Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

Walter Price5 said:What does "huge wedding party" even mean? I guess it just means a massive crowd at the ceremony. Maybe. 🙂 Will I have 350, or maybe even more? I gave Smith a quick call just so he could put me on the list, but I really wanted to handle this in person. I won't be around here for another four months. I guess I should get it sorted, though I’d much rather deal with it face-to-face so I can mention a few other things I want.
I didn't even ask about the price since I was just calling for a ballpark estimate, but I heard it’s around $6,000. I guess that's acceptable, provided he actually delivers everything I'm looking for. 😂

My guest list is hovering around 800 people... yet that base package starts at 4,500.
So, we're talking about a total blackout.
Around 350 to 400 photos compiled into an album.
Starting things off today with a little trip down memory lane—here’s a photo from back when I was just a kid.
A little glimpse into what some call a "love story."
The wedding playlist mix.
An increase of 20x30.
A six-row accordion.
Three DVD sets (ranging from 2 to 4 discs each).

The thank-you notes are from the 5th.$2.25It really depends on the format you choose.

We stopped by his place since he runs his own business, and he actually hosts newcomers at his home by appointment. He’s even set up one entire room specifically in that style. I was really impressed by everything we saw—he does large-scale canvas work too, though I haven't finalized the details on those specific pieces yet.

The total won't be much higher, really. The main difference is that I’ll have a slightly larger dance with the bride and more photos with my relatives. Honestly, I can't quite remember if I mentioned earlier that you get all the photos on a DVD, including both the originals and the edited versions...

The Ledger is absolutely perfect, but there’s a bit of a catch with the price tag... I haven't quite made up my mind yet whether it's worth the splurge. I'll have to convince my partner that it's a must-have for us!

Mark Nguyen11 said:worth every penny...

☕ I didn't say they weren't worth it... I'm just pointing out what the price tag actually looks like!

cosmictiger67 said:I am thinking roughly 100 invitations and 100 thank-you notes, all in a single color using laser printing. I’d love to just have them sitting here at home ready to go when 🙂

$1.75 is definitely way too much for that. For that kind of cash, you can get a finished invite set, just like you said.

urbanviper80 said:My guest list is hovering around 800 people... yet that base package starts at 4,500.
So, we're talking about a total blackout.
Around 350 to 400 photos compiled into an album.
Starting things off today with a little trip down memory lane—here’s a photo from back when I was just a kid.
A little glimpse into what some call a "love story."
The wedding playlist mix.
An increase of 20x30.
A six-row accordion.
Three DVD sets (ranging from 2 to 4 discs each).

The thank-you notes are from the 5th.$2.25It really depends on the format you choose.

We stopped by his place since he runs his own business, and he actually hosts newcomers at his home by appointment. He’s even set up one entire room specifically in that style. I was really impressed by everything we saw—he does large-scale canvas work too, though I haven't finalized the details on those specific pieces yet.

The total won't be much higher, really. The main difference is that I’ll have a slightly larger dance with the bride and more photos with my relatives. Honestly, I can't quite remember if I mentioned earlier that you get all the photos on a DVD, including both the originals and the edited versions...

The Ledger is absolutely perfect, but there’s a bit of a catch with the price tag... I haven't quite made up my mind yet whether it's worth the splurge. I'll have to convince my partner that it's a must-have for us!

thanks for explaining... I mean, I like him too... but I wasn't there during his meeting, so guessing blindly like this feels pointless. I called them and he signed me up since I'll be visiting here around Easter, but he said if anyone else calls for that date, he'll let me know whether to book or pass. Fair enough, I guess.

urbanviper80 said:My guest list is hovering around 800 people... yet that base package starts at 4,500.
So, we're talking about a total blackout.
Around 350 to 400 photos compiled into an album.
Starting things off today with a little trip down memory lane—here’s a photo from back when I was just a kid.
A little glimpse into what some call a "love story."
The wedding playlist mix.
An increase of 20x30.
A six-row accordion.
Three DVD sets (ranging from 2 to 4 discs each).

