Dubuque, IA, USA < change city >

Response:
Hi Sara,
I had it at the Riverfront pavilion. I rented the whole pavilion (they split it up) for the wedding ($330.00)and one side for the rehearsal dinner the night before.($35.00) Saturday's rent out close to a year in advance. FYI. I used the picnic tables for seating and it worked just fine for 150 people. Very casual. Just make sure if you are doing ceremony there your pastor has a Mic! Call the Dubuque leisure service department at [phone number hidden (log in to view)] to reserve it. I didn't rent a rent-but it didn't rain. I did rent fans that kept it nice and cool inside the pavilion. I recommend the Riverfront. Close parking lot, nice tables inside (no slots like you think for a picnic table and nice varnished wood), close to bathrooms and BEAUTIFUL backdrop for pics! It overlooks Mississippi. And I just rented an arch from Hobby Lobby and decorated it. Most of my compliments have been about the park and it being a unique, relaxed and pretty wedding. I totally recommend All thing sweet shopped on bluff(by the psychic) for cake and cupcakes! She is awesome and so personal! I would just stop in there and buy a uptake. I kept her card too and its Jennifer/ # [phone number hidden (log in to view)]. Cell: [phone number hidden (log in to view)]. Also recommend Kalmes catering. They are a Dubuque staple! They priced the same as hyvee and it was SO much tastier! I DO NOT recommend Premiere Entertainment. Absolute nightmare! Also, mosaic salon behind olive garden was great for hair and did reasonable priced and great airbus makeup. My photographer really recommended it. Stephanie did my hair and Courtesy did the makeup. (or vice versa). I thought the trials were a little pricey but I felt more comfortable knowing what to expect. I think that's all I have...just pray for good weather and try to take it bit by bit so you don't get stressed! Let me know if you have any other questions. If you give me your email I can send you some decor pics and pics of the pavilion. I just got my proofs back!
Congratulations!
Alysia

Response:
WOW Alysia!

Thank you so much! This was all so helpful! We have the riverfront pavilion booked for October 13th next year and boy is the view beautiful! I bet you have amazing pictures! I would love to see some of yours if you are okay with that....I don't even know where to start for decorating and everything so I am sure some inspiration would be helpful to get my creative juices flowing....When we were looking at the site, I thought there were A LOT of picnic tables, did you need to move any out of the way?

Also, I wasn't sure I understood, but did you have your ceremony AND reception inside the pavilion? You said you had 150 guests, did you feel they fit well in there? do you think I could have more? how many people could you fit at each picnic table?

sorry for all of the questions, I am totally clueless :-(

Thanks again for everything, and I would love to see your pictures if you want to e-mail me at [email hidden (log in to view)]

I also can't wait to check out the catering place you recommended because we were totally going to go with hyvee since out budget is extremely limited...if I use any of the same venders as you, I will sure say you referred me in case you can get some sort of deal out of it :-)