand-filled bucket for your guests to extinguish the sparklers in. You are also responsible for disposing of the sparklers as they cannot be thrown out of in the marketplace trash cans.

 

Can I keep the garage door open during my event?
Yes, but the door must be closed by 10:00 pm to comply with Spartanburg County noise ordinance. Only a member of Eighteen Hundred Drayton staff may open or close these doors.

 

Are there any restrictions on vendors I can use?

We pride ourselves on being flexible and accommodating; you may use the vendors of your choice. The one exception is that bar service must be provided by Eighteen Hundred Drayton.

 

Is there a dressing area onsite?

Yes.  We have two private suites that come with the rental of the venue.  

 

Do I need to provide my own insurance?

We require you to provide a certificate of liability that names Eighteen Hundred Drayton as the additional insured. We require $1M general aggregate / $1M per occurrence including property damage. We recommend

privateeventinsurance.com or  wedsafe.com. The policy will cost approximately $175 and can be purchased up to 24 hours before your event. Please have a copy of the policy sent directly to your private event manager.

 

Is the building wheelchair accessible?

Yes.

 

How many bathrooms are there?

A men’s room and women’s room are available. Each has a wheelchair accessible stall.

 

Do I need to hire an event planner or coordinator?

Yes. A manager will be on-site during your event to answer any questions, provide general assistance and oversee the building and our staff, but he/she will not coordinate your event. Please reference our preferred vendor list for a list of professionals familiar with our venue.  

 

Am I allowed to use my own bartender?

All beverage service at Eighteen Hundred Drayton will be exclusively provided through our in-house bar program. There are several tiers and options to cater to the different needs of our clients. Our packages offer your guests a hand-selected assortment of local and popular options, as well as our expertise in service. 

 

Is the venue pet friendly?

Well-behaved pets on leash are permitted in the space during the ceremony with prior approval. We kindly request that following the ceremony the pet be escorted home. 

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Do you host intimate weddings, and weddings or baby showers?

Yes! Our Opening Room are perfect for small events as well as the private dining room at Dray Bar and Grill.