We have just about come to the end of another gorgeous wedding season, which is also a time when many brides-to-be will begin planning for their big day next year.  As opposed to the traditional timing of weddings, it is also important to note that these events have become much more common as year-round occasions.  So whether you are planning for a beautiful fall or winter wonderland wedding, a destination wedding to get away from the Nebraska winter, or a major event in 2015 there are plenty of ways to showcase your style with personal touches and innovative ideas.

Choosing The Venue (And Hosting Your Wedding Guests)

Omaha offers a wealth of unique venues for weddings and receptions, so when choosing where you will host your event, it is very helpful and really, a must, to know what your options are.  While a lot of factors go into the decisions you will make, including date and availability, the size and guest accommodations, time of year and whether you want to be outside or indoors, and so on, once you know what is out there it narrows down the list tremendously.  A major benefit of the venue is the services and expertise of their event staff, which can be a tremendous asset if you don’t choose to hire a wedding planner or if you don’t have much outside assistance from family or friends available, so you want to make sure that you set up a meeting to see if you will work well with them.  This meeting will also serve to get you acquainted with the services that the venue offers, which you may want to utilize instead of outside vendors.  Hotels in particular are a great asset because they offer event space as well as lodging for guests.  However, many hotels also partner with local venues to provide transportation for wedding guests.

Photo_Jessica_Vanderpool_Holiday_Inn_at_Ameristar_Omaha_NebraskaThe Holiday Inn & Suites at Ameristar Casino offers plenty of flexible banquet space for receptions, as well as a convenient place for guests to spend the night or to continue the party at the casino once the reception has ended. Jessica Vanderpool with Holiday Inn & Suites at Ameristar says, “In addition to our wonderfully flexible banquet space, we also offer the extensive experience of our sales and banquet staff who will assist you with every detail of your event from the bridal shower to the rehearsal dinner and your spectacular wedding reception.  The Holiday Inn & Suites also offers discounted group room rates to ensure a safe night for all!  We also offer a complimentary Jacuzzi Suite on the night of the wedding to couples who select our hotel for their reception venue.  Also, many people aren’t aware that the Holiday Inn & Suites features an on-site AND off-site catering company, Main Event Catering.  If you can’t be with us, let us come to you!”

“With all of the options available today, really think about what you are looking for and the services you would like provided,” Vanderpool advises. “Each venue has different options and services available, and you want to be sure that you select the venue that best fits your vision. As an established vendor, we are also be happy to recommend the area’s finest wedding entertainers, florists, wedding photographers and limousine services to make your day complete.”

Photo_Patricia_Pierce_Lied_Lodge_Nebraska_City_NebraskaLied Lodge & Arbor Day Farm is a truly magnificent and picturesque location that offers many different facets that are perfect for weddings.  Patricia Pierce, Wedding Specialist at Lied Lodge & Arbor Day Farm, explains, “While any kind of setting can be achieved here, ‘rustic charm’ and ‘natural’ seem to be themes that fit well at Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm. Our Historic Morton Barns offer a unique space for both ceremonies and receptions, and it’s just a short walk from Lied Lodge & Conference Center. We also offer outdoor ceremony locations on the Hazelnut Lawn and the East Lawn; both feature nature-filled backdrops that are gorgeous settings for your vows. As for reception venues, Rosenow Room, the Steinhart Room, and Steinhart Lodge are popular choices. Steinhart Lodge is a smaller venue, but has a rustic, classic feel which brides seem to love.”

She adds, “My best advice is to visit the venue in person for a tour. Looking online is helpful for getting a general idea of what the venue has to offer, but seeing it in person — and meeting the staff members you’ll be working with on all the details — is the best way to get an idea for how your special day will unfold.  The staff here at Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm takes great pride in making every wedding a one-of-a-kind success. We have the capabilities of being ‘all inclusive’, meaning we can hold your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, gift opening/breakfast the following day, and your guests can stay on the property for your entire event. It’s easy for the bride and wedding party, and also easy for your guests.  Lied Lodge & Conference Center is also honored to have received the “Best of mywedding Award” by voters at mywedding.com for Best Venue, Best Ceremony, Best Rehearsal, and Best Accommodations. This award is for wedding professionals who are most loved by mywedding.com couples. We love working with brides and grooms, and our staff will ensure that their big day is in good hands.”