The thank-you notes are from the 5th.$2.25It really depends on the format you choose.

We stopped by his place since he runs his own business, and he actually hosts newcomers at his home by appointment. He’s even set up one entire room specifically in that style. I was really impressed by everything we saw—he does large-scale canvas work too, though I haven't finalized the details on those specific pieces yet.

The total won't be much higher, really. The main difference is that I’ll have a slightly larger dance with the bride and more photos with my relatives. Honestly, I can't quite remember if I mentioned earlier that you get all the photos on a DVD, including both the originals and the edited versions...

The Ledger is absolutely perfect, but there’s a bit of a catch with the price tag... I haven't quite made up my mind yet whether it's worth the splurge. I'll have to convince my partner that it's a must-have for us!

Sorry for jumping in, but wouldn't it be better to skip that first dance? Especially with 800 guests? We'll only have 180, so we won't really have that moment. Even though we're both from the Midwest and that's the tradition, I feel like it "kills" the vibe because while that's happening, the other guests aren't having fun. Better to just move some chairs aside so the couple can sit down nicely, and then everyone else keeps dancing with the band and comes over to take photos later...

Hey everyone, my partner and I are actually looking to buy some wine directly from a winery or a local producer. We just aren't really feeling the typical distributor deals we see lately—it always feels like you're paying a premium for blends like Merlot or Cabernet where you don't even know the actual origin of the grapes, which feels a bit dishonest if you ask me. So, I was wondering if anyone might have some good recommendations? We'd love to find a specific vineyard, or maybe even just some individuals who sell their own private labels or small batches

Robin Chase7 said:Hey everyone, my partner and I are actually looking to buy some wine directly from a winery or a local producer. We just aren't really feeling the typical distributor deals we see lately—it always feels like you're paying a premium for blends like Merlot or Cabernet where you don't even know the actual origin of the grapes, which feels a bit dishonest if you ask me. So, I was wondering if anyone might have some good recommendations? We'd love to find a specific vineyard, or maybe even just some individuals who sell their own private labels or small batches

If you want quality, Kutjevo Chardonnay is highly regarded and pretty much the staple in the Midwest. You could just head down to their tasting room; they might offer a cheaper bulk rate by the liter, or you can opt for the bottled stuff which costs more. I guess I don't know the exact price for the bulk option. Usually, though, it starts around 15-$6.75.

I guess I already mentioned something similar over on the "Dream Wedding Dresses Vol. 2" thread, but I felt like I had to post here too because I think some Midwest women might get what I’m talking about better!

So, basically, my husband and I were walking past Rahelad's Photo studio last night to check out some wedding shots, and I just spotted this one girl in the most amaaaazing wedding dress.
It wasn't just your typical off-the-rack boutique gown; it had this intricate smocking all through it and a super modern cut—it was just... wow!
I was honestly obsessed, it looked so gorgeous!
Now, I'm not sure if everyone here knows what smocking actually is, but if anyone happens to know how much a dress like that would run, I would be so incredibly happy to know!
I took a quick picture, but I feel kind of awkward posting someone else's photo on a forum like this!
Or, if anyone has any similar photos or something, please show me.
The style is sort of like those low-waisted dresses. The bottom part is really wide and flowy, but it's just the edge that has that smocked detail! And the bodice is just stunning too!!! Seriously! 😍
I kept thinking about going into the shop and asking if they could give me the girl's number so I could call her and ask about it, but that feels kinda weird... I don't know... 🤷

What’s so stupid about that? You ask them for a number at least, so they can reach out to her and pass along your info... At that trade show in New York City, there was a booth featuring those wedding dresses from San Vol, similar to our Midwest folk wear... maybe they could give you more details if anyone remembers the name of the stand.

