Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

I don't know what you're getting at with that name, but if you're looking for someone specific, you've got the wrong place. Keep it moving. kaže:
I put my deposit down with Lisa, but I had to do it in Indianapolis. I was forced to lock it in by late June because orders start rolling in on July 1st. You won't find these dresses just sitting on a rack in some boutique; you have to order them straight from the manufacturer if you want one that hasn't been handled by a hundred other people before you.
It should arrive late November or early December, so I'll give it a shot then. Before placing the order, I tested two others that looked pretty similar. I just hope it actually looks as good in person as it does in the catalog.😍

Can I see a photo? 🙄
Which model did you go with?

rustyscout3 said:I actually went ahead and placed my deposit for my wedding dress with Lisa, though I had to do it all the way out in Indianapolis because since orders start rolling in on July 1st, you can't just find these specific styles sitting on a rack in a local boutique, so I had to order directly from the manufacturer to ensure it was brand new for my big day.
It should be arriving late November or early December, which will be my first chance to actually try it on, but I did test out two similar styles before making the final call. I am truly hoping it looks just as stunning in person as it does in the catalog pictures.😍

Please share a photo, pleeeease!😁

Maria Ramirez4 said:

I don't know what you're getting at with that name, but if you're looking for someone specific, you've got the wrong place. Keep it moving. kaže:
I put my deposit down with Lisa, but I had to do it in Indianapolis. I was forced to lock it in by late June because orders start rolling in on July 1st. You won't find these dresses just sitting on a rack in some boutique; you have to order them straight from the manufacturer if you want one that hasn't been handled by a hundred other people before you.
It should arrive late November or early December, so I'll give it a shot then. Before placing the order, I tested two others that looked pretty similar. I just hope it actually looks as good in person as it does in the catalog.😍

Can I see a photo? 🙄
Which model did you go with?

Artie from Maggie Sottero😍

Hmm... maybe you could post a picture?

Maria Ramirez4 said:One more thing...
Does anyone know if it's possible to set up a tent somewhere in the Chicago area or nearby to host a wedding?
I assume we'll need some permits from the city or the county. But I'm curious about the location—who actually decides where this happens? Do we get to pick the spot ourselves, or do they tell us where we're allowed to be?

I talked to a guy over at Brothers about the tent situation. He mentioned they have a few spots in town where they set them up—like the Metro parking lot—but if you're trying to get space from the city, it gets a lot more complicated..

rustyscout3 said:Artie from Maggie Sottero😍

Alright, here it is. Found it:

http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.a...=8&style=A3111

wanderingtinker said:I talked to a guy over at Brothers about the tent situation. He mentioned they have a few spots in town where they set them up—like the Metro parking lot—but if you're trying to get space from the city, it gets a lot more complicated..

Great, thanks a ton.😁😁😁

redraven98 said:Hi there! Just wanted to jump in and give you my two cents based on what I know. They definitely carry those high-end designer gowns, though I will say the price tags are a bit steep. If you're looking for those exact same designer styles but want to keep things budget-friendly, you can actually find them in Warsaw too—the prices there are super reasonable, ranging from $1,500 up to $0.90 for the most expensive ones, and that includes all the accessories! The owners don't really pad their margins like other shops do, which is why they're such a steal compared to everywhere else. That's all I've got for you! They're located right by the Danube Hotel. Good luck!

hey, thanks so much for getting back to me

Gary Evans8 said:I have to admit, I was actually pleasantly surprised! Since I’m a bit more curvy, I was honestly terrified I wouldn't find anything that fits, but boy, was I wrong. You know your own body best, though—not everyone can pull off a certain look. I definitely don't have that tiny Barbie frame; I've got curves in all the right places, you know? You should really go try on some dresses yourself to see what works for you. Anyway, here’s a photo of my dress! This one has black embroidery, but mine actually has silver details instead.

I went with something super simple because I'm not big on busy patterns or extra details, but it cinches my waist perfectly. Now, I'd love to hear what you think!

This looks absolutely stunning. I’m such a fan of silhouettes that have a bit more volume and flow—something soft and airy...

Hey, Midwesterners! ---I'm on the hunt for a videographer—does anyone have a solid recommendation?

rustyscout3 said:Artie from Maggie Sottero😍

If you don't mind me asking, how much did it run you and which dress was it?

hey stipanovic, check this out: 😍
seeing a dress on an actual person—especially one with black accents—really changes the game. I’m digging it. 🙏

http://www.maggiesottero.com/viewBri...wAll=1&Id=3575

Hey there, everyone from the Midwest.

