Minnesota-Minneapolis and St. Paul — The Knot Community

Hair recommendations in St. Cloud/Waite Park area

shine882007 — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 00:57:06 +0000

So I just found out my normal stylist (who works out of her home - has no partners, etc.) will be out of town over my wedding.

I'm at square one when it comes to finding a salon to accommodate myself and my bridal party for updos the day of. I haven't needed to visit any other salon for years, so I am at a loss when it comes to finding someone good.

Any recommendations??? We would like to keep it in St. Cloud/Waite Park/Sartell/Sauk Rapids area if possible, as our ceremony is in Waite Park.

TIA!

colors and florists

caitydid81 — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 02:22:30 +0000

About to start my first florist consultations! I am 99% sure on my colors--pink, yellow, and orange, with either a white or light green accent. I keep going back to those colors, so that must be their the ones I should go with, right? Two questions. First, what should I bring with to a floral consult? I'm meeting with Jennifer and Luna Vinca, someone at Apple Blossom, and someone at Bachman's (any feedback on any of those vendors?). Any tips? I'm planning on telling them I have a smaller budget than I really do and I'm planning on having pictures of bouquets I like on my phone. I'm excited but nervous!

Second, I like the idea of having pink BM dresses. My FI is concerned about this because we want the guys to match and he does NOT want to wear a pink tie and would prefer that the other guys don't wear pink ties. I'm thinking that they could just wear black tuxes and ties and then have a pink flower boutoniere? Just when you think you finally have YOUR ideas figured out, he has to throw a wrench in it! :-) I just don't want them to wear orange or yellow because I'm not really a fan of large articles of clothing in those colors. Thoughts?

Alterations for Bridesmaid Dress?

CJS2011 — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 21:14:01 +0000

Hey! Wondering if anyone has any good recs for seamstresses for a bridesmaid dress? I had Louise Kegley for my wedding and def. will not be using her again. Any other recs? I live south of the cities so Burnsville, Eagan, Bloomington area would be best. Thanks!

Selling 6 candlestick centerpiece sets

cait9293 — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:42:29 +0000

6 candlestick centerpieces. Each set (for 1 table) includes 2 tall glass pillar candlesticks. 1 short glass candlestick. 3 cylinder vases to top each of the candlesticks. Crystals to fill in the bottom of the vases. 2 little square vases for flowers. We filled the little vases with purple flowers but below is a picture of them at home without the flowers. Looked amazing all finished together. The candlesticks were very expensive. NICE GLASS!
We are setting each centerpiece set for $60

Selling 10 Beautiful Manzanita Centerpieces!!

cait9293 — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:51:51 +0000

10 manzanita branch centerpieces. Each centerpiece includes.... 20" square vase, sparkle sand, 3 manzanita branches, about 12 feet of crystal garland, fake purplish/pinkish orchids, and 7 tealight wire hangers/ 7 frosted tealights/ 7 battery flicker candles (we used these at our wedding but they are still working!). We are selling these for $125 a piece. They were GORGEOUS!

please post on here if you are interested.

XP PSA: Vistaprint!

SSaltzman87 — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:07:31 +0000

(Also on May 2013)

$20 for $80!

http://www.groupon.com/deals/dc-bs1-vista-print-amarillo?utm_medium=email&utm_source=channel_occasions_bts1-deals&sid=11222609&user=791bd2b464af597a79c0d1cb121b4beb5b3dfa11f1dd4725633754853b591614&utm_campaign=11222609&s=body&d=dc-bs1-vista-print-amarillo&p=11&c=deal_button

Church Recommendations

Saralynne024 — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:37:02 +0000

Hey Knotties,

Was hoping for some advice. We are looking to do our wedding at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista. I am too much of a worry wart and/or control freak (haha) to plan an outdoor ceremony so everything is at the same location. Do any of you have recommendations for church between Minneapolis and Minnetrista that would allow for a ceremony to be held there? We currently attend a newly planted church thats being held in a school, so definately not the venue Id like. Trying to stay under $1500. Any suggestions would be wonderful.

