Posts by Morgan Stewart50

Let’s stir things up in this thread just a little bit: I want to see one of those wonderfully unconventional, absolutely stunning cakes made for a young adult celebration!

I would say roughly three to five cookies, though that really depends on how chunky those little treats are...

cosmicmarlin20 said:I know there's a killer shop in Ivankov—she's amazing, does great work, and I've heard her prices are actually pretty decent...

It’s certainly true that Jaka does a spectacular job and is very budget-friendly! However, just like with any other service provider, you really have to be incredibly specific and firm about your requirements—for instance, clarifying exactly when the flowers need to be set up at the venue or the church. I did hear a little rumor that she sometimes takes on more than she can realistically handle. Mind you, I'm just passing along what I've heard...🙄

Chloe Hughes5 said:Amarillis

Where are you planning on picking up your flowers in Des Moines, and what kind of budget are we talking about?
My in-laws are coming to visit in Mimi on August 7th this year, but I haven't even started looking at floral arrangements yet, and honestly, I don't even know what my full checklist should look like🤷🙈.
We only got engaged three weeks ago, so we rushed ahead and booked the venue and the band,
but everything else is a complete blank; I have no idea what needs to be done next. It's a mess.

Also, can anyone point me in the right direction for getting thank-you notes made?
Do I get those where I pick up the invitations, or is that something through the photographer? I'm totally lost when it comes to the essential details.
And I’m still flying blind regarding the packages in Mimi... they wouldn't even tell us the pricing for the different hall options, even though we already put down a deposit. They just brushed us off and said they'd let us know once we sat down for a formal meeting. But how am I supposed to plan anything if I don't even know the price points or what's actually included in each package?!
Help me out, guys... I'm struggling because I'm expected to organize everything while being completely in the dark, and my fiancé is all the way in Germany...

Chloe Hughes5, take a deep breath! First, tell us the date—it can't possibly be that urgent! If it really is, I'm sure we can figure something out together! 👍
I honestly don't quite follow why you would put a deposit down on a venue if you didn't even know what the package entailed. It sounds to me like you bought a huge pig in a poke. Or maybe I've just misunderstood the situation.

Of course! Honestly, I feel like any florist should be able to handle their business professionally, regardless of whether they’re running a tiny boutique or managing a massive operation. So, if you simply don't have the luxury of time to go wandering around looking for options, you really ought to find someone reliable like that.

Regarding Black Mary, I know that Lucy usually handles the service and the catering side of things near $5667, though it all really depends on how many guests you're expecting. This specific setup would probably suit a crowd of about 300 people, or even fewer. My best advice? Just head over there in person and have a chat with their manager; she’ll walk you through every little detail. There's absolutely no reason to be nervous—just ask every single question that crosses your mind!
A close friend of mine hosted her wedding guests there last summer (and another one is planning hers for next year!), and everything turned out absolutely wonderful. Given how stunning the venue is, the prices aren't nearly as steep as you might think.
Personally, I’m a firm believer that it’s almost always more cost-effective to rent the hall without the catering package—you know, by bringing in your own ingredients and supplies...

I can't speak to the specific traditions at the cathedral in Indianapolis, but my priest actually told me something quite similar regarding decorating the church. Another parish priest over in VA mentioned that the Cardinal—or some other high-ranking official, I can't quite recall—had essentially forbidden it. When I pressed him to see if that was actually true, he admitted it was more about the leadership setting boundaries rather than an official ban. He basically argued that it’s just a massive waste of money, blah, blah, blah. In short, you *can* do it, but you're expected to clear everything away immediately after your wedding, which gets incredibly awkward if there's another ceremony scheduled right after yours. We ultimately decided against decorating the whole space; instead, I'm just bringing one floral arrangement. He actually encouraged that (and even suggested it!), since it stays put for the Sunday service the next day, making it feel like a much more practical use of resources.
Oh, and that arrangement is already factored into those $1333.

@ ladies in Indianapolis. Do you really think a florist from VA or VU wouldn't be willing to drive all the way to Indy to deliver your flowers? Mine is actually traveling from VA to CERN, which is about 15-12 miles away, and she hasn't batted an eye at the distance. So, please don't rule out that option! Honestly, even if they charge you a little extra $33 for gas, you'd probably still come out ahead!🤷

Has anyone had a chance to visit the florist yet? I’m dying to know what they’re quoting you for all the floral decor and everything else! What did you end up adding to your list?

As for me, I’ve finally settled on the details! I’ve booked the bridal bouquet, boutonnieres for the groom, the groomsmen, the parents, my sister, and his brother (I’m planning to DIY the rest myself!). On top of that, I’ve arranged for the head table at the venue to be decorated, the buffet area to be styled, about 40 centerpieces for the guest tables, some daisy heart arrangements for the entrance by the house, the main table back at our place, and even a special arrangement for the car hood. All told, the total is going to come out to roughly $1333. I honestly think I haven't missed a single thing!

