Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

mellowsurfer41 said:Is anyone actually doing dance lessons before the wedding?? I basically forced my guy to go because there’s no way I’m letting us embarrass ourselves out there. I used to dance back in my D&D days, but yeah, that was a lifetime ago... I checked out Leon Dance School, but man, they're pricey $27 just for an hour or so. A friend of mine ended up paying $600 for a package that included two outings—the first dance and then one at midnight... honestly though, feels like a lot to me. I mean, maybe they could just whip up some choreography for us... I don't know, I'm probably overthinking it 🙂🙂🙂🙂🤷🤷

Personally, I’m not really sold on those classes, though obviously, it’s entirely up to you. 🙂
Someone who doesn't typically dance will find it incredibly difficult to look spontaneous or relaxed while performing a rehearsed routine (especially men 😁). And honestly, that spontaneity—that ease—is the most beautiful part of the whole dance, even if it isn't technically perfect.
I know a few couples who went through Leon and everything looks polished, but for me, that’s just not the vibe. Even if it were free, I wouldn't go.
If it means that much to you, then by all means, go for it; but for me, it's more important that we feel comfortable and that he isn't constantly stressed about "getting the steps right," rather than looking technically flawless.

(You know how I process things—just imagine if it were just the two of you alone at the wedding; would you really spend all that time drilling steps just so you could feel ready for a moment where it's only him and you? 😁 I highly doubt it. You’d just enjoy being in each other's company, even with the occasional "wrong foot," and laugh about it. 😁 Forget about the crowd; it's your day. 🙂)

Elena, I’m with graniteridge6 on this one. Honestly, nothing beats just being spontaneous. My guy doesn't have a clue how to dance—seriously, zero rhythm—so why would I drag him to some formal classes? It's pointless. We were at this wedding recently and just vibed to a classic oldie, and it was honestly the best part of the night. Even if he's got "two left feet," he’s perfect to me. I’d much rather have him relaxed, smiling, and just swaying along than torture him with strict footwork.

I mean, people can do whatever they want, but spontaneity just feels better. 😍

I’ve hit a bit of a crossroads and could really use some input. I’m torn between Click Photography and Top Slav Photography, both based right here in our neck of the woods. Looking through their portfolios, they both produce stunning work, and honestly, their pricing seems to be pretty much on par. So, if anyone has any insight—pros or cons—for either of these studios, please let me know... 🙂 Since we’re local to the area, I feel like there might be a slight edge to choosing Top Slav just because they’re neighbors and likely already have all the best local spots scouted out for shots... 😕 but then again, Click might have a massive amount of experience shooting weddings specifically around this part of town...
And hey, if anyone has a different photography studio they swear by, feel free to throw those suggestions my way too! 🙂

Oh, and just to clarify, I haven't actually reached out to anyone yet, since we won't have a finalized date set in stone for at least another week or two...

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Ladies, has anyone here actually used this salon before?

I'm with you girls on this. It’s not even about the choreography or trying to make everything look perfect, it’s just that he needs to chill out and actually pick up some basic dance technique... We've been to so many weddings lately and he just sits there because he's too awkward to move without feeling weird. 😢 Honestly, I was thinking about signing him up for a class just so he can loosen up a bit and maybe gain an ounce of confidence. 😉
Not that I’m a huge fan of those stiff newlyweds who dance strictly by the book like they're in a school recital, totally lacking any kind of vibe or spontaneity...

mellowsurfer41 said:I'm with you girls on this. It’s not even about the choreography or trying to make everything look perfect, it’s just that he needs to chill out and actually pick up some basic dance technique... We've been to so many weddings lately and he just sits there because he's too awkward to move without feeling weird. 😢 Honestly, I was thinking about signing him up for a class just so he can loosen up a bit and maybe gain an ounce of confidence. 😉
Not that I’m a huge fan of those stiff newlyweds who dance strictly by the book like they're in a school recital, totally lacking any kind of vibe or spontaneity...

