Conley Publishing - Special Sections
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241637002 Where Memories Begin... (PMG3PBE1FXBVLFF8*t CountrySpringsHotel.com Ixonia Firemen's Hall Call today to set up an appointment and discuss Wedding reception details. On-site catering offering delicious meals served from a variety of menus. Call 920-261-2419 N8345 Park St., Ixonia,WI 53036 • Convenient to I-94 PARK ALSO AVAILABLE Hall available for anniversaries, company parties, Christmas parties and business meetings. Ixonia Firemen's Hall includes 2 bars & a hardwood dance floor, considered one of the finest in the county! 2 4 1 6 8 6 0 1 7 should be. That's why it's so important to understand what's included with the venue before booking it. Some offer an all-inclusive package with catering and a list of complimentary services built into the price. Others are more of an open- ended "blank slate," providing just the backdrop for your celebration—allowing you the freedom to bring in all of your own vendors. "Either way, venues have talented staff—people who are visionaries and are up on all the latest trends," offers Jean Shonkwiler of Premier Bride. Marcus Hotels & Resorts (visit booth 219), which in Milwaukee includes The Pfister, The Hilton Milwaukee City Center, and Intercontinental Milwaukee Hotel in its portfolio, provides couples with near-complete wedding packages. Gorgeous, completely furnished ball- rooms with tables and chairs, linens, dinnerware, candles, lighting, and much more are provided. Food and beverage catering is also included with the exception of the wedding cake. And Marcus won't charge you for cake cutting, bartenders, or ballroom use when a package is booked. Wedding guests enjoy generous discounts on hotel rooms and parking, and the bride and groom receive a complimentary stay at the hotel. "We include a lot that's complimentary," says Kim Casey, senior catering sales manager at Marcus Hotels & Resorts. "We provide an onsite event manager to assist in planning and ensure all of your personal touches are in place at your reception. All that's left for the bride and groom to do is relax and enjoy their celebration." Opposite of the package deal venues are places like Turner Hall Ballroom (visit booth 604), which provides you with a historic backdrop and that artistic "blank slate" to create the wedding of your dreams. Brides get to work with their vendors of choice—ones that fit their vision and reflect their personal preferences. "When a bride chooses Turner Hall, we already know she has a unique personality because our hall is so unique itself," says Ann Birkinbine, event coordinator. "We provide a list of pre- ferred vendors—ones we have a solid working relationship with. They know our layout and guidelines from past events." But at Turner Hall, a bride can choose any licensed vendor in Wisconsin to customize her day. There are only a few limitations on what a bride can't do, in the interest of preserving the historic nature of the building. Brides can rent lifts to hang drapery from the high ceilings and use lighting to highlight the historic feel of the venue, for example. Since every venue's definition of preferred vendors is different, Shonkwiler cautions brides to be sure to ask upfront. "Whether a bride goes with an all-inclusive package or blank slate venue, she can count on her event manager or coordinator to help complete her personal vision." ...Reception Venue continued from page 4 Image provided by Marcus Hotels & Resorts Image provided by Turner Hall Ballroom Image provided by Marcus Hotels & Resorts January 2015 • Conley Media • Wonderful World of Weddings • 5