Glitzy - So I started posting this on your transportation post, but it got pretty long and I didn't want to derail your train on that post! So I deleted it and am posting it here instead
I tried to think of things that I would have liked to have known while I was planning, but I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions you might have!
I haven't done my vendor reviews yet, but I can tell you the White Bear Country Inn was fabulous! Everyone is still raving about the food. I unfortunately didn't eat much because of my nervous stomach and a too-tight body shaper : ) but everyone said everything tasted fabulous. We did the NY strip steak, pan-fried walleye, and lemon herb chicken. Only 14 people had the chicken because the steak and walleye were so popular, so I haven't heard anything yet about the chicken, but raves about both the steak and walleye, especially the steak. Lots and lots of raves about the steak.
We also did a champagne toast with their Asti and that was really yummy IMO! We did late night snacks of... ummm... popcorn and pretzels I think, and that was worth it too because it was cheap and people liked having something to snack on. We used Buttercream, their recommended cake vendor, and it was super easy because we didn't have to worry about coordinating cake delivery, cutting, a separate payment, etc, and the cake was AMAZING!!!! Plus, we had a small guest list, so being able to add the cake to our food & bev minimum was kinda nice (though I suppose we could have just ordered more liquor...).
They were SO helpful with the setup!!! Literally all I had to do was drop off our stuff the day before with little notes about where I wanted things (favors, decorations, toasting flutes, candleholders, placecards, etc) and they took care of it all, and did it perfectly. The wait staff was kind and attentive. Sharina was there that night, at least through dinner and cake, which surprised me! I'm not sure how late she stayed, but I didn't know catering directors actually stayed for the events, so that was a pleasant surprise.
We didn't do the ceiling draping, but they had chandeliers that were really pretty when lit, so I'm glad we didn't do the draping actually. We also didn't do chair covers, because the chairs have a plum-ish type color to them which matched our colors. They set the tables beautifully. Our guests really liked being able to sit out by that pool area by where they set up the bar and be able to chat easily and hang out.
If I were to sum it all up, they just really know how to do weddings, and they do them well! No worries, your wedding there will be fantastic!!
Their rooms are nice too, especially for the price! For our weekend it was $89/night, including the whirlpool suite for us (which, btw, I recommend getting).
Nothing but rave reviews from us and all of our guests.
Okay, enough of my rambling and raving, lol!!! GL with the rest of your planning!!!