Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

Henry Thompson5did you end up calling about those bluegrass musicians I sent you the number for?

Sarah Taylor4 said:Henry Thompson5did you end up calling about those bluegrass musicians I sent you the number for?

Hey! I actually made a few more calls and managed to track down some cheaper options over in Richmond.
Well, I guess I owe you one after all... thanks.

placidowl20 said:I actually know this couple out in St. Louis who makes some really incredible pastries. They're actually about to get their official certification and everything, so they'll be all set soon. I don't want to sound like I'm advertising them or anything... but just let me know if anyone happens to be looking.😉

I'd love some info...

Does anyone happen to know what the pricing looks like at that new hall over in Memphis by the Fairgrounds? If anyone’s actually held a wedding there recently, I’d love to hear your thoughts... how was the food, the layout, the overall vibe...

Hannah Bailey6 said:Does anyone happen to know what the pricing looks like at that new hall over in Memphis by the Fairgrounds? If anyone’s actually held a wedding there recently, I’d love to hear your thoughts... how was the food, the layout, the overall vibe...

If I recall correctly, it’s a bit north of $67 for the seating alone, but when it comes to the service and the food... 😱

What’s the big deal, really? I don't think the nightlife there is all that bad. Honestly, I love staying at the Lion hotel, though I think it caps out at maybe 180 people...

And what about that little joke from Bess over in Vegas? What does that even look like??

Look, I haven't heard anything bad about Bess, honestly. I’ve never actually set foot in Bess, nor have I ever been to that venue at the Fairgrounds, but I have heard the food at the Fairgrounds place is pretty mediocre—you end up paying a fortune for basically nothing. In my opinion, if they're charging that much per seat over $67, they better deliver, because word travels fast when a place is disappointing.

I think the price at Bess is roughly $50 if you're looking at a crowd of over 200-250 guests, but if you're running a smaller group, it's probably closer to 180 or $62. I don't know the exact dollar amounts off the top of my head, but that's the gist. That said, you also have that other hall over in Memphis or Richmond—someone from the local area could definitely give you the specifics, but it'll be way cheaper than Bess. It doesn't look fancy, but it's decent, and if I remember correctly, it holds 200 people, maybe even more.

And what about the Hilton? Have you confirmed if the Lion can actually handle a max of 180 people? If you need it, I have their price list right here.

Hey, ladies from Columbus... does anyone happen to know what the damage is at Studio 54? I’m looking for a breakdown on hair (including a trial run), makeup, and a manicure.

My brother just got married at the Lion, and honestly, it was stunning... though I don't think they can handle more than about 200 guests. We haven't actually picked a date yet, so I'm just doing some preliminary digging to get a rough idea of what the pricing looks like...

Hannah Bailey6, does dinner seriously have to happen at the Vegas club?

Hannah Bailey6 said:Does anyone happen to know what the pricing looks like at that new hall over in Memphis by the Fairgrounds? If anyone’s actually held a wedding there recently, I’d love to hear your thoughts... how was the food, the layout, the overall vibe...

Honestly, there is just no comparison between the Bess ballroom and the arena over at the State Fairgrounds; they aren’t even playing the same game. The venue at the Fairgrounds is absolutely breathtaking—I mean, when I first walked through the doors, I was practically floored by how stunning it is. It features these soaring, floor-to-ceiling ceilings and a gorgeous interior balcony on the side that looks like it could comfortably hold a hundred people. Plus, they have these elegant round tables paired with dark brown faux-leather chairs that just scream class. But... if I’m being perfectly honest with myself (and I always try to be!), my standard go-to meal, ranging from basic chicken to lamb, is just... $77Honestly, that’s just way too much to ask of my little community of 400 followers!
Now, I have to mention this particular Bess banquet hall—though to be fair, they actually have three different halls all located on the same property—because, frankly, the interior design is an absolute disaster in my humble opinion! It’s just such a chaotic mess; you’ll see every single color of the rainbow splashed across the walls, mismatched beams here, clashing textures there... it’s all over the place and lacks any sense of cohesion whatsoever. We visited them last summer, and oh boy, we were absolutely sweltering! Almost everyone had retreated outdoors because the air conditioning was practically non-existent, struggling just to keep up with the heat. On the bright side, though, I will say that the service was quite pleasant and the food was actually pretty good.
Honestly, if you’re heading out to the Fairgrounds, you really have to be the kind of person who simply doesn't mind dropping a small fortune on everything from a high-end designer gown to a second evening dress! $50Honestly, I feel like Boston is really more geared toward people who are working with a tighter budget. It’s a bit of a stretch if you aren't looking to break the bank, though thankfully, those aren't the only two venues we have to choose from in the country! If those were truly our only options, goodness knows I would be absolutely stumped trying to make a decision.
If you happen to be on the hunt for other sales where the pricing is actually reasonable and the service is genuinely high-quality, please don't hesitate to shoot me a private message! I have put together quite an extensive list of recommendations that I would be absolutely delighted to share with you.

Since we're coming from Memphis, it would definitely be more convenient if everything was located in one single city...

Hannah Bailey6 said:Since we're coming from Memphis, it would definitely be more convenient if everything was located in one single city...

By the way, how many guests are you all expecting to host?

Maybelline
Hey girl, check your DMs

Yeah, somewhere around 250, give or take.

Hey guys, does anyone have recommendations for where I can grab some really killer pastries or a wedding cake? 👍 Ideally somewhere in the Indianapolis area, and if they aren't going to break the bank, even better!

We ordered from a bakery out in the Midwest. Sweetie, let me tell you, those cookies are absolutely amazing. They aren't expensive at all, so seriously, just give them a shot!

Paul Taylor4 said:Can anyone point me toward a decent bridal boutique that isn't in St. Louis? I’m looking to branch out since the prices around here are absolutely insane—I honestly have no clue what the standard rate even is anymore. I actually really dig Isabelle over on Republic Avenue; they carry that Sposin collection, so if anyone knows of somewhere else with a similar vibe, please let me know!

I have to say, I was incredibly disappointed with Isabelle. My friends had terrible experiences there too, and their prices are absolutely outrageous. Coincidentally, they all picked out what they thought were the newest gowns—brand new, obviously—but when they went back to pick them up a few months later, the dresses were in pretty rough shape. So... yeah.🤷

Austin Hayes2 said:I have to say, I was incredibly disappointed with Isabelle. My friends had terrible experiences there too, and their prices are absolutely outrageous. Coincidentally, they all picked out what they thought were the newest gowns—brand new, obviously—but when they went back to pick them up a few months later, the dresses were in pretty rough shape. So... yeah.🤷

So, did your friends actually go after them for it?😕