Robert Moore86 said:Sorry for jumping in, but wouldn't it be better to skip that first dance? Especially with 800 guests? We'll only have 180, so we won't really have that moment. Even though we're both from the Midwest and that's the tradition, I feel like it "kills" the vibe because while that's happening, the other guests aren't having fun. Better to just move some chairs aside so the couple can sit down nicely, and then everyone else keeps dancing with the band and comes over to take photos later...

I hear you, and I actually agree, I'm just not sure how everyone else will react to cutting it out...
no one else has had the guts to suggest dropping it yet...
up until now, I've mostly been focusing on the big logistical stuff—the music, the caterers, the waitstaff, etc...
now I'm starting to tackle the smaller details and fine-tuning everything... so I'll make a final call soon...
The worst part about that dance with the bride is that it usually ends up being a bunch of little girls and kids crowding around... I don't think the adults will give me too much trouble about it...

Man, my family is gonna be so confused when they see me dancing with a young girl! People around New York City have never even heard of this (at least none of the ones I've talked to) 🤣

Jeffrey Walker3 said:Man, my family is gonna be so confused when they see me dancing with a young girl! People around New York City have never even heard of this (at least none of the ones I've talked to) 🤣

I actually considered skipping the bridal dance too. My reasoning was purely practical—my fiancé’s family isn't from the Midwest, so it wasn't really part of their traditions. But as I was chatting with people, I realized how much they were actually looking forward to it. Apparently, everyone had heard about how common this tradition is in the Midwest, and they thought it would be a great addition. So, I figured, if it makes everyone that happy, let's just do the dance. Plus, on a personal note, I think it adds a nice layer to the bouquet toss. Without the dance, the whole bouquet thing feels a little flat to me.

Robin Chase7If you're looking for wine, honestly, you could just head down to the cellars in a town like Napa or even some small spots in Sonoma. They have incredible selections there, and you can often buy it in bulk if that's what you need. Just ring a bell at any local spot or ask someone around town; people there live and breathe this stuff, and they’ll happily sell you a few bottles privately. It's a way of life for them. Just don't expect much variety outside of the classics like Chardonnay or Cabernet—those are the staples of the region.

Look, I don’t have anything against a classic Cabernet Sauvignon or a nice Merlot, really, I don't, but I just don't see the point in paying a massive premium for some big-name label just because they spent a fortune on marketing and fancy branding. I honestly feel like I could probably find a much better bottle at a local boutique vineyard or even just through a private seller for the exact same price

Mark Nguyen11 said:I actually considered skipping the bridal dance too. My reasoning was purely practical—my fiancé’s family isn't from the Midwest, so it wasn't really part of their traditions. But as I was chatting with people, I realized how much they were actually looking forward to it. Apparently, everyone had heard about how common this tradition is in the Midwest, and they thought it would be a great addition. So, I figured, if it makes everyone that happy, let's just do the dance. Plus, on a personal note, I think it adds a nice layer to the bouquet toss. Without the dance, the whole bouquet thing feels a little flat to me.

Robin Chase7If you're looking for wine, honestly, you could just head down to the cellars in a town like Napa or even some small spots in Sonoma. They have incredible selections there, and you can often buy it in bulk if that's what you need. Just ring a bell at any local spot or ask someone around town; people there live and breathe this stuff, and they’ll happily sell you a few bottles privately. It's a way of life for them. Just don't expect much variety outside of the classics like Chardonnay or Cabernet—those are the staples of the region.

Wait, what does the dance have to do with the bouquet toss? At the last two Midwest weddings I went to, those were totally separate things! 🤔

Jeffrey Walker3 said:Wait, what does the dance have to do with the bouquet toss? At the last two Midwest weddings I went to, those were totally separate things! 🤔

Seriously? Then what’s even the point of the bride's dance?