Why not try tackling a bit of that refinement at home first? You know, using those YouTube tutorials that break down the specific steps—just a cozy little DIY project. Maybe wait until the evening when you're finally unwinding; put on some music, set the mood, and just... dance through the motions? It’s practically therapeutic. 😉
I honestly feel like paying for those absolute basics is a complete waste of money—but then again, that’s just my two cents.

I’d say taking a class is absolutely worth it. 😬

My husband has rhythm and actually enjoys dancing, but it didn't matter much before we took lessons because we couldn't dance together without stumbling around or just flailing aimlessly. We did a short course a few years ago, right before our wedding, and it changed everything. Once we mastered the basic steps, it became much more fun—mostly because we stopped stepping on each other's toes. 😬

graniteridge6 said:Why not try tackling a bit of that refinement at home first? You know, using those YouTube tutorials that break down the specific steps—just a cozy little DIY project. Maybe wait until the evening when you're finally unwinding; put on some music, set the mood, and just... dance through the motions? It’s practically therapeutic. 😉
I honestly feel like paying for those absolute basics is a complete waste of money—but then again, that’s just my two cents.

Ugh, tell me about it. I’ve tried, but I just can't get him to budge... I thought maybe if he went to a class, he'd realize he's not the only one who's clueless and he'd finally loosen up. But honestly, it's easier to just say you don't know how to dance. > is definitely out of the question—not only is it way too expensive, but I don't even need some fancy choreography. I think we'll get more of a confidence boost from our D&D sessions than from any dance lesson, anyway. We'll probably just catch him at home and make up our own little moves.😍 🙂

Daniel Smith8 said:I’d say taking a class is absolutely worth it. 😬

My husband has rhythm and actually enjoys dancing, but it didn't matter much before we took lessons because we couldn't dance together without stumbling around or just flailing aimlessly. We did a short course a few years ago, right before our wedding, and it changed everything. Once we mastered the basic steps, it became much more fun—mostly because we stopped stepping on each other's toes. 😬

The idea of doing this a few years before a wedding—or for people who just want to "polish" their skills—really resonates with me. I’m certainly not against that approach.

However, the most common scenario is when brides decide, maybe a few months or even a year before the big day, that their partners have two left feet. They convince them—or rather, they pressure them 😬—into rushing through a class right before the wedding. Then, at the reception, you end up with a groom who looks completely lost, stiff as a board, and clearly overthinking every single move—some people are practically counting the steps in their heads. 😁
That’s just my take on it, anyway; I don't know 🤷

And it happens most often to those who aren't just looking for a little polish, but try to learn something entirely new from scratch. Instead of just having fun, they end up paralyzed by stage fright during the ceremony, stumbling around because they never truly mastered the moves. 😁

Daniel Smith8 said:I’d say taking a class is absolutely worth it. 😬

My husband has rhythm and actually enjoys dancing, but it didn't matter much before we took lessons because we couldn't dance together without stumbling around or just flailing aimlessly. We did a short course a few years ago, right before our wedding, and it changed everything. Once we mastered the basic steps, it became much more fun—mostly because we stopped stepping on each other's toes. 😬

Brava, I totally agree. My guy wants to dance when we go out, but most of the time we're just kind of shuffling around. He won't even dance at weddings because he claims he doesn't know how. But the first dance is special, you know? It's something that stays on the video forever, so for his sake, I'd love for him to learn something. He doesn't need to spin me around or anything... just something nice and simple where we aren't tripping over ourselves. 😂

graniteridge6 said:The idea of doing this a few years before a wedding—or for people who just want to "polish" their skills—really resonates with me. I’m certainly not against that approach.

