Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

I caught the catering setup for the Caravel (or maybe El Paso, I lost track) at the expo, and honestly, everything looked stunning. I didn't bother asking about the specifics, but usually, those platters run you about 150-$83, depending on what kind of 🙂
you're looking for.

boldheron7 said:I’d suggest looking into the Caravan restaurant; they have my full endorsement. While I can't speak to their specific wedding packages, I've worked with them several times through my company, and the food is consistently excellent. They tend to go above and beyond when it comes to service, and they do it all at a very reasonable price point. Everything is negotiable, whether you're trying to nail down a specific menu or work within a strict budget.

Oops, my bad. Didn't even notice someone had already jumped in with a recommendation...🙂

Has anyone checked out the rates at the Zoo Hotel lately? I’m really eyeing that dining hall—it looks incredible—so I was wondering if anyone knows roughly what they charge for dinner per person.

Gregory Garcia57 said:Has anyone bothered to look into the pricing at the Zoo Hotel? I find myself quite taken with the dining hall and was wondering what the per-person cost for dinner might be.

🤷...I find myself sharing that curiosity, though I suspect the bill might be somewhat substantial...☕

Regarding the catering situation... I recently had the opportunity to observe the work being done by Gourmet Express over by the highway interchange... and they have truly achieved something remarkable. It is my current estimation that they are contending for the title of the finest catering service in the city; they seem quite capable of manifesting just about anything your heart might desire.👍

Gregory Garcia57 said:Has anyone checked out the rates at the Zoo Hotel lately? I’m really eyeing that dining hall—it looks incredible—so I was wondering if anyone knows roughly what they charge for dinner per person.

I’ve got an event at the zoo in early May. Prices are basically the same as the Hilton, just presented differently. Honestly, when we crunched the numbers, the difference was only about $333 for 230 people...

Kimberly Morris43 said:I’ve got an event at the zoo in early May. Prices are basically the same as the Hilton, just presented differently. Honestly, when we crunched the numbers, the difference was only about $333 for 230 people...

If you don't mind me asking, could you share what the total would be for 230 people? No pressure if you'd rather just send me a DM instead!

Sent you a PM... we'll see what the actual damage is once this all settles down... just hoping it doesn't blow past every limit out there...

Is there anyone around here, perhaps someone like Madonna, who could point me toward a baker making truly exceptional cookies?

I’m looking at getting a wedding bouquet, some garland for the car, two floral arrangements for the house, and maybe some floating candles for the venue—nothing too extravagant, just basic table decor $500. I was wondering what the typical pricing looks like around here? Also, does anyone know how much the florist from Whole Foods charged for their services?

Ladies, if anyone has discussed this elsewhere, please point me in the right direction. Regarding Memphis, Indianapolis, and that general area... where do you go for makeup? I’m looking for someone truly professional with high-quality products and such. As far as I know, there are only two "pros" in Unknown/Invalid entity, but I know their work and honestly... 😕 one of them uses the exact same eyeshadow on every single bride. I'm at a loss as to who to trust.

James Smith43 said:Ladies, if anyone has discussed this elsewhere, please point me in the right direction. Regarding Memphis, Indianapolis, and that general area... where do you go for makeup? I’m looking for someone truly professional with high-quality products and such. As far as I know, there are only two "pros" in Unknown/Invalid entity, but I know their work and honestly... 😕 one of them uses the exact same eyeshadow on every single bride. I'm at a loss as to who to trust.

I’m facing the exact same dilemma. I’m getting married in a suburb outside of Chicago and I have absolutely no idea who to trust for my makeup. It’s easily my biggest headache right now.

James Bailey14 said:I think I finally found "the one," what do you guys think?
I was just hanging out over in Hollywood and then swung by Eve’s place, and honestly, both spots had some really solid options, though the pricing and the whole vibe of the service were pretty different between the two.
At the Hollywood shop, the girl working there was just incredibly sweet—she went totally above and beyond, giving me all these extra little tips about things I hadn't even thought of besides just the dress itself, and their collection is gorgeous and actually reasonably priced too.

The showroom is just stunning, seriously, they have such beautiful pieces in there and the whole atmosphere of the boutique is just so charming.

Take a look at what I'm leaning towards!

Hey there! That dress is gorgeous... when I was looking, I almost put a deposit down at Eve's, but I didn't even bother walking into Hollywood because they seemed to have way too much stock before me... but now whenever I pass their window, I'm surprised by how many beautiful, slim-cut dresses like yours they have. I bet the prices are reasonable too, and I'm sure they'll keep adding more lovely styles.🙏 Congrats to you.👍

I find this one quite lovely as well:

Can anyone point me in the right direction regarding the current availability for hotels or banquet halls in Des Moines and the surrounding areas—say, closer to places like Oakhaven or even further out? I'm looking for some insight on pricing and general options as well.

So where on earth are you finding your wedding guests? Right there in Memphis...?
Did you end up booking someone for makeup, and what about hair?
I’m actually from Indianapolis myself, so I was just curious...🙂

Sarah Barnes8 said:So where on earth are you finding your wedding guests? Right there in Memphis...?
Did you end up booking someone for makeup, and what about hair?
I’m actually from Indianapolis myself, so I was just curious...🙂

I’m actually dying to know too. I can't decide. I’ll probably stick to my usual stylist for hair, but the makeup situation is driving me crazy. Did you find anyone?

frozenskipper39 said:I’m actually dying to know too. I can't decide. I’ll probably stick to my usual stylist for hair, but the makeup situation is driving me crazy. Did you find anyone?

I went to a makeup artist in Warsaw once, and I was absolutely thrilled with the results! I think her name was Ernest Hemingway, or something like that... the salon is right there if you're walking from the Tao cafe toward the church, on the street to the right. Feel free to ask anything... if you want to see some photos, I can send them over via DM.