I always assumed it was standard everywhere—the bride finishes her dance, then the last groomsman takes his turn. While they're dancing, the girls gather around waiting. Eventually, the couple slips out of the hall, and during that moment, the bride tosses the bouquet. Sometimes a mother-in-law might break a plate for good luck, too. Some people skip that part, but that's how it's supposed to flow. After that, the newlyweds head out for maybe 20 or 30 minutes—just enough time to grab a drink, catch their breath, or touch up their makeup. Then, the lights go down, candles or torches are lit, and they come back for their private dance. To me, it's beautiful. It signals that all the formalities are over. Everything else is just pure party from there on out.

The bouquet toss usually happens once everyone’s lined up—right in the middle of the bride and groom’s dance. While the single girls are waiting, she just swings it mid-dance and tosses it. Then the newlyweds bolt out of the hall while the single guys wait by the exit to pelt the groom with plastic bottles. At that exact moment, the best man throws a plate that was covering a basket of cash, symbolizing that the money should keep flowing instead of staying covered up under a lid... anyway, we always do that. It was actually pretty fun when I was the maid of honor and got to smash a plate myself, haha...

We're planning to do our photos separately while everyone else is partying. People will just pop in for a quick shot and get right back to the dance floor. We want things to move fast so the party never stops...

Whoops, I totally missed that one...

At these weddings, it was all about the dancing—who wouldn't want to dance the night away with the bride and grab some shots together? If I remember right, at the last wedding, they did that right after the gifts 🤔
And honestly, this tradition is awesome! I’d probably tweak the whole bouquet toss part a little, but the concept is so cool 🙂

We’re keeping things pretty low-key with the dancing at my place—just a small family affair. The plan is basically his side goes first, then my brother, then Mom, and then Dad will walk me down the aisle to hand me over to my husband. After that, we’ll have a little dance together before the girls start eyeing the bouquet! That's pretty much the whole plan. 🙂

Robert Moore86 said:The bouquet toss usually happens once everyone’s lined up—right in the middle of the bride and groom’s dance. While the single girls are waiting, she just swings it mid-dance and tosses it. Then the newlyweds bolt out of the hall while the single guys wait by the exit to pelt the groom with plastic bottles. At that exact moment, the best man throws a plate that was covering a basket of cash, symbolizing that the money should keep flowing instead of staying covered up under a lid... anyway, we always do that. It was actually pretty fun when I was the maid of honor and got to smash a plate myself, haha...

We're planning to do our photos separately while everyone else is partying. People will just pop in for a quick shot and get right back to the dance floor. We want things to move fast so the party never stops...

I swear, I’ve been to a couple of weddings where they actually beat the groom with a belt right at the exit! Absolutely wild.

casualfalcon15 said:I haven't quite decided what I want yet; I'm constantly second-guessing myself. 🙂 We discussed some ballpark figures that I'm actually happy with. Personally, I'd be willing to pay up to $1333, and for that kind of money, I really expect to get my money's worth. Most importantly—I want actual flowers, not just a bunch of greenery and random filler. I see it at weddings all the time: tons of leaves and maybe one tiny little bud... yet the bill is huge. You, for instance, can get a great arrangement from the El Paso crew for just 20-$8.25. What I love is that they don't nickel and dime you for every little detail, from candles to tulle. Whether you hand them 1000 or just 10 $0.00 for the flowers, they include the candles and everything else you need. It's all bundled into the arrangement price. Honestly, I'm beyond satisfied (like I said before) and I'd recommend them to anyone. If you need anything else, just ask 👍

I ended up using that Warsaw florist too... and I am absolutely thrilled... plus, I actually won a bridal bouquet in their giveaway!!!!

As for wedding dresses... I'll have more details for you on Monday... basically... the lady at the boutique in Indianapolis is incredibly, incredibly, incredibly nice and she really knows her stuff!!! But now I'm totally indecisive about which one to pick from the selection. Everyone who knows me is being useless because they just tell me "you look beautiful" and "you look stunning" and blah blah blah... maybe I should just ask a complete stranger???