Thank you!!

Sara

Last minute budget crisis: How important is video?

sndietz — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 19:47:40 +0000

Getting married in three weeks, and, due to a miscalculation from the beginning, I have discovered that we are $2000 over budget.

My fiance has agreed to foot $1000 of that. Cutting the videographer ($1000) would be a way to make up the other $1000. My parents have now offered to pay for the video as their wedding present (they are paying for most of the wedding as it is). What they were going to give us was a hotel package at the beautiful North Shore resort where we got engaged. We really enjoyed our time there, and have not been able to go back since.

My fiance's opinion is that we have already spent more than we intended on the wedding, and that the video would be for me, and a weekend at the resort is for "us." So he favors the resort.

I am torn on what to do. On one hand, I feel we've got one shot to do the video, whereas the hotel only costs money, which we can always save to go back to the resort. And, oh, the videos of the first looks...so beautiful. On the other hand, does anyone really ever watch their videos? Is it worth it? And I have to admit, having someone film my every move for a day creeps me out a bit.

I would love to hear your opinion, whether or not you are using video, and if you did, was it worth it?

Photo Booths?

misscrafty84 — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:58:36 +0000

I'm looking for an affordable photo booth, any recommendations? I am doing a lot of DIY, but I think getting the photo equipment would make it cheaper just to rent :-/

MANY Wedding Items for Sale

katiejakubek — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 03:08:21 +0000

Hey ladies! I have many items to seel from my wedding and you can check them out below or on my blog at http://www.katiejakubek.blogspot.com

Please e-mail me with any inquiries. My e-mail is: katie.jakubek@ hotmaill . com

Thanks!!

I have:

(45) Hand made complete floral centerpieces- $250

(4) 5 X 7 picture frames- $8

(1) 8 X 10 picture frame- $4

(120) Clear glass votives- $80

Assortment of tulle, flowers, and ribbon- Free with complete centerpiece purchase

(50) Brown table runners- $50-$60

(6) Glass rimmed bowls- $12
(2) Large glass rimmed serving bowls- $6

(2) Plastic pitchers- $3

(1) Large plastic platter- $1
(2) Medium plastic platters-$2
(2) Small plastic platters- $2
(2) Small plastic dish- $2

(12) Pink Mirrored Placecard Holders- $24(10) Gold Mirrored Placecard Holders- $20

(1) Sage Green Armless Chair Cover- up to 42" tall- $6(1) Light Pink Armless Chair Cover- up to 42" tall- $4

(36) 4 X 6 Magnets- perfect for Save the Dates- $15-20
(150) Individual glossy photo paper that sticks to the magnets- $10

Brainerd area wedding

petesmpls — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 18:45:59 +0000

Any brides getting married near Brainerd? We are hoping to meet with Grandview Lodge and Craguns. We would love to hear some feedback on either of them and if anyone has other vendor recommendations in that area, that would be great too!

caitydid81

srdavis21 — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:32:04 +0000

You have a new PM!

XP - Tux color and BM dress help!

danimarie88 — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 22:34:12 +0000

Early on, I told my FI how lovely charcoal colored tuxes are. He pretty much said, "HECK NO, I'M WEARING ALL BLACK" immediately. I dropped it, figuring it's his day too and black is so classic! This was all when I thought I was going to do a dark plum color for my BM dresses. Last week, I went BM dress shopping and fell in love with "mercury" and "pewter" colors at David's Bridal. That night, I told my fiancé how much I liked those colors more than the purple. He thought it was great. We went to the mall later and he wanted to stop into Savi Formalwear and told me to look at a tux he liked. Guess what? It was CHARCOAL! I asked him why he changed his mind and he said he had no idea how great the charcoal color looked in person. Now I feel like I need to go back to purple so there's a contrast. Having either mercury or pewter BM dresses and a charcoal tux will be too close in color, right? Or am I over thinking this?

