Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

David Ramos25 said:The Admiral Hotel, right in the heart of downtown, is booked solid a year in advance... we made our reservation back in June last year, and there wasn't a single opening left in any of the city hotels. This new hall just opened up this past June. That’s likely why you aren't seeing many wedding parties; besides, the space is massive, even larger than the downtown location.
There are essentially two ways to handle this, as Hannah Bailey6 mentioned—it's a fifty-fifty split. You pay $145$52(I don't have the exact figure handy; our contract was set at $47, though we signed it before January 1st) per guest, and then you provide your own appetizers, roasts—think pork, lamb, desserts—and spirits like Jagermeister, whiskey, or bitters. Alternatively, you can go with option $75, or perhaps something slightly more expensive now following the January 1st changes, which is all-inclusive. Everything from starters and main courses to sides, cakes, and drinks... everything is covered.
Renting the hall by itself isn't an option; they operate as a hotel, after all.

Yeah, I get that the downtown one is full. We wanted to go there too, but I guess we just couldn't wait a year and a half.
It just seems kind of weird to me that Exclusive is empty, though. Like, there haven't been any weddings for months... And it's such a pretty hall... really pretty... 🤷

Makeup artists in Columbus are charging about $50sminkanje
...

frozenangler87 said:Yeah, I get that the downtown one is full. We wanted to go there too, but I guess we just couldn't wait a year and a half.
It just seems kind of weird to me that Exclusive is empty, though. Like, there haven't been any weddings for months... And it's such a pretty hall... really pretty... 🤷

That’s all well and good, but a downtown venue is a downtown venue.🙂
We managed to book Admiral six months out, so we have a Friday. But if anyone wants a Saturday, they need to book much further in advance, even though that new Admiral location is open on both Fridays and Saturdays.

I honestly can't figure out why it’s so empty... It’s a gorgeous venue, though. From what I’ve heard, it’s relatively new and people just aren't aware of it yet. I attended a few weddings there last year, and while it was lovely, there were fewer than 150 guests, so the room felt a bit hollow. They didn't even have chair covers, which I think would have looked much better... As for the food, I wasn't a fan personally, so we're planning on bringing our own catering. I find it hard to believe we'll actually save money here, especially since the rental fee alone is $25,000.

Wait, so there really aren't any weddings happening in the new hall? That feels a little off to me... I mean, this is just a rental venue, not a full-service hotel, so you'd think they'd be booking events constantly.

David Ramos25 said:I don't believe that's an option at Venue: Admiral Music... you only have those two choices... fifty-fifty, or all-inclusive... I believe I mentioned this to you previously...
we were there as well 🙂 that lounge is lovely 🙂 and I am looking forward to 🙂
any sign of you, Flower?

I haven't picked out my florist yet, how about you? I heard there's someone named Blaža over at VK who does great work. Personally, I'm leaning towards dusty pink roses and soft lavender paired with some light white blooms and those little greenery spheres—all set in tall vases with plenty of candles. Though, I have no idea what the damage will be considering I'll have about 20 round tables to cover 🤷 . Who did you end up booking??

Hey ladies! I'm looking for some feedback on Petra and Anna’s dessert service in the Suburban neighborhood. How are the cakes they provide? Specifically, those included in the menu price. Since their desserts are under Fratelli catering, I assume the quality should be high, but if anyone has actually tried them, please share your experience. Also, does anyone know anything about the band Essekeri?

Olivia Gomez2 said:You can always grab your drinks at big retail hubs—like a Walmart or Target—and then just return whatever you didn't open later... that's our plan for the beer, anyway. As for the rest of the booze, we usually head over to Canada, or we're planning a trip to Mexico where, for example, a case of Coca-Cola is way cheaper $3.00.
We’ll definitely have sweets to pass out—usually about a third of a pound per little baggie—and we'll have exactly as many bags as we have thank-you notes.
I’d highly recommend Dundo iz Josipovac; she makes my desserts, and they are honestly delicious and look stunning.
They’ll actually pack them into little boxes for us, which is already included in the price.
Here’s the link:http://dundoslastice.com/index.php
If there's anything else you're wondering about, feel free to ask!

A case of Coca-Cola isn't $3.00, it's $6.00... If we are talking about the same thing, that means six 1.5-liter bottles. I shop there often and I know 100% that it is $6.00.

David Ramos25 said:I heard that herbal liqueur in Mexico is around $12!! Which is more than half the price compared to here!!
How does transporting alcohol across the border actually work?

Also, I was just at Metro, and those pastry boxes... I looked at the two-dimensional ones, priced at about $0.34, and $0.44/each. If anyone needs them, they're quite affordable...

Almost all the booze is nearly half price... if you have a passport from Columbus or anywhere further inland (not from the border areas), you get one limit per person.

Hi ladies 🙂
I suppose I should chime in too... I also have in-laws in Indianapolis at 10 AM
Venue: Admiral
Music: Grega band from the Midwest
As for flowers and a photographer—I honestly have no clue, which is why I joined this forum to see if anyone has recommendations. I heard about a florist named Jack over in Ivankov, so I’m wondering if anyone has worked with him or perhaps the photographer Krizmanic? I'd love to know roughly what the pricing looks like and what's included in their packages.
Since I live in San Francisco, checking all this out is a bit of a logistical headache.
Thanks

Michael Mendoza15 said:Hey ladies! I'm looking for some feedback on Petra and Anna’s dessert service in the Suburban neighborhood. How are the cakes they provide? Specifically, those included in the menu price. Since their desserts are under Fratelli catering, I assume the quality should be high, but if anyone has actually tried them, please share your experience. Also, does anyone know anything about the band Essekeri?