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch is another great location out of the city to host your wedding ceremony and/or festivities.  With the addition of their brand new barn, which was completed this summer, they now offer four different venues on-site to choose from based upon your style, needs and preferences, and the amount of guests you will be accommodating.  The new barn is the most “rustic-chic” of the four, and the other three are tastefully decorated in a Southwest-inspired style with country touches and old west flair.  Moreover, you are welcome to personalize your event with your own decorations too.

Tyson Schaefer of Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch says, “Our newest barn is an old dairy barn that was moved over and restored on our property.  It has great character, high ceilings, and we also added our own special touches.  Our venue is unique in the Omaha area because it is very close to the city but it doesn’t feel like it once you get out here.  Guests not only get to enjoy the facilities but also the gorgeous landscape of the property.  All of the buildings have an outdoor area, and we also set up a campfire in the evening.  Each lodge offers plenty of room for dancing and socializing indoors and outdoors, and we also have our own professional DJ that couples are welcome to utilize. In addition to our excellent range of facilities, we also provide catering options that will fit your taste and budget.  We have our own restaurant license, so we personally cook all of the food on-site.  Our signature BBQ style fare is by far the most popular, with all of the meats being smoked overnight, but we have also created menus that incorporated many other types of dishes.”

He adds, “My best advice is to choose a facility that fits your style.  A lot of people worry about what their guests will think, but I would say the happiest people are the ones who don’t get stuck in all of the details and simply consider it a fun experience.  Most people come out to our ranch to relax; it’s just that type of environment.  We offer a lot of services to our clients and also have the ability to connect them with other vendors and resources so their experience is simplified.  And once the party starts, everyone will be busy having fun anyway!  Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch is a beautiful place to be, and we can generally handle most of your wedding needs with respect to the event itself in-house so that you don’t have to worry about coordinating with more people than you absolutely have to.”

Photo_Linda_Cummings_Vine_and_Branch_Omaha_NebraskaFor hosting smaller, more intimate wedding related events such as the rehearsal dinner, an engagement party, or a bridal shower, Vine + Branch is an ideal space.  Vine + Branch is a local venue that can accommodate up to 35 people comfortably.  Linda Cummings, owner of Vine + Branch, says, “Our store offers a dining area that is great for those who want to host guests at a venue with a warm and comfortable atmosphere.  Guests have the opportunity to order off of our menu, which contains a range of items from our signature oils and vinaigrettes paired with breads and other appetizers to hearty entrees such as steaks, or we can customize something specifically for your event.  In addition to food, we offer a variety of wines and tasting options are available.  My advice to those hosting wedding festivities is always the more in advance you plan, the better.  It is also best to keep it simple if possible and not try to overextend yourself or stress yourself out.  Instead, focus on enjoying the moment and the people you are sharing it with. The most important thing to remember is that this is just one day. Things will go wrong, so relax and focus on all of the positives and the people who are celebrating this milestone with you.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

The earlier you start planning the setting for your wedding festivities, the better.  Do your research on the best deals at the best times of year and then set your date.  Once you have your venue picked out and deposit paid, everything will fall into place. You can finally start to visualize how everything will look as well as plan where guests will stay.  If possible, make two appointments at the venue—one to see the venue clear and one when it is decorated.  Many venues are used for a variety of purposes, so seeing it set up for a conference will give it a much different vibe than seeing it set up for a social event or wedding. When visiting a venue don’t forget to ask about guest parking, linen charges, bartending charges, service charges, and even taxes.  All of those play a part in your budget and being informed keeps you on track without undue stress as the day approaches.

Not all venues are created equal, so make sure to do your research on what they have to offer vs. what you will have to provide yourself.  For all of your other needs besides shelter, Honeyman Rent-All offers an extensive selection of rental items including tables, bars, chairs, linens, china, chafers, arches, lighting, slush and soft serve machines, and much more.  If you are renting tables for an outdoor event, Honeyman Rent-All will even supply clips at no charge to secure covers or tablecloths to the tables so the wind cannot blow them off.  Many weddings and receptions are held in outdoor areas, and Honeyman Rent-All offers delivery and on-site set up of all necessary equipment, and will take everything down after the event. Bill Reynolds of Honeyman Rent-All explains, “Most of the outdoor weddings we do involve setting up the arch, chairs and an occasional P/A system.  We always give the highest priority to these events, and make sure we arrive prepared and on time or even well in advance.  We have also been to most all of the venues that brides like to use, so we are familiar with the set up options available and can suggest what works best for that particular venue from experience.”  He adds, “We can also help in planning the event with respect to the layout.  We have a program that can tell the couple how many tables and chairs will fit in a particular area.  All we need for this is the dimensions of the area and the type of tables, and the program does the rest!”  Additionally, Honeyman Rent-All offers an adjusted rental/payment schedule for the convenience of their customers and to lower stress levels before and after the wedding.  They will deliver or let their customers pick up their rentals the day before the event and return them the business day after while only charging them for one day of rent (Ex: Pick up Friday, use Saturday, and return Monday).

Catering Options

In line with the overwhelming amount of options for everything else wedding-related, the sky is the limit for the food and beverages at your wedding as well.  Many wedding venues offer in-house catering services, or have a working relationship with a specific catering company that they refer their business to, but there are also a lot of wonderful local catering companies that can provide your menu on-site if permitted.

Sam & Louie’s Event Catering, the lesser known sibling to locally owned and operated Sam & Louie’s New York Pizzerias, provides many wedding related services. Leah Parodi, Catering Coordinator for Sam & Louie’s Event Catering, states, “As couples continue to break away from tired, old bridal traditions and focus more on what they love, it’s not uncommon to see more personalized and unique reception dinner selections. Sam and Louie’s Event Catering has been filling this niche in Omaha for the last 20 years with an extensive Italian Menu specifically designed around wedding reception buffet dinners.  Popular favorites include the house made meat lasagna, Caesar salad, hearty meatballs, and garlic rolls that are always a guest favorite.  For the more casual, free-spirited bride and groom, or those who just really love pizza, we work together creating fun, festive menus and ‘upscale’ pizza parties.  Sam and Louie’s Event Catering provides a full-service reception experience including a professional (and complimentary) consultation and tasting during the planning stage, complete event set-up, including all serving and warming equipment, multiple servers to work the event, beverage service upon request, along with many additional options.  With several Omaha Metro Area locations Sam and Louie’s is also a popular venue for rehearsal dinners.  Many locations offer a private party room and some locations also offer the option of reserving the entire dining room for the evening.  In addition to party rooms, offsite catering and delivery services are also available for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties and any other bridal events.  One growing trend is to offer guests a late-night reception snack…and let’s face it nothing can really compete with pizza and beer!  What we pride ourselves on, and are repeatedly complimented for is as simple as this- It’s YOUR wedding and we’re working for YOU.  At Sam and Louie’s Event Catering our number one goal is that the couples we work with enjoy the experience every step of the way.  There are few things as overwhelming as planning a wedding and it is our commitment to help the bride and groom stay focused on being in love and having fun.  Let us take care of the details!”

Photo_Carolyn_Sullivan_Brandeis_Catering_Omaha_NebraskaBrandeis Catering is another excellent full-service event catering company, meaning that they offer much more than delicious fare for your wedding.  In addition to a wide variety of customizable catering options, they also have a seasoned event planning staff.  These professionals provide assistance and services from the beginning planning stages all the way through the big day to the very end with clean up and packing up the gifts and decorations.  Carolyn Sullivan, Senior Event Planner at Brandeis Catering, adds, “We truly can help couples with anything wedding-related, and we take pride in making sure our clients have everything in place so that their big day is stress-free and runs seamlessly.  We are listeners, because we want to understand exactly what the couple wants in order to execute their vision.  Budget and priorities are the best start in wedding planning, and help a great deal in figuring out the main points of focus.  As far as catering, the first major decision is how the food will be served.  Buffet-style is very popular among our wedding clients because it accommodates food restrictions while giving guests a large variety to choose from.  A sit down meal with a selection of 1-2 entrees or a combination plated meal are also great choices that we offer.  We have found that the dining style that the couple enjoys sets the tone for their service style of choice.  Your guest list will also be a major factor in the amount of food that is planned for, and ultimately what you are paying for, so try to get your number of guests who will be in attendance as close to accurate as possible.  We are proud to be the exclusive caterer for four beautiful facilities in the Omaha area:  The Georgetowne Club, Livestock Exchange Ballroom, Tip Top Ballroom and the Thompson Alumni Center.  In addition to those venues–which are quite popular so I recommend booking them as far in advance as possible–we would be happy to provide our services on-site at the local venue of your choice.”

Tasty Treats

Photo_Jeff_White_Colby_Ridge_Omaha_NebraskaWhen providing treats for your wedding guests, Colby Ridge offers a wide variety of products and options to fit any theme or color palette.  Popcorn is one of their traditional specialties, and they can make custom colors for your wedding and assemble personalized, individual bags to hand out to your guests.  You can also buy the popcorn in bulk and use it for a popcorn bar.  Jeff White of Colby Ridge says that the personalized popcorn bags are really popular and a particularly simple yet delicious gift for weddings of any size.  They will not only look nice and get your special message across to your guests, but they are also easy to handle and fun for all ages.  If popcorn isn’t your thing, Colby Ridge owns and operates a candy store with over 200 bins of colorful candy–which is perfect for a candy bar at your reception!  White adds that when you place an order with Colby Ridge, you will always receive a quality product at an affordable price.

Many people consider the beverages that are provided at a wedding reception to be a special treat too!  The Margarita Man is a frozen beverage machine rental company which offers high capacity, commercial grade margarita machines for all sizes and types of special events, including weddings.  There are 22 gourmet flavors to choose from; all of which can be made virgin so that kids can also enjoy a tasty treat during the reception.   The popular Fiesta Package includes local delivery, setup and mixing of your first batches, drink cups and straws, pick up and cleaning of the machine.  The Margarita Man also offers a Grande Fiesta Package which includes rental of two machines. This package is perfect for larger events or for those who want to provide both regular and non-alcoholic options.

Photo_Matt_Cover_The_Margarita_Man_Omaha_NebraskaMatt Cover, co-owner of The Margarita Man, says, “We truly enjoy helping others celebrate special events. Weddings and Bridal parties are among our most common requests we have throughout the year, as our products are something that everyone can enjoy. One thing that makes our company unique is that we try and take all the hassle away from the host of the party. We set up the machine, make the first batch and provide the cups and straws leaving you and your guest to enjoy countless frozen beverages with the ease of self-serving themselves by simply pulling the handle down on the machine. Our most popular flavors are the Classic Lime Margarita, Strawberry, Mango and Blue Raspberry but we have plenty of other flavors to choose from.”

Cover advises, “When it comes to weddings, sometimes less really is better.  Try to simplify things in an effort to help yourself avoid becoming overwhelmed.  One way to do this is to choose companies that will help you and assist you personally.  This way, you know it doesn’t all weigh on your shoulders and you have people in place (and in charge) to help you create the wedding you imagine. A wedding is without a doubt one of the most special and memorable events in your life and companies that are in this business need to treat each customer with that attitude. Furthermore, you can’t go wrong with providing delicious frozen margaritas, daiquiris, piña coladas or fruit slushies from The Margarita Man for your guests—not only is there no hassle involved, there’s no better way to celebrate!”

The wedding cake, or dessert of your choice in its place, is a major focal point in both traditional and contemporary weddings.  It’s the ultimate tasty treat!  Smallcakes of Omaha: A Cupcakery also offers plenty of sweet treats that are perfect for weddings, and they can also help you plan for your wedding cake.  Faith Musil, owner of Smallcakes of Omaha: A Cupcakery, says, “Whether couples are looking for cupcakes or a traditional wedding cake we have so many options for the bride and groom to choose from, including over 100 different flavor profiles.  Our most popular flavor is wedding cake, but we have so many different options that the possibilities are unlimited.

The wedding cake is incredibly important as it is the feature of the reception, so not only do we want the cake to look amazing we also want it to taste amazing! We strive to set our flavors apart, however, which is why we discourage fondant. Fondant is beautiful but it tastes horrible. We can do so many amazing things with buttercream and there are some stiffer frostings you can use to put the accents on the cakes. What sets Smallcakes apart is that we care about each and every customer that walks through our doors. We want your experience with us to be amazing. We know that our cakes are so amazing that they sell themselves, but we pride ourselves on giving back to the community and finding the right people to work with us so we can give you exceptional cakes and exceptional service! We also do the grooms cakes as well, which is fun because this allows the guys a way to get their personality out on the table. Did I mention we have over a hundred flavor profiles as well?!”

She adds, “My advice to those planning a wedding is to find what is right for you as a couple. It is important to start a marriage off by working together and complimenting one another.  The planning stage of a wedding is such a stressful time that helping each other and being a part of this together is so important!  Just make sure to have fun and stay true to who you are as a couple.  Advice from loved ones and friends is awesome but this is your time to introduce yourselves as a couple and you should make sure that it reflects just that!

Also remember that it is one night to showcase who you are as a couple and where you are heading. Have fun with it. Look at tons of pictures, see what fits and make it your own. Our baker here at Smallcakes has been doing wedding cakes for over thirty years so nothing is impossible with Smallcakes! Hope to see y’all in soon!”

Say “Yes” To The Dress…And The Tux, Bridal Party Attire, Jewelry & Accessories Too!

While the bride’s wedding dress is one of the most significant and central parts of the event, her supporting cast should also look their absolute best on her special day.  However, when it comes to wedding attire, the wedding dress in particular is something that should be planned for as far in advance as possible.  Furthermore, in most cases there is a lot more to take into account when planning then just walking in a store and buying a dress.

Lynne Rustad, owner of Ellynne Bridal, offers the following advice for brides-to-be who will be embarking on the search for the perfect wedding dress:

“Finding a gown that makes the bride feel comfortable, confident, and of course, beautiful, is by far one of the most important steps towards being ready and feeling her best on her wedding day.  Complementing the gown with the right accessories will make everything feel more real and complete!  We assist the bride in achieving her perfect look by listening to what is in her heart as well as what the gown she has always dreamed of looks like.  In addition to a selection of gowns from in-demand designers, we also offer custom design service for wedding gowns, bridesmaid’s dresses and flower girl dresses.  The best piece of advice I can offer is to be natural and stay true to your natural look…be who you are! Also, planning your wedding attire as early as possible will make the process less stressful for everyone involved–most importantly for the bride and groom.  This allows the couple to enjoy the planning process, which can be very daunting, as well as their big day. Try not to get caught up in the craziness of it all and at the end of the day, remember why you are getting married.  After all, this is truly about the love that the two of you share for each other!”

Jewelry and weddings go hand-in-hand, whether for the obvious wedding rings or other items such as gifts for the bridal party, special jewelry to wear for the wedding, or any other host of creative ways to add some shine to the big day!  If there is any place in your budget to spend extra money, this is the place to do it.  Especially in the case on wedding rings, which are prominent pieces of jewelry that you will wear almost every waking hour for the rest of your married life.  Not only is it something you will have forever, but it is something you and others will constantly be looking at—and hopefully admiring!   When purchasing this type of jewelry, you are making a significant monetary investment, so take care to cover all of your bases.  Also, never sacrifice quality and craftsmanship.  Make sure to utilize a local jeweler with a solid reputation, and get the rings insured as soon as possible!

Enlisting an Event Planner

While your vendors and the staff at the venue will be able to assist you with many of your needs, many times the best option is to hire an event planner who will be in charge of coordinating everything on your behalf.