Inexpensive Reception

LauraJean317 — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:02:43 +0000

Anyone have ideas for an inexpensive (but not cheap-looking) reception location? I am planning for an outdoor wedding next September (so I have time to get skinny!) but I don't know where to have a reception...it will be a very small wedding-around 50 guests, no wedding party (except our daughter). I just want to avoid having it at home, but at the same time not spend $2000 (or more!) renting a banquet hall. What have others done for small receptions?

Imagen

caitydid81 — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 02:49:59 +0000

I have posted before about them, but we have them booked for our wedding. I'm nervous because we didn't write a photographer's name in our contract because I wanted to wait and see what our engagement photos look like. I've been playing phone tag to have that scheduled. :-)

Do any of you who have used them have any suggestions? Also, do any of you have pics you could send me so I can see more of their work?

Looking for a reception venue?

johnnav — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 21:04:00 +0000

I once upon a time had a wedding planned at the
Semple Mansion on Friday, Jan. 18th 2013, but the wedding has been
called off and I’m stuck with a non-refundable deposit and full rental
fee.

The Semple Mansion is allowing me to sublease the date, so if anyone is interested please comment.

For more than half off the rental fee, the subleaser would receive access to the mansion the
entire day on Jan. 18, including the foyer, Copper Lounge, wine
grotto, ballroom, bridal suite and groom billiards room. The price
would also include the following;

Taxes
Chavari Chairs
Dinner
Tables Security
5 High Top cocktail tables
Parking for 200 cars
5 Low Top cocktail tables
Set up/Clean Up

Changing DJ with Midwest Sound

brittany127 — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 01:37:18 +0000

Has anyone ever asked to change their DJ with Midwest Sound? I am less than a week out (AHHH!! SATURDAY!) and just got matched with a DJ. She's requested a "raw gluten free meal" and that's not something we can provide, so I'm not sure what to do. Definitely not the stress you want 4 days out!

Approx 250 Guest Venues - Minneapolis

jwitcher87 — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 22:47:26 +0000

Hi everyone,

My fiance and I are trying to plan out a wedding for a Friday in August 2013. We're looking at a guest list of about 250, and we're hoping to figure out some venues. We're definitely looking for something in/close to Minneapolis...

So we're looking at about a $18-20k budget for the reception (total budget is 40 for everything) and 250 guests. First off, I hope that's not in bad taste to give budget (wanted to give good info on our parameters) and secondly is 40-50% of total true for reception? Here's where we're looking:

McNamara Alumni Center - love space, but D'Amico seems really expensive... anyone ever worked with them on a similar budget/guest list?
The Depot - also like space, but seems out of budget
Nicollet Island Pavilion - not sure yet, seems like a lot of options
Windows on Minnesota - also not sure yet
St. Anthony Main - Really liked the wedding coordinator/service, not sure yet, prices seemed reasonable (Three Sons)
Blaisdell Manor - really interested, like the prices (also Three Sons)

I guess what I'm really trying to find out is if anyone here has worked with a similar budget and guest list before in Minneapolis? Also any recommendations on other venues that are doable in that price range?

Thanks all, this forum seems so great. This whole process can seem daunting but reading your posts remind me we CAN DO THIS!

Jeff

License Etc.

Anorton1204 — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 19:40:10 +0000

I know nothing about the marrige license Etc. I live in Arizona, I am guessing I need to get the License in the county that I am getting married would I get that at the Cottage Grove City Hall? How far ahead of time do I need to be there to get it? I was only planning on coming into town 2 days before the wedding.

Help!

TIA

Donato's Floral Meeting

chinofiesta93 — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:56:08 +0000

I had a first meeting with Donato's Floral in MG this morning. It was just so brief - 30 minutes tops - that I feel like maybe I just wasn't specific enough and I feel like I didn't get enough info. I put the deposit down though.

My WP works with them so I feel like I can completely trust them but I still can't shake the pit in my stomach.

I told her my wedding colors and such but I don't even know the flowers that will be used.

I got a KILLER great quote so that ROCKS!

I emailed her a few minutes ago asking if I'll be able to see her ideas before hand or if I'm going to be suprised on the wedding day. They usually show you ideas before, right?