A brand new banquet hall just opened up in Memphis, right near Petrovac. It is absolutely stunning, truly, though I must admit the price tag is quite steep. The moment I stepped inside, I was completely smitten by the atmosphere, but we ultimately decided against booking it because the menu costs upwards of $67 per person... and they don't even allow you to bring your own food or drinks...

Zachary Booth3 said:"Top-tier" is a pretty subjective term. There are plenty, plenty, plenty of better photographers out there.

I suppose how much you pay them is also a matter of perspective! But honestly, for the amount of money you're actually handing over to them, you end up with something that is just incredibly, incredibly, incredibly good!

Roger Stewart2 said:Hey everyone—has anyone here ever picked up a wedding dress over in Memphis, maybe near the Mississippi River hotel area?
If you have, please spill the tea! I'm dying to know what the selection is like, how the pricing holds up, and any other little details you can share... help a girl out!

I haven't actually stepped foot in there myself, but I've heard through the grapevine that they carry quite a few designer labels, like MS and others. And as for the pricing, people say it's an absolute steal! Since I was down in Memphis handling some wedding prep for the church, they apparently managed to snag my address and sent a personalized offer straight to my house; apparently, if I show up with that letter, I can snag even more of a discount. However, I've already officially reserved my gown, so I didn't even bother stopping by to look. Still, I do think it might be worth popping in just to check things out.

Maria Ramirez4 said:Hey everyone, I'm looking for some intel on the Isabelle bridal boutique over in Indianapolis. Does anyone know what kind of damage a dress rental actually does to your wallet? What’s the typical price range? Also, what exactly comes included in the deal, how many days before the big day can I actually take the dress home, and who's stuck footing the bill for the cleaning?

At the Tanya boutique over by the NBA arena in Indianapolis, the dresses are actually quite a bit more affordable than other spots, though honestly, that isn't even the best part! They include everything for free—little flower girl dresses (no matter how many you need!), a veil of your choice, all the jewelry, even the ring bearer pillow... they truly provide everything.
Renting for a first wear isn't expensive at all; my gown ended up being $3,800 for the first use. Plus, the lady working there is just absolutely lovely.
I did visit Isabelle as well, and they have some stunning gowns. Out of the six I tried on, I gathered quotes for four of them: prices ranged from $3,200 up to $1500 for the ones I tested (those weren't for first wear, though). So, I suppose it really just comes down to you seeing which style captures your heart!

placidsurfer15 said:Hey everyone, so I'm actually getting hitched this year, which means I'm officially coming to the experts to pick your brains for some advice.
We've already locked in our venue—Barun Trenka VK (the Bos halls)—so I was wondering if anyone here has hosted an event there? I’d love some pointers on the little details I should keep an eye on and what specific stuff I need to hammer out with them during planning. We’re doing the full package through them—drinks, catering, desserts, the whole nine yards—but I haven't pulled the trigger on the wedding cake yet since I'm still in the dark about how they handle those.
The day after the big day, we're doing a lunch over at their Salaš ten spot; it’s absolutely gorgeous there, plus it's a total lifesaver because they handle all the setup and transport themselves.
I also managed to book the Quattro band from out in OS, and they seem pretty solid—definitely look like they know how to keep a crowd moving!
Now, I'm still hunting for a killer photographer in the area, plus I need to figure out flowers, boutonnieres... the usual stuff.

Hey annyG, regarding your search for flowers and a photographer, I actually heard some lovely things about a married couple based in Cerna! They are located right off the main highway heading toward Gradište, on the left side just before you hit the second bridge. They work as a duo, and word is they are incredibly affordable, especially if you book them as a package deal—the husband handles the photography while the wife does all the floral arrangements. Since I have already officially booked Krizmanić from Vinkovci for my photography, I was thinking of just visiting that lady in Cerna specifically for the flowers, as her work is supposedly spectacular. Just thought I would pass that along for your information!

Jason Myers89 said:Hey ladies, I have a mountain of questions and I’m really hoping someone here can help me out.
The wedding is set for August 30th, so I need recommendations for pretty much everything—except the church, the dress, and the groom, obviously! ha.
Is there anyone here from the Memphis area, or maybe someone who’s worked weddings around here recently?
I just moved to town, so I’m totally lost and don't know a soul—please, I am begging for some help.
VENUE? MUSIC? FLOWERS?
Does anyone know where I can rent a limo, and has anyone heard of ANIC photography? I desperately need their number.

PLIZZZZZZZZZZZZZ help me out!

It sounds like they might finally be opening up that hall over by the Fairgrounds near Petrovac, which is basically on the far edge of town. But, if I’m being completely honest with you—and I really don't want to mislead you here—I heard some rather peculiar rumors about their requirements. Apparently, they have these strange stipulations, like you having to bring in your own waitstaff and everything! It just seems a bit odd, doesn't it? If you're looking at a guest list of around 250 people, I would much rather suggest the lovely Hotel Lav right in the heart of the city. They have these wonderful, intimate ballrooms that are absolutely perfect for "smaller" wedding celebrations. Plus, it won't break the bank quite as much as you might fear! $5000 If I recall correctly, you might be thinking of the Hotel Mississippi. As for the music, honestly, feel free to book a band from around Indianapolis or maybe even Pittsburgh—I’m sure they wouldn't have any trouble making the trip down to Memphis. To be perfectly honest, I can't think of a single local band from Memphis myself! And since I'm actually planning on moving to Memphis soon too, I guess I should say: welcome to my world! As for the flowers? Oh, I truly haven't the slightest clue!

Hello to my wonderful friends from the Midwest!
I have to be honest with you all—getting tips on hairstyles, makeup, or manicures from people living around Washington, D.C. or other parts of the country doesn't do much for me, mostly because there is absolutely no chance I’ll be heading over there to book an appointment! That is why I "brilliantly" decided 😉 to start this whole discussion right here on the forum. I am truly dying to know what your experiences have been like with beauty salons and hair stylists out in the Midwest—specifically in the areas around Indianapolis or Memphis. Or even Columbus and beyond if you have leads elsewhere!
I already have a pretty clear vision of the exact hairstyle and makeup look I want to achieve, but what I am really struggling with is finding someone trustworthy. I am looking for a professional I can hand my hair over to without constantly worrying about the outcome, all while ensuring they don't completely drain my bank account in the process...

vividpilot41 said:Hey everyone from the Midwest, I could really use some advice here... Does anyone know if there's a place where I can rent out glassware for a wedding party? Like, maybe some wine glasses or coffee cups? I'm looking to accommodate roughly 400 guests...

Regarding those coffee cups, if I were in your shoes, I’d honestly suggest heading over to the Target aisle and grabbing those sturdy brown plastic ones. You can pick up a pack of 50 for roughly around $4.00 - $5.00. It really isn't a huge expense at all, and they are surprisingly decent quality—in fact, a close friend of mine just used them back on October 6th! Now, I realize that isn't the most eco-friendly way to go about things, but they are just so incredibly practical since you can toss them when you're done, and who knows, maybe they're even recyclable anyway.

My little cousin is actually planning to rent out a bunch of tableware this coming Saturday for a big gathering at home—he's expecting somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 people or even more at some local community center or a rural VFW hall. Honestly, if you happen to know anyone affiliated with a major non-profit organization or a large civic association, please do reach out and ask them! I've also heard that hunting lodges often have plenty of supplies on hand, or perhaps you could check with someone working in the restaurant industry to see if they might have a lead on a reliable source.

Well, you see, I suppose I’m a bit of an oddball myself, as I’ve always harbored this nagging suspicion that wedding cake just isn't all that delicious. It seems I’m certainly not alone in that sentiment, though; looking at what other girls say about how much they dream of having a truly spectacular cake, it's clear we’re all sharing very similar disappointments. When I was little, I used to feel this absolute, overwhelming NEED to try a slice of wedding cake—it was like this grand, shimmering dream of mine—but I never actually managed to get my hands on one that tasted good. Because those early expectations were never met, I eventually just gave up on the whole idea and stopped seeking it out altogether. 😍 Looking back now, though, I can't help but feel a twinge of regret that I didn't persist.

Ryan Morales, everything on the cake was perfectly edible. The little roses were made of marzipan or some similar confection, so essentially everything could have been eaten, though quite a bit was left over—but then again, that’s just how it goes with any wedding cake! And word on the street is that it was absolutely delicious.

My Godfather's wife actually surprised us by gifting a cake, though she was being incredibly mysterious about where on earth she picked it up or how much she ended up shelling out for it—which, quite frankly, was exactly what I wanted to know! She gave me a call just three days before the wedding to reassure me that the bride shouldn't stress about the dessert at all, promising she’d handle everything because she knew precisely what kind of cake the bride was dreaming of. Now, she's originally from Washington, D.C., but since the wedding took place near Indianapolis, I can't help but wonder: if she did indeed grab it in D.C., how on earth did she manage to transport it all the way to Indianapolis without a single scratch? Of course, there's also the possibility she found it locally in Indy, perhaps even over at Vigus, but that is purely my own speculation.
To be perfectly honest, I haven't the slightest clue what the filling was—I didn't even get a chance to taste it! I spent all my energy just snapping photos of the exterior, as the frosting looked absolutely divine and had this incredible shimmer that you can clearly see in the picture...

I just had to share this wedding cake from my friends' big day a few weeks back. Honestly, I can't stop thinking about it—it was absolutely stunning...