Ok, I am a little behind on things I wanted to get done after the wedding, but I got sick on our honeymoon and am finally starting to feel better. So here are my reviews...
Chapel of the Flowers: A+
We first looked at this venue about 9 months before our wedding date. The grounds then were well kept and beautiful. Yes, the surrounding neighborhood is the pits, but really, how much was everyone going to running around out there? We were assigned a planner, Katie Hill, who got us booked for our day. Over the next several months, we made many changes. Katie informed us that she would no longer be with Chapel of the Flowers, and introduced us to Robin Robbins. Robin was so quick returning any phone call or email. She was straightforward with us about billing and accomodated everything we wanted. It was great. It took a lot of stress off of us. On our day, the chapel was clean and beautiful. The minister, Tim, was gracious and kind. The photographers, the dynamic Megs, took over 300 photos of our short ceremony (the way we wanted it) and during our 20 minute photo shoot. We had a wonderful time coming back to the chapel to look through our photos, picking the ones we wanted. We were also given a DVD that had our wedding video that was broadcast live to our friends and family back home that could not attend in person. It was truly a magical day.
Pampas Churrascaria: A
The Chapel of the Flowers works in conjunction with numerous restaurants in Vegas. Their original partner was the Pampas Churrascaria (Brazilian Grill). We went and checked them out before booking them as our reception venue. The place was nice, with plenty of seating. We tried, then booked, a meats rhodizio meal for our guests for our reception. A meats rhodizio meal is where servers come from the kitchens with several different types of meats (chicken, turkey, sausage, beef, lamb, veal) cooked on skewers (swords) after marinading in deliciousness. They stop at your table asking if you would like a piece or two and slice or slide off a bit for you. And they keep coming around. Until you can't eat anymore. There is also a fantastic all you can eat salad bar included. We paid $30 a person, including non-alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity. Everyone got to eat their fill, including our vegetarians, who were delighted to have such a large selection (grilled pineapple was part of our meal) and our guests with gluten allergies. The Pampas also allowed us to play our own music and add a reasonably priced drink package. Instead of 2 hours, we were there for 4, with no additional charges. There was a small lag in service between the lunch and the cake cutting, but it was quickly rectified. Bon Apetit!
Freed's Bakery: A+
What can I say about Freed's? They are well known, having been featured on the Food Network several times and having celebrities buy their cakes for their celebrations. We walked in to their store with no appointment, got a quote within minutes and were served free samples. Not only did their cakes look delicious, but the samples TASTED amazing. It was important to us that the cake be more than just something pretty. We paid more than we had originally estimated, but since we saved so much through our reception venue, we felt justified in splurging on an amazing cake. On the day of, we could not have asked for a better cake. It was made EXACTLY the way we asked for it. Our guests were truly amazed at the flavor. There was enough cake for everyone to try any of the flavors and get more than one piece with cake left over. And the slices weren't skimpy. We still have a small amount left in our fridge. If you are looking for a wonderful cake in Vegas, go try Freed's Bakery.
Stratosphere Hotel and Casino: B
We have been on a pretty strict budget, so we chose the Stratosphere for its proximity to the chapel and for its affordability. We also liked that it was not on the main strip, where traffic is much crazier. It is down at the older end of the strip, before you come to Freemont Street. It is within walking distance of the chapel. We had stayed there in one of the upgraded rooms over the summer while we were investigating vendors and felt it was decent. When we were there for our wedding, we (and our parents) stayed in Luxury Grande Suites that were pretty comfortable. They had 2 rooms that were spacious, a comfortable bed and pull out couch, a full sized dining table and a tv in every room. However, these rooms were in the unrenovated section of the hotel and the stale smell of smoke permeated the rooms. We were able to conquer this with some strategically placed airwick scents in the rooms. Upon arrival, the light in our dining area did not work, but was fixed very shortly after I told the front desk. We also had one instance of a VERY loud neighbor at 7 am, who was dealt with in about 5 minutes after a call to the front desk. All was extremely quiet afterwards. Our guests who stayed at the hotel were less pleased. Most were booked into older, basic rooms. These were very spartan, the views not very good and there were problems with the electrical systems in parts of the hotel and in the basics of the rooms (blow driers not working, etc.). The restaurants serve decent food; there is a tasty little Mexican place on the second floor, where the shops are. The breakfast burritos are very good. But watch out for Roxy's Diner. The food tastes great, but expect a wait and some confusion with your order. The hotel iss a safe and clean place to park your stuff, but you do get what you pay for.
Buffet at the Bellagio: A
We chose the Buffet at the Bellagio for our rehearsal dinner venue. And it did not disappoint. Lobster stuffed ravioli in a truffle cream sauce...Do I need to say more? There was something for EVERYONE. From pizza to caviar. Dozens of desserts to choose from. The ladies bathroom was disgusting. Try one of the ones on the main hotel floor. And the line is long. However, the variety and quality of food served makes the issues with the bathroom and the wait well worth it.
And now I have some vendors that were not from Vegas, but I feel are worth mentioning.
iweddingband.com: A+
We ordered my husband's ring from this site. I was a little nervous, but the ring came to us correctly sized, to our specs with perfect engraving on the inside. It took less than a week and was completely affordable. I would use this site again in the event he ever needed a replacement.
Global Rose: A+
I was really nervous about ordering from this company. I had no way of seeing my flowers ahead of time. But around Valentine's day, this company had the best price on red roses. I spent $92 (including shipping) for 100 Madame Delbard roses (I could have spent less and gotten Freedom Roses for under $80). Waiting was the worst; you don't get a tracking number until the day before your roses are shipped to you. You do get an email confirmation with an order number showing you did make a purchase. It was worth it. My roses shipped the Thursday before my Monday wedding, and arrived on Friday morning. Out of 100 roses, I had one with a broken stem, but it was still long enough to use in my arrangements. The flowers looked a little dried out, and definately needed to be dethorned and deleaved. But within a couple of hours of soaking in buckets of water with the floral food provided, they could be seen to perk up. None had droopy heads. By the next morning, all of the roses had become firm with gorgeous, velvety deep red petals. I made my arrangements and they held, opening up slowly until they were 3 to almost 4 inches across by the time of our reception. I would order from them again in a heartbeat.
Ok ladies, I hope this helps.
