Twin Cities Wedding Guide: Part 1
planning your twin cities wedding
Planning a wedding in the Twin Cities is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities. With its diverse selection of venues, skilled vendors, and vibrant wedding industry, this region offers countless options for couples to create a memorable celebration. In part one of this guide, we’ll explore some of the top wedding venues in the area, share expert advice on selecting the right location, and provide insights on key wedding planning considerations like catering, bar service, and desserts. No matter your vision, this resource will help you navigate the wedding planning process and bring your dream wedding to life.
twin cities wedding venues
The most important step in your planning journey is selecting the right wedding venue. Your venue sets the stage for the entire celebration, so it should align seamlessly with your wedding day vision! Whether you envision a trendy urban vibe, a romantic garden party, or a classic ballroom celebration, you need a space that complements your style and aesthetic. Equally important: ensuring the venue and all that comes with it fits within your budget! Hidden costs can quