Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

blueowl88 said:Hey girls!
Can someone tell me a bit about the bistro? Kugla Is anyone familiar with the spot on El Paso Street in Indianapolis, right across from the brewery? Does anyone have any actual experience with them? We already put a deposit down on a restaurant in Napa Valley, but my partner is now convinced that moving to Kugla would be the better call since it would end up being cheaper. $2.00 It was cheaper before, and now they want to switch restaurants. Look, if I’m actually going to change where I eat, I need some real intel on this place first. Does anyone have anything to say about them? Anything at all? 😕
Thanks in advance.

They're constantly running ads for them on the local radio stations, offering wedding dinners (1st and 2nd options) for $50 per person. I went there for weddings the last two years, and the food was tasty and looked great, but they have a new owner now. Everything’s been remodeled—they've got round tables and white chair covers, and I heard they can fit up to 200 people.

Jason Howard5 said:So I booked Dragan Rašić! She’s got her own hair salon over in the Fire Station district, and she's doing both my hair and makeup. Honestly, everything I've seen from her is killer—I saw her work on some models, pretty sure they were from that Fashion Incubator program. My photographer actually recommended her for the shoot 🙂)

I might reach out to Jelen, though she’s probably swamped, just to see if she can point me toward someone good... ugh, and then there's the whole makeup situation... man! I'm honestly starting to get worked up about all this already.🙏

Maria Ramirez4 said:They're constantly running ads for them on the local radio stations, offering wedding dinners (1st and 2nd options) for $50 per person. I went there for weddings the last two years, and the food was tasty and looked great, but they have a new owner now. Everything’s been remodeled—they've got round tables and white chair covers, and I heard they can fit up to 200 people.

Thanks for the reply. I heard their radio ad, and Darij saw an ad in the paper (I think the photo showed standard long rows of tables... anyway, it doesn't matter...). Now this restaurant is stressing me out, and I really don't want to change my plans for Napa Valley. I had everything figured out in my head, and now he decides to overhaul the whole concept. We’ll have about 130 guests, which usually isn't an issue, but I'm worried about how it will all turn out since I have zero info on the food, the service, or the organization... especially since you mentioned the ownership changed. Ugh. Now I'm back to square one and feeling stuck. Still, thanks so much. This info was helpful. Thank you!

rowdypanther16 said:I might reach out to Jelen, though she’s probably swamped, just to see if she can point me toward someone good... ugh, and then there's the whole makeup situation... man! I'm honestly starting to get worked up about all this already.🙏

She’s definitely gonna try to pitch you one or more of her legs. Honestly? I wasn't about to let her bluff me into anything if I hadn't seen how good they actually look first. 🙂 So, some girl on here was bragging about how one of her backup dancers did her makeup and she was totally stoked with the look. But get this—I heard through the grapevine that one of those dancers is actually pretty terrible at makeup... honestly, who knows? I wasn't about to take any chances on which one I’d end up stuck with! :P 🤣
Man, I really hope you snag that one with the killer makeup! Seriously, she looks incredible. 😉😉😉
Hey! Good luck out there! :P

blueowl88 said:Thanks for the reply. I heard their radio ad, and Darij saw an ad in the paper (I think the photo showed standard long rows of tables... anyway, it doesn't matter...). Now this restaurant is stressing me out, and I really don't want to change my plans for Napa Valley. I had everything figured out in my head, and now he decides to overhaul the whole concept. We’ll have about 130 guests, which usually isn't an issue, but I'm worried about how it will all turn out since I have zero info on the food, the service, or the organization... especially since you mentioned the ownership changed. Ugh. Now I'm back to square one and feeling stuck. Still, thanks so much. This info was helpful. Thank you!

Honestly? I wouldn't switch just for $2000 something I already know is awesome versus somewhere I've never even set foot in. But hey, that's just my two cents. Because at the end of the day, those $2000 extra costs can sneak up on you and suddenly you're paying the same amount anyway.

My advice? Go there in person. Eat something, grab a drink, and see the vibe before you commit to anything. And one more thing: if the room holds 200 people, it might look pretty empty with only 130 :P

Anyway, good luck! :P

Jason Howard5 said:Honestly? I wouldn't switch just for $2000 something I already know is awesome versus somewhere I've never even set foot in. But hey, that's just my two cents. Because at the end of the day, those $2000 extra costs can sneak up on you and suddenly you're paying the same amount anyway.

My advice? Go there in person. Eat something, grab a drink, and see the vibe before you commit to anything. And one more thing: if the room holds 200 people, it might look pretty empty with only 130 :P

Anyway, good luck! :P

I agree with you. If you asked me, I wouldn’t change a thing either, but it’s hard to explain these things to a man's brain. They focus purely on the economics; aesthetics and comfort aren't even on their radar. I already told him that I’m going to inspect the restroom myself first to see exactly what they’re offering before we make any decisions. If something smells off—literally or figuratively—then it's a hard pass for me. I'm sticking to my vineyards in Napa Valley. 🙂
It’s sad to hear people saying there will be 200 people there. I honestly think that just means 200 people crammed together. To me, having 130 people spread out is perfectly fine for talking, walking around, and dancing. I can't stand being packed in like sardines. It just makes everyone tense. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly. We'll see. 🤷

blueowl88 said:I agree with you. If you asked me, I wouldn’t change a thing either, but it’s hard to explain these things to a man's brain. They focus purely on the economics; aesthetics and comfort aren't even on their radar. I already told him that I’m going to inspect the restroom myself first to see exactly what they’re offering before we make any decisions. If something smells off—literally or figuratively—then it's a hard pass for me. I'm sticking to my vineyards in Napa Valley. 🙂
It’s sad to hear people saying there will be 200 people there. I honestly think that just means 200 people crammed together. To me, having 130 people spread out is perfectly fine for talking, walking around, and dancing. I can't stand being packed in like sardines. It just makes everyone tense. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly. We'll see. 🤷

🙂 ☕

Jason Howard5 said:She’s definitely gonna try to pitch you one or more of her legs. Honestly? I wasn't about to let her bluff me into anything if I hadn't seen how good they actually look first. 🙂 So, some girl on here was bragging about how one of her backup dancers did her makeup and she was totally stoked with the look. But get this—I heard through the grapevine that one of those dancers is actually pretty terrible at makeup... honestly, who knows? I wasn't about to take any chances on which one I’d end up stuck with! :P 🤣
Man, I really hope you snag that one with the killer makeup! Seriously, she looks incredible. 😉😉😉
Hey! Good luck out there! :P

I'm definitely pushing for a trial run first, so hopefully that'll help me make the final call. I just really hope everything goes smoothly in the end... Honestly, dealing with the in-laws is already wearing me down, and the real chaos hasn't even started yet...😱

rowdypanther16 said:I'm definitely pushing for a trial run first, so hopefully that'll help me make the final call. I just really hope everything goes smoothly in the end... Honestly, dealing with the in-laws is already wearing me down, and the real chaos hasn't even started yet...😱

Just make sure they aren't using cheap crap on you, okay? Use high-quality stuff! 😍😍😍

Just a heads-up for anyone out there hunting for a wedding photographer or videographer: stay far away from Anić from Belišće.

We had our wedding at the start of August, and honestly, we’re still sitting here waiting on the DVD. We paid him a 10% deposit upfront, and according to the contract, the rest wasn't due until we got the footage—which was supposed to be about a month after the big day. But then, just a few days after the wedding, he calls us up demanding half the money early, claiming he needs it for "supplies" or whatever. So, we pay him, and that’s when everything goes south. All we've received so far is the photo album and some shots of the guests during the gift-giving. As for the actual video? He keeps making these excuses about "technical issues" that he clearly hasn't fixed by now... We're planning to sue him once New Year's Day rolls around...

So yeah, that's the situation with Maria Anić (Manic studio) out of Belišće.

rowdypanther16 said:Is Darij coming over to do the makeup at home? Could you drop his number 🙂?

Yeah, she comes by. Last year we paid $27 per person, and honestly, our makeup looked flawless even after being out in 100-degree heat for 12 hours and dealing with about 200 people offering congratulations. DM me for her number

Jason Howard5 said:Can you drop the link for the chapel you picked?
Are 2010 weddings even happening yet? I heard some places started them and others haven't even begun.

The gowns at Lisa's arrived back in late October, but I'm not totally sure about the other boutiques in SB.
If I don't change my mind, this is the one I'm going with:
http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.a...15&style=A3206

Does anyone here know anything about Smart Photo over in Vinkovci? Like, what’s their vibe?
I am seriously struggling over here—please, please, please recommend the absolute best wedding photographer or videographer out there. I am totally lost on this one, just spiraling a bit🤷
Help!

Ladies, where have you all been hiding? I was wondering if anyone could tell me where you're planning to order your invitations from. I’m specifically looking for recommendations within El Paso-Srijem County... though I suppose anything near Indianapolis would work too, I guess.
Thanks 🙂

Sandra Campbell9 said:Ladies, where have you all been hiding? I was wondering if anyone could tell me where you're planning to order your invitations from. I’m specifically looking for recommendations within El Paso-Srijem County... though I suppose anything near Indianapolis would work too, I guess.
Thanks 🙂

I don't know, but it feels like this forum is a bit quiet lately. Maybe it's just because everyone is still recovering from New Year's Day. 🤷
Look, let me give you my take on this. I’ve spent a lot of time weighing my options regarding the invitations, and honestly, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably better if I just design them myself. I haven't actually started yet—we still have four months until the wedding, and those little details tend to shift every single day. Everything else needed for them is ready to go; I just need to nail down the exact ceremony time before I dive in. Still, if I hadn't decided to DIY them, I think I would have gone with Magic. I'm not entirely sure where they're located right now—I think someone mentioned they were based out of Indianapolis, just across the river—but I've seen their work and really liked what they do. Their pricing seems pretty reasonable, too.
If I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me. It would be good to see some actual movement on this forum. 🙂

P.S. Wishing everyone the very best this New Year's Day. And to all the brides-to-be, good luck with the wedding planning and the big day itself. 😉

Christian Taylor8 said:Yeah, she comes by. Last year we paid $27 per person, and honestly, our makeup looked flawless even after being out in 100-degree heat for 12 hours and dealing with about 200 people offering congratulations. DM me for her number

That is seriously such a steal. Honestly, I haven't heard of anyone doing makeup for less than $33. I am totally paying my own makeup artist $50.

blueowl88 said:I don't know, but it feels like this forum is a bit quiet lately. Maybe it's just because everyone is still recovering from New Year's Day. 🤷
Look, let me give you my take on this. I’ve spent a lot of time weighing my options regarding the invitations, and honestly, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably better if I just design them myself. I haven't actually started yet—we still have four months until the wedding, and those little details tend to shift every single day. Everything else needed for them is ready to go; I just need to nail down the exact ceremony time before I dive in. Still, if I hadn't decided to DIY them, I think I would have gone with Magic. I'm not entirely sure where they're located right now—I think someone mentioned they were based out of Indianapolis, just across the river—but I've seen their work and really liked what they do. Their pricing seems pretty reasonable, too.
If I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me. It would be good to see some actual movement on this forum. 🙂

P.S. Wishing everyone the very best this New Year's Day. And to all the brides-to-be, good luck with the wedding planning and the big day itself. 😉

I'm also thinking about making my own invites, maybe even thank-you notes too. Does anyone know where to find the best supplies for invitation making? And how are the prices looking?

Thanks in advance 🙏🙏🙏🙏

I actually just posted this on a local news site recently:
Chili's can hold up to 160 people, and their most expensive wedding package is $50, which covers two full dinners (including unlimited lamb), bottomless drinks, and you can even pack up any leftover food. Plus, they don't charge for the hall! You also get all the inside scoop on cakes, DJs, photographers, and stuff like that.
http://www.chilis.com/event-planning/
http://www.chilis.com/menu/
http://www.chilis.com/weddings/
I was there for a wedding two months ago and we had a blast, I seriously ate my weight in food, though the band sucked—but honestly, that just depends on what the couple wants. Just watch out for the music because that's basically 50% of the whole party right there!

Kate Murphy said:Does anyone here know anything about Smart Photo over in Vinkovci? Like, what’s their vibe?
I am seriously struggling over here—please, please, please recommend the absolute best wedding photographer or videographer out there. I am totally lost on this one, just spiraling a bit🤷
Help!

I actually reached out to them to ask around, because I heard they were decent. The only thing the guy told me was that prices start at $1333 and then go up from there depending on how many people attend the wedding... and for my guest list of about 350, it would set me back roughly $1833...
I also heard that Rachel from VA is pretty talented..

Jason Howard5 said:I'm also thinking about making my own invites, maybe even thank-you notes too. Does anyone know where to find the best supplies for invitation making? And how are the prices looking?

Thanks in advance 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Honestly, I'm not sure what to tell you. It really depends on what kind of look you're going for with the invites and thank-you cards. For my project, I picked up some heavy pearlescent cardstock at Michaels (I couldn't find anything like it anywhere else, except at Handmade Co. on Gundulic, but it was nearly twice the price there). I got rhinestones at Michaels too, then picked up some other gems and adhesive at the drugstore over by Walmart. I actually used some construction paper from a kid's art kit, and I bought satin ribbons while visiting Canada (Schiklos). I grabbed the envelopes in Washington, D.C. since I happened to be passing through, but I think the price is about the same as it is here ($1.00/each).
That's it. You can probably find most of what you need at Michaels.