However, the most common scenario is when brides decide, maybe a few months or even a year before the big day, that their partners have two left feet. They convince them—or rather, they pressure them 😬—into rushing through a class right before the wedding. Then, at the reception, you end up with a groom who looks completely lost, stiff as a board, and clearly overthinking every single move—some people are practically counting the steps in their heads. 😁
That’s just my take on it, anyway; I don't know 🤷

And it happens most often to those who aren't just looking for a little polish, but try to learn something entirely new from scratch. Instead of just having fun, they end up paralyzed by stage fright during the ceremony, stumbling around because they never truly mastered the moves. 😁

I know exactly what you mean. You can practically see them muttering the steps under their breath. 😬

Agreed. Forcing these semi-professional choreographies on people is pointless. You have a groom who couldn't even walk in a straight line yesterday, and suddenly he’s expected to perform a flawless Argentine Tango instead of a simple box step. 🤣

Learning a few basic moves won't hurt, provided nobody's forcing it. 🙂

Daniel Smith8 said:I know exactly what you mean. You can practically see them muttering the steps under their breath. 😬

Agreed. Forcing these semi-professional choreographies on people is pointless. You have a groom who couldn't even walk in a straight line yesterday, and suddenly he’s expected to perform a flawless Argentine Tango instead of a simple box step. 🤣

Learning a few basic moves won't hurt, provided nobody's forcing it. 🙂

Fair point. 🙂
It’s just that my brain always jumps straight to specific choreography whenever I hear about those types of classes—it's kind of my default setting. 😁

Guys, do I seriously have to chug all that champagne during toasts, or can I just clink glasses and slide the flute back onto the tray?
I rarely drink and alcohol absolutely wrecks me—so I'm thinking... you toast the maid of honor to settle the nerves, then there's the guests, then a sip when you enter the hall, then the family, plus that champagne I actually hate... I'm terrified I'll end up face-down, and what kind of wedding would that be? One tiny drink makes my legs go shaky, so if I have to keep toasting 🤣

quietcobra52 said:Guys, do I seriously have to chug all that champagne during toasts, or can I just clink glasses and slide the flute back onto the tray?
I rarely drink and alcohol absolutely wrecks me—so I'm thinking... you toast the maid of honor to settle the nerves, then there's the guests, then a sip when you enter the hall, then the family, plus that champagne I actually hate... I'm terrified I'll end up face-down, and what kind of wedding would that be? One tiny drink makes my legs go shaky, so if I have to keep toasting 🤣

Don't sweat it, in all the weddings I've been to, people just take one tiny sip to join the toast. My cousin even drank water because she was pregnant 🙂 Nobody's gonna call you out for it 😉

Tyler Fox14 said:

quietcobra52 As requested:
Could someone offer some advice? Our invitations have finally arrived, and since the wedding and reception are set for October 26th, I’m trying to figure out the best timeline for reaching out to guests. My plan is to start making calls this coming Sunday and then continue with a few more people each week so I can get everything checked off my list as soon as possible. Does that sound reasonable, or am I starting a bit too early?

Listen, dear, I actually received my invitations on July 15th. I started making calls around late July and early August. I still have two or three more physical invites to hand out, but since those guests have already been briefed on the location, timing, and details, the actual card is really just a formality at this point. The wedding and reception are set for October 12th, and everyone needs to RSVP by September 20th.

Keith Johnson9 As specified by:

Haha, wonderful. 🙂

I have had the pleasure of working with an Inch photographer from Indianapolis and a Click photographer based out of Savannah. In my opinion, the Inch photographer is worth every single penny. It is clear that he truly loves his craft, and I walked away with the impression that you receive much more value than what you actually pay for.

Of course, I later realized that the number was actually 4. $0.00 If I had a significant amount of money, I would likely face a bit of a dilemma: would I prefer to spend it all on an extravagant shopping spree in Italy, or simply let it sit in my bank account as a safety net for a rainy day? It really comes down to one's philosophy on wealth. If everyone else seems to have found success with stocks like Click or Zoom, there is no reason why I couldn't experience that same kind of luck. 🙂 🙂 I'm losing my mind.