I could use some insight here.. 😉

So, I'm originally from New York City, but I'm getting married out in the Midwest, specifically near Memphis, and I’m trying to wrap my head around all the local traditions—everything from how the groom picks up the bride to the specific customs at the church and the reception hall. 😁

I'm hoping there are a few people here who can help me make sense of it all. 😍

THANKS!! 🙏

I'm originally from Memphis, so I can't speak for what people do in Richmond, but here is how we usually handle things:

The Groom gets ready, then heads out with the wedding party and some live musicians to pick up the Best Man. After that, everyone circles back to the Groom’s place to hang out for a bit. At a set time, the group heads over to the Bride’s house. The Groom and his crew—usually just a smaller group than the full guest list—are greeted by her family and guests. The Bride doesn't just walk out immediately. Usually, her brother or a male cousin "sells" her to the group. The Best Man and the Groom haggle over the price, and once they settle on a number, the brother goes in to get the Bride and hands her over to the Groom. I think it's a great tradition. It doesn't serve much of a practical purpose anymore, but it lets the brother make a little cash and gives the guests a good laugh. 😁

The Bride decorates the Groom, his family, and the Best Man with boutonnieres and presents them with ceremonial towels. These aren't cheap; they cost a decent amount. This is the Bride's way of giving gifts to the Best Man, the elder guests, the groomsmen, the father-in-law, and so on. I mention this because people don't really grasp the significance of these towels anymore, but to me, it's one of those rare traditions that truly makes a wedding feel like it belongs in the Midwest. 😍

During the dinner, there isn't any formal ceremony stuff right away. The first part of the evening is mostly just dancing to folk music. I'm not sure exactly when it happens, but the Best Man sits near the dance floor with a basket. People who want to dance with the Bride line up, drop something in the basket, dance with her for a minute, and snap a photo. The last person in line to dance with her is the Groom. That's when she tosses her bouquet, and then he (if he's able 🙂) picks her up and carries her out of the hall. They disappear for a quick change and a breather, and then the party goes on until morning.

Oh, and regarding the presentations—some couples still opt for a formal introduction where everyone's roles are announced. 👎 I personally decided to skip that custom. The Master of Ceremonies leads it, making noise and cracking jokes to keep everyone entertained. 🙂
But before the presentations start, the Bride typically gives gifts to the Groom's family. For my wedding, I'll be buying gifts for my father-in-law, mother-in-law, their siblings, and the Best Man's party. Honestly, the Bride ends up spending an insane amount of money on this, but I intend to honor the tradition and buy everything.

I didn't mention the standard stuff like cutting the cake, so I won't ramble on. Sorry if I missed anything or got a detail wrong.

Hope this helps. 👋

rustybison19 said:If you don't mind me asking, how much did it run you and which dress was it?

It’s actually the very first time she'll be wearing it because it is currently being custom-made by a vendor right here in the USA.
$2333

James Smith43, obviously you helped, and I really appreciate it. 😉 😁

rustyscout3 said:It’s actually the very first time she'll be wearing it because it is currently being custom-made by a vendor right here in the USA.
$2333

Thanks. So, is this Maggie person an American wedding dress designer?

rustybison19 said:Thanks. So, is this Maggie person an American wedding dress designer?

Yes, she is, specifically Maggie Sottero-Utah-USA.

Around my neck of the woods—we’re talking the Midwest area, local folks only—we don't really do that whole "bride sale" thing. I always figured that was more of a tradition from over in Canada, though I heard from a friend near Slavonski Brod that they do it there too. Basically, at midnight, the maid of honor takes off the bride's veil or whatever headpiece she's wearing, puts it on a tray, and then sits there with it in her lap. Then they put a scarf on her head—well, lately people just wrap it around her neck—which is supposed to signal she isn't a girl anymore, but a woman. It's because back in the day, once women married, they started wearing scarves. After that, guests line up to put money on the tray or leave gifts on a special table, and then you have the male guests dancing with the bride and the female guests with the groom. We don't do that thing where you gift the groom's family, and we definitely don't announce out loud who bought what or how much they gave. Oh, and another custom that's sadly dying out is when the guys all get together and beat the groom with their belts. It was like some kind of lesson so he'd know what to expect if he wasn't good to his wife. Obviously, nowadays it's mostly symbolic, but back then, they used to leave some pretty serious bruises. 🙂

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here is actually from the Požega area? I’ve been looking at hosting the wedding at Stanišić Villa, Schon blick, or maybe that Fisherman's House in Lukač. It's still a bit early for me to pull the trigger on a reservation, so if anyone here knows anything about their pricing or what's actually included in the package, I'd love to know. Or even suggest another spot like that—a hotel or a restaurant. That Grgin Dol place looks kind of tacky to me because of those dark orange walls... I mean, how am I supposed to coordinate a two-tone wedding with orange? It's just... meh. Maybe they repainted? The photo I saw online is from two years ago.

Hey ladies—has anyone here worked with that Fullhouse agency out of Vinkovci on invitations? They sent an offer to my inbox, and I'm trying to gauge if they're actually any good... we're basically stuck with whatever we find here in Chicago. Also, does anyone know a reliable print shop in Slavonski Brod? I’m heading there this Sunday to visit my grandma and some relatives, so if you have any solid recommendations, let me know. Thanks.