LimeLight Expressions is a full service event planning company with over 15 years of experience and has been awarded 8 national and local awards. They can handle all of your event details from start to finish, customized to your satisfaction. Your event will be one of a kind and unforgettable, as they attend to the details and add creative touches with you in mind.

Photo_Kimmylea_Konsel_Limelight_Expressions_Omaha_NebraskaKimmylea Konsel, owner of LimeLight Expressions, explains, “In the Midwest, event planners are sometimes not always thought of but probably one of the most important parts of your wedding. You’ll especially realize this during your wedding day. Don’t realize how important this detail is when it’s too late.

LimeLight Expressions has packages to choose from or we will help you customize a package just for your needs. Our most popular service for weddings is our ‘Something Blue’ package. This package assists in making your wedding or event as unique as you are. We will work with all your specified ven­dors and even give you vendor options. Plus, we will pass on our designer discounts, giving you up to 20% on most vendors! We also attend six in-person meetings with you while attending your rehearsal, entire wedding day for coordination plus set-up and tear down of your wedding. This takes all the stress off you and your family allowing you to enjoy your special day. This is a service that is irreplaceable and you’ll realize it was the best money spent!”

Destination Weddings & The Honeymoon

If you have your heart set on a destination wedding, you will still have to plan the trip and coordinate with your vendors and guests. On the other hand, once you have celebrated with family and friends, you get to celebrate by yourselves on your honeymoon!  When planning these adventures, you will definitely want to consider enlisting the help of a travel professional.

  Photo_Jeff_Leach_Cruise_One_Omaha_NebraskaJeff Leach, Vacation Specialist at CruiseOne, explains, “CruiseOne is able to coordinate and assist from the very early stages of wedding planning all the way throughout the wedding ceremony and honeymoon.  Destination weddings are increasing in popularity, so resorts and cruise lines are offering more options and packages.  Not only do we help the bride and groom, but we also coordinate travel and accommodations for the wedding party, friends and family who will be sharing in this special event.

Most cruise lines offer packages for weddings which include a nuptial on the ship or at a beautiful ship-side destination.  The wedding couple is able to customize the ceremony, reception, as well as details like decorations and flowers.  Most tropical all-inclusives also offer a variety of wedding and honeymoon packages for nearly all budgets.  Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are very popular destinations, as well as more remote Caribbean islands like St. Croix, St. Lucia, and Grenada. Cruises are nice because the couple and their guests can unpack once and see several different tropical islands. For beach lovers, I would recommend the Riviera Maya or Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic.  They have amazing white sand beaches and are easy to get to from Omaha.

There are so many amazing places to see, that it can be overwhelming to choose.  If your current budget doesn’t support a big wedding on a cruise ship or Caribbean beach, have a smaller ceremony at home or in Las Vegas and go with a more exotic honeymoon to keep the overall cost down.  You have the rest of your lives to travel to these other beautiful places–maybe each year on your anniversary!”

He adds, “The best advice I can give is to remember to have fun.  One of the things a destination wedding or honeymoon can do is to provide a beautiful tropical backdrop to your big event.  Just smelling the ocean air can help relieve the stress and put your minds at ease.  Let the professionals take care of the planning and work, so you can enjoy the first days of the rest of your lives together.

Choose a travel professional who will keep your best interest in mind, and isn’t tied to one brand of resort because of a commission structure.  CruiseOne is part of World Travel Holdings, which is the largest retailer of vacations in North America, so we are able to offer endless options at the best possible prices. But we are independently owned and operated, so we are able to offer our clients exceptional personal service.

At CruiseOne, we offer personal service for both destination wedding and honeymoon customers.  You will always be working with the same Vacation Specialists, and never some random voice in a call center.  Also, many people are surprised that we do not charge any fees for our service and we offer a best price guarantee.”

It is always exciting to see the new trends surface in weddings each year, and the coming year will be no different.  In an effort to make your wedding a unique event that showcases the personality of the bride and groom and truly “wows” your guests, make sure to enlist the help of local professionals who will help you think outside of the box and can also connect you with a wealth of information and resources.  You deserve nothing less than perfection on your big day, and with the help of these experts, the only thing you will have left to do is enjoy the moment!