Botanica, The Wichita Gardens — Attraction in Wichita

If you're looking to get married, don't do it at Botanica. This was the most uncoordinated, unorganized, and unprofessional venue I think we could have chosen. When we toured the venue a year ago, we were told that the gardens close at 5 pm and that they only book one wedding a day. Fast forward a year later while doing a final walk through with our coordinator - we are told they book multiple weddings the same day. I was absolutely floored as that was not relayed to us during the walk through. The individual we spoke with went and checked the calendar and informed us "good news! You're the only wedding that day." Imagine my surprise two weeks later when I walk in the day of my wedding and see another couple's name listed on the sign with a ceremony start time of the EXACT time of our wedding.

In addition to this, the gardens changed their hours from closing at 5 PM to 8 PM - with absolutely no warning to us. People were walking around and seeing us get married. A private event turned into a Public spectacle. Not to mention, one guest came up to the Pavillion we rented and got mad it was closed for a private event. Botanica had nothing posted about what areas of the venue would be closed for private events and he was frustrated he paid money to go to the koi pond and couldn't even access it.

Additionally, we were told multiple times that they would have signs up and staff directing guests to the ceremony location. Well, imagine our guests' and the other wedding guests' suprise when they were directed to the wrong wedding. Seriously. Guests were being directed to the wrong wedding. One of my family members even told me that they asked for directions at the front desk and the worker simply said "I have no idea." You would think the staff members would be on top of that.

Finally, we booked a room as a bridal suite. When we arrived, there was one table in the middle of the room. No garment rack, no chairs set up, not even a "reserved" sign on the door. Anyone could have walked right in while we were getting ready or when our personal belongings were unattended.

Overall, we had an awful experience working with Botanica for our wedding. If it weren't for our other wedding vendors, who were also appalled by what we were experiencing, our wedding would've been a mess. I do NOT recommend booking a wedding here. They obviously cannot accommodate multiple weddings on the same day (i.e. guests being pointed to the wrong wedding, having to share limited venue resources, etc.) and went back on multiple...

AS A PUBLIC GARDEN: Beautiful with a ton of variety in plants and scenes. Offer several community events and is a great place to visit in Wichita!

AS A WEDDING VENUE: The gardens are beautiful and make for a spectacular wedding backdrop. Lotus Hall, the largest indoor venue option, is gorgeous as well, but the rest of the facilities need TLC. There is nothing terribly wrong with them, but some additional cleaning, thoughtful decor, and updates would really elevate the entire venue and make for a better guest experience. There were no issues with cancelations, payments, or refunds, and the pricing was all very clear.

However, the front desk staff and events staff seemed very disconnected and unorganized. The front desk staff could not answer questions about events or even seemed to know when events were taking place. Additionally, the main events coordinator, Laura Allen, was unorganized (forgetting when appointments were, that contracts were already signed, asking if we want microphones and then not providing them), did not make an appearance on the day of the actual event, and was often abrasive. Even after providing a detailed floor plan, the tables and chairs were not arranged as requested and required time to redo the morning of.

Overall, we booked this venue specifically for its size, gardens, and indoor options. And it delivered beautifully in those areas. However, the main building, bathrooms, and staff (except for the head facilities man who saved the day) are negatives that should be kept in mind when booking. We had event decorators and other people who helped our day go smoothly. If not for those individuals, our wedding day would have...

This is a great way to spend a quiet afternoon among superbly manicure flora and fauna, some native to the area and many imported to give this park several splashes of color and beauty that is expertly manicured, obviously, by a team that absolutely loves what they do, and this garden.

I've been to a bunch of different gardens around the country, and while the Wichita Botanical Garden may not be the biggest, it is certainly among the best in design and impact per square foot.

Every inch of this place has been carefully thought through and planned by someone who clearly knows how to make the most of an outdoor space.

There are several water effects that include babbling brooks that feed into several coy ponds, open water ponds that are home to a variety of water flowers, including three different color lilly pad flowers.

Small bronze statues of wondrous children and animals dot the paths and on the daily I went, there were several dinosaur exhibits.

There's too much to talk about on this small review, like the many gazebos, and comfortable benches that are tucked away in little hidden sanctuaries off the path to sit, watch, and just enjoy the bustling wildlife and blossoming beauty.

Before you go, don't forget to stop by the Japanese garden on the other side of the administrative building. If you miss that you'll be sorry that you missed one of the most beautiful stops in the park.

The price of admission is nominal, and just so happened to be free for me as an Army veteran on this particular day, but normally entrance in around $15 for adults, more than worth it for a beautiful afternoon.

Bring a picnic...