Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

dustypanther12 said:Has anyone heard anything about the Zen ballroom over in Memphis? It’s a relatively new venue and looks quite stunning from the photos... I was wondering if anyone could speak to the quality of their service or how they handle their event organization? Thanks!

Well, there isn't actually a hall by that name because the venue is called Ten, not Zen.
And where are you coming from, and why specifically Memphis? You have options over by the Admiral of the Navy area.

Yes, I was actually thinking about Ten... I just had a bit of a slip of the pen there. And honestly, Memphis works perfectly for me given the distance between my fiancé and me; it’s basically our halfway point. Plus, the area is absolutely beautiful.

rustyscout3 said:Well, there isn't actually a hall by that name because the venue is called Ten, not Zen.
And where are you coming from, and why specifically Memphis? You have options over by the Admiral of the Navy area.

Look, you've got plenty of other halls and restaurants too, not just the Admiral.

Who knows—maybe that woman in the photo thought I was asking just so she could mess with me, since I look like I’m barely fourteen or fifteen. Zachary Booth3, any idea what the per-chair rates are looking like, or what it costs to just rent out one of the other studios over at the Navy base?

I know that over in NYC $62 they serve that full menu right in the heart of the city...

Does anyone happen to know how many tables—you know, the ones that actually come with drinks included—they have over at the Hyatt Regency?

Justin Martinez3 said:Who knows—maybe that woman in the photo thought I was asking just so she could mess with me, since I look like I’m barely fourteen or fifteen. Zachary Booth3, any idea what the per-chair rates are looking like, or what it costs to just rent out one of the other studios over at the Navy base?

Look, generally speaking, prices at most restaurants or hotels run about $25-$35 per person. However, it's hard to give a straight answer because every venue offers different packages to newlyweds. For example, you can choose to have everything provided by them, or just their food while you bring your own drinks, or even bring your own catering and have them handle the cooking (which happens quite a bit, especially out in the Midwest). You’ve got buffet options, dessert packages, custom menus, and so on. There are honestly so many variables today that it's best to visit a few places from your shortlist to see what they actually offer.
As for the Midwest Grand Hotel, I don't know off the top of my head, but a colleague of mine just got married there, so I'll ask her.😉

Hey ladies... so I've been scrolling through here and seeing a ton of stories—and honestly, quite a few bad ones—about exactly what I'm looking into... Basically, my fiancé and I have set our sights on the Grand Ballroom in Indianapolis (we're both locals here) because when we toured the place, they seemed totally on point with everything we needed. 👍 On paper, it sounds like a dream, even though I know nothing is ever truly perfect... But I did catch some negative feedback about their service on previous pages... 😢 The owner actually told us he’s hiring staff from Blue & White, and apparently, those are the best servers around. I don't know... I heard things weren't great there before, but word is it's top-tier now. Our band is going to be Vigor Band... 👍 And we're using Studio Beck for the videography... So if anyone has worked with any of them, please let me know.... Just a heads up, my sister and I are doing joint weddings... 😁 We're both tying the knot on the exact same day, and my guy is actually going to be her best man... 😁 Don't even ask how we ended up with this crazy plan... hehehhee... 😂

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!

Morgan Stewart50 said: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!

So, basically, we have completely opposite ideas about what counts as top-tier or "incredibly good."☕

placidjackal14 said:Nicholas’s bridal boutique... they actually have a location out in Indianapolis too, though I couldn't tell you the exact street address off the top of my head... personally, I found my dress there on the very first try!!!

www.vjencanicenikolina.hr

I’d suggest this particular boutique primarily for girls living in major metropolitan areas. It's an open secret that the latest collections are funneled toward big cities, while the outdated styles get sent off to smaller towns. Regardless, there's no denying they have a massive selection, but the staff can be pretty passive. When I walked in, the girl just told me, "PICK ONE." I tried on this huge satin gown—I looked absolutely "bombshell," but quite literally. She just mentioned it needed tailoring and that we could swap buttons for a tie closure if I preferred, but she failed to mention anything about wearing a slip underneath... anyway, to make a long story short...

I personally recommend

http://www.gogi.com

This salon is located in Virovitica, and if I recall correctly, they have a location in Bjelovar as well. They import their dresses from America, and they offer a huge variety of gowns in any fabric you desire; they even carry men's suits (for purchase only).
The prices are very reasonable. I rented mine for $767, and generally, prices range anywhere from $1,000 up to $5,000 for a first-time rental.
What I really appreciate about this shop is the woman working there; she is incredibly approachable and won't hesitate to tell you exactly what to look for, what can be adjusted, and what you can safely ignore. When you try on a dress, she'll even attempt to style your hair, almost like a mini-hairdresser, and help you pick out jewelry... she is totally dedicated to the process. I spent two hours at that salon. Even if none of the dresses currently in the shop catch your eye, they have tons of options in their catalogs that can be ordered, ensuring everyone walks away happy.🙂