I reached out to Zoom as well, but in the end, I decided to go with some local professionals who had availability. Their pricing was fairly reasonable, too. As far as the inch measurements go, they seem to be doing a great job—they’ve actually been over at a colleague's place and a friend's house within the last three weeks.

Now, I’ve been wondering about something... what exactly are the traditional roles and responsibilities of the best man and maid of honor? Specifically, what is expected of them during the wedding and reception? Also, is it customary to gift them a cake to take home?

I really need to finalize my budget, but does anyone have any insight? Please help; I am completely in the dark regarding how everything typically unfolds.

Tyler Fox14 said:I really need to finalize my budget, but does anyone have any insight? Please help; I am completely in the dark regarding how everything typically unfolds.

I guess I'm not really sure what the standard move is. In the few weddings I've been to, they didn't really serve cake to everyone. Usually, the couple just keeps it for themselves or hands out slices to the guests and the best man. My boss even brought leftovers from her wedding cake and sweets into the office tomorrow... In our case, we'll probably just give cookies to the family and guests when they head home, and then the couple will just take the actual cake back with them.

Tyler Fox14 said:I really need to finalize my budget, but does anyone have any insight? Please help; I am completely in the dark regarding how everything typically unfolds.

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So, my dear husband was a best man last year, and after the Sunday brunch, he basically brought home half the wedding gifts they had bought—it felt like a huge haul—plus he got presented with an entire cake at the reception itself. Later, I chatted with my mother-in-law about it, and she mentioned that for families who still hold onto certain traditions, that's just how it goes... and that we'll probably return the gesture to them down the road.
As for me, I was a maid of honor about three years ago, and I didn't receive anything at all. As the maid of honor, I was technically supposed to provide the cake, but her mother ended up paying for it and told me it was from me—though the bride mentioned that it wasn't really my tradition to pay for it, so I wouldn't be expected to.
Personally, I don't really dwell on these things—I don't feel like I need all that stuff—but since it's their custom, I try to be respectful of it.
Maybe you could just check in with your own family or the people you're standing in for—you know, see what they expect or what kind of traditions they personally follow.

Betty Thompson4 said:1. Sweet House—Nancy Pelosi makes amazing desserts.
2. Nora's hair salon near Central Park; ask for Ivan.
3. John Smith
4. Kruno Sršić
5. Maplewood area, the hotel restaurant at Waldinger, White-Blue, or Blue Basement (Ravlić).
6. Dresses at Unique
..if you want their contact info, I'll send it via DM.😉

I’m asking one more time—I reached out to Yunk, but I can't seem to track down Crown. If anyone has a contact, please let me know. I found Mary on Facebook and sent her a message, but now I’m looking for some specific details regarding Nora’s salon near Central Park—an address, a phone number, or anything else you might have.
Does anyone have any other recommendations for hair and makeup—please? 🙂 Indianapolis 🙂

Hey there, fellow wedding crashers 😉
Last Night, some buddy and I were at a wedding, and I ended up hearing this tragic story about a bride renting her dress. It happened at the Isabelle boutique over in Indianapolis. This girl rented her gown like 5 or 6 months ahead of time, only to show up for her final fitting and find out they were handing her some beat-up, yellowed rag. They wouldn't even give her the Caper back, so she basically had to scramble and pick a different dress at the absolute last second. 🙂
Some of these boutiques are seriously something else.

Since you brought it up, I’ve been wondering—how does the whole "first wear" thing actually work? I haven't even started my bridal search yet, so I'm completely in the dark here.
Can you request that for literally any gown? And more importantly, what kind of a price hike are we talking about on average? For instance, if I happen to track down the perfect dress just a few months before the wedding, I can't quite wrap my head around why a shop would find it profitable to set it aside for a "first wear" rather than just selling it to the next person—I'm really not clued in on the mechanics of the business side of this.
If anyone has some insight, please let me know. 🙂