IDK... I can feel myself turning bridezilla-ish over this.

Wedding Venues that let you supply the bar

Matthew Loecker — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:12:46 +0000

We are looking for wedding venues that you buy the liquor beforehand and just hire a bartender.

Ideas?

AW: Our first Furr Baby PIPs

colstj1 — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:44:31 +0000

FI and I picked up our first little furr baby yesterday and we couldn't be happier! This is our little Marble and we are so in love! :) She is only about 5 weeks old and we are so excited to have her as a part of our little family!!!

travel agent

MrsBassPlaya — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:03:25 +0000

Anybody have a great travel agent rec?

I live on the northeast side of the cities, so something up in this area would be superb.

Vendor recommendations

bburkel — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:38:46 +0000

We just got our save the dates back from mpix.com. I can't say enough good things about this site. Super easy to use, and we got the save the dates within 3 days of ordering them, and they were way cheaper than Shutterfly.

Also, went and checked out Bride to Be Consignment in Burnsville yesterday. For a little shop, they have a ton of stuff. I didn't buy much yet, just a couple little things for some upcoming showers, but I definitely got some good ideas by browsing their selection. If you're stumped on decoration ideas, or don't want to spend full-price, definitely check them out.

Checks from my Minnesota Trip

Anorton1204 — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 19:39:06 +0000

Back from Minnesota and feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, but we got a lot accomplished.

Checked:
Engagement Pictures (2 Sessions)
Booked Midwest Sound for DJ (Thanks for the Recommendations)
Set the Menu with Mississippi Dunes and got acquainted with the new (now 4th) coordinator.

We also met with 3 cake places and the florist. I am down to Emily's Bakery in Hastings and Miss Sara's Cakery, also in Hastings. Both are similarily priced I just have to decide which cake I liked better as they were both great but different.

I will say that the florist was my least favorite appointment, not that they didn't do a great job, I just don't get excited about flowers and I didn't have any idea what I wanted. Anyone skipping boutonnieres? I am undecided, I feel like the guys will only have their jackets on for a very short time anyway?

PCC Pictures

chinofiesta93 — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:40:29 +0000

We are booked and ready to go to have our reception at the Plymouth Creek Center.

I'm looking for pictures of receptions in the Plymouth Room, for an idea of how much to decorate and things of that nature.

I've done google searches but haven't found much. I emailed the coordinator this morning so hopefully she'll have a few to send to me.

Anybody here have pictures you can share with me?

Thanks!

Has anyone used ME Photography/ Kara Knkutson?

Luckycharm87 — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:55:56 +0000

Were you happy with her work? Thoughts/comments?
We just did our engagement/family pics with her and the pictures were not good. Their were a lot of things she couldnt control( the extreme heat and humidity and sweat and mosquitos) , but the lighting is all just so bad ( we were outside). You cant even see our eyes in most of the shots, just darkness. I am kind of freaking out about the wedding pics since they will be all outside!!

Caterer Recs

Blomcr — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:06:49 +0000

I'm looking for caterer recommendations for our reception in St Paul. We are looking to stay under $25/person and preferrably someone who includes linens, china, flatware and glasses. We are open to either buffet, plated or stations. Thanks in advance!

Ceremony Locations? [budget + short timeline]

mutegrove — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 14:58:00 +0000

My fiance proposed on the 4th of July and due to issues with school (and school-related finances) we're planning a small September 2012 wedding. Yeah, this September!

We don't have a specific date yet, but I need a ton of help finding a ceremony location. Right now we're looking at about 50 people, but it's not set in stone yet.

* While we are very religious we don't have a church we can get married in.

* Neither his parents nor mine live on land open enough and we don't know anyone with that kind of land either.

* We don't want to get married in a government building. :P

With such a short time to plan the wedding, I know most venues will already be booked. Do you have any ideas for where we could get married?

Married Knotties ? - marriage certificate

kidlets2 — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:19:46 +0000

How long does it take to get your marriage license back after your wedding? Also, does anyone have a list of all the places I need to change my name?