Their menus are decent enough—the food itself tastes good—but I felt like there could have been more of it... the portions were a little on the small side, especially when it comes to the side dishes. As for the dessert menu, it wasn't my favorite, and honestly, the presentation wasn't exactly stunning either. That being said, the venue itself is really lovely, especially once they get the lighting just right...

Hannah Bailey6 said:Wait, so there really aren't any weddings happening in the new hall? That feels a little off to me... I mean, this is just a rental venue, not a full-service hotel, so you'd think they'd be booking events constantly.

Well, that’s why I’m asking. I pass by it all the time, and honestly, I’ve only ever seen one wedding in there. And those were like, the last ones I saw. It just feels off, you know? Such a pretty space just sitting there empty. I highly doubt couples don't know it exists! I mean, who doesn't know about Venue: Admiral Music if they live around here!
I heard that the place is super pricey, maybe even more than that Admiral spot downtown, but I don't actually know for sure, so I was just wondering what the rates are at Exclusive..

Hey everyone 🙂 I’m finally jumping in here after lurking for quite a while 🙂 This Reddit community has been a massive help to me, so thanks to everyone for putting in the work 🙂 Hopefully, I can actually be useful and offer some solid advice of my own down the line 🙂

Hannah Bailey6 said:Wait, so there really aren't any weddings happening in the new hall? That feels a little off to me... I mean, this is just a rental venue, not a full-service hotel, so you'd think they'd be booking events constantly.

Did you actually ask them about it? Regarding the rental part...

I don't think they do that kind of thing. But maybe double-check one more time.
As for the food at the Admiral, you get several menu options, and within those menus, you can pick from a few different dishes if you go with their full service. (Personally, I've always found myself gravitating toward that classic Midwest style menu.) So, it could be up to the couple and their own preferences if you didn't like it. Otherwise, they're known for having phenomenal food—I've been convinced by that many times myself. (At least regarding the downtown location)

I booked the downtown spot for a few reasons. My church is right across the street, I live ten minutes away, and since it’s part of a hotel, I definitely need the accommodations for guests. It was just the ideal choice for me. I don't think I'm the only one thinking this way.
The other option near the outskirts is basically just another hall like any other. With the Admiral downtown, you get a bit more value (as I mentioned before)... at least that's my take. On the other hand, it's winter... there are always fewer weddings in the winter than in the summer. Once it warms up, I believe we'll see plenty of them on Fridays and Saturdays (once Lent is over).

Regarding flowers, the local florist from the suburbs is amazing. I sat down with her for a consultation, and she does everything possible; if she can imagine it, she can make it. Decorations, all kinds of flowers. She really impressed me because I thought I wouldn't find what I had in mind, or that no one would understand my vision, but she has exactly what I wanted. I'm going with her.

casualfalcon15 said:Hey everyone 🙂 I’m finally jumping in here after lurking for quite a while 🙂 This Reddit community has been a massive help to me, so thanks to everyone for putting in the work 🙂 Hopefully, I can actually be useful and offer some solid advice of my own down the line 🙂

Welcome!!!

Betty Booth2 said:That’s all well and good, but a downtown venue is a downtown venue.🙂
We managed to book Admiral six months out, so we have a Friday. But if anyone wants a Saturday, they need to book much further in advance, even though that new Admiral location is open on both Fridays and Saturdays.

Why on earth would being downtown make it any better?🙄

Hannah Bailey6 said:I haven't picked out my florist yet, how about you? I heard there's someone named Blaža over at VK who does great work. Personally, I'm leaning towards dusty pink roses and soft lavender paired with some light white blooms and those little greenery spheres—all set in tall vases with plenty of candles. Though, I have no idea what the damage will be considering I'll have about 20 round tables to cover 🤷 . Who did you end up booking??

I wasn't aware that Exclusive could only be booked as a venue alone...🤷
When we put down our deposit, that wasn't an option...

As for the florals, I haven't heard of Blažica. I did see a florist from a small town near Chicago called Stella at the trade show, and based on what I told her I wanted, it would cost $13 per table. With those sphere arrangements and everything. Since I have 45 tables 🙂 , it might actually stay somewhat affordable... though I'd also love a large floral centerpiece right in the middle of the dance floor. I think I'll head over to see what Jaka's pricing looks like given my specific tastes. $1667 I'm setting a strict limit on the flower budget... not a single dollar more.
And for bouquets and boutonnieres, I'm looking at Fantazija in Chicago...

Does anyone have a lead on a tent rental company for a wedding reception? Looking for options other than Party City.

David Ramos25 said:Why on earth would being downtown make it any better?🙄

It’s mostly because of that central location. I think a lot of people prioritize that. Still, the Admiral managed to build up a certain level of respect with that one blunder—at least among us folks back in St. Louis. Originality counts for something, I suppose.

Or, like my situation—everything I need is right there or close enough. It just works better that way for me.

I’ve never looked at it from that perspective...
Yes, I understand the Admiral brand carries some weight... but personally, being in the heart of downtown doesn't matter if the other option is more aesthetically pleasing.
I have no desire for a downtown apartment, nor for any social obligations... but to each their own 😉