Hey there, hi everyone! 😉 Just like anyone else here, I made sure to read through all your previous posts before signing up. Honestly, kudos to you ladies (and some of you ladies who are already moms 🙂) for sharing such helpful advice. I’ve run into a bit of a dilemma, so I’m hoping a kind soul might be able to point me in the right direction. My partner and I currently live in Chicago, but we both grew up in the Midwest—specifically near Memphis. We’re planning our wedding for next year, and since all our family is back home in the Midwest, we’re looking to host the big day there. Does anyone know of a decent venue or restaurant that can accommodate about 250 guests within a fifty-mile radius that isn't just some local community center or fire hall? The only place I’ve found so far is the Matić Center over in Slaven Grad, but they’re already fully booked for 2010. Thanks so much in advance! 🙂 🙂

quietlynx40 said:Hey there, hi everyone! 😉 Just like anyone else here, I made sure to read through all your previous posts before signing up. Honestly, kudos to you ladies (and some of you ladies who are already moms 🙂) for sharing such helpful advice. I’ve run into a bit of a dilemma, so I’m hoping a kind soul might be able to point me in the right direction. My partner and I currently live in Chicago, but we both grew up in the Midwest—specifically near Memphis. We’re planning our wedding for next year, and since all our family is back home in the Midwest, we’re looking to host the big day there. Does anyone know of a decent venue or restaurant that can accommodate about 250 guests within a fifty-mile radius that isn't just some local community center or fire hall? The only place I’ve found so far is the Matić Center over in Slaven Grad, but they’re already fully booked for 2010. Thanks so much in advance! 🙂 🙂

Bok!
There are actually two new venues being built over in SB that should be opening up right after New Year's Day. From what I heard, one holds 300 and the other fits 500—I think they're called Crystal, if I remember correctly.
Give them a call and see; you might find their number online somewhere. You might even get lucky and snag the date you want.

Thanks🙂 I don't know about the rest of you, but where I am, the local fire halls are absolutely packed! Every restaurant in the area caps out at maybe 150 people, yet the demand for larger banquet halls just keeps climbing every single day. Do you think people are already booking up for that Crystal venue? Honestly, it was such a struggle just trying to find information—there was no website, no ads, no photos... nothing. I actually had to drive all the way from Chicago to SB just to see where they were located and what they actually offered.
Also, if anyone knows of anything available in places like Atlanta, Nashville, or anywhere nearby, please let me know. Any lead would be so appreciated!🙂 🙂

Has anyone actually heard anything regarding Ten over here?

Sorry, but we honestly haven't heard a single thing about this Ten person. To be fair, I don't think anyone else has mentioned her either. If you want, you can be the first one to break the news and get us up to speed. Like I said before, any insight you can provide would be much appreciated! 🙂

I was wondering, did you end up getting married out on the edge of town, and if so, whereabouts?

Larry Hall said:So, we were really hoping to have the wedding on Friday the 13th... but apparently, two different priests won't agree to perform the ceremony on that specific day. We're planning on just going through with a civil ceremony at the courthouse instead... though, I suppose I don't really mind one way or the other, I guess.

That logic doesn't hold up at all...

Friday the 13th is pure superstition; it has absolutely nothing to do with the church or faith.🙂

I’ve been reading through everything here... and honestly, I could be facing some unwanted complications myself.
I was raised Catholic, though I’m currently a member of an Orthodox church. I grew up doing all the whole religious education thing—Sunday school, communion, the works. I was actually pretty active in the community too, helping out with youth ministry, camp counselors, charity work, teaching the kids... you name it.
As far as Confirmation goes, I didn't really have to go through a formal process. It was explained to me that since I had already been baptized in the Orthodox tradition, the sacrament of Confirmation was essentially covered. Anyway, about two or three years ago, my city was split into two different parishes, and based on that new boundary, I was moved to a different one.
By tradition, we’re supposed to get married in my church—but the actual building hasn't even been finished yet. For now, we’re using a renovated military base as a temporary space. 😕
We eventually decided that the wedding would take place at my old parish, so I immediately asked if there was any way the priest I grew up with could officiate our ceremony. That’s where I hit a wall. Apparently, NO, he can't do it. They told me it has to be a priest from the specific parish I officially belong to now. If we want him to perform the ceremony, we have to file a formal written request just to express our desire for him specifically...

My partner is from the city, while I grew up in a small town out in the Midwest. All my sacraments were handled back home. We’ve been living in the city for a few years now, and when we stopped by the parish office recently to clear some things up, they simply told me I needed to bring my baptismal certificate. That was it. No drama, no nonsense. If they had tried to make things difficult or act unprofessionally, I would have lost my temper and said exactly what I thought. Honestly, if they had been wrong or rude, I probably wouldn't have even gone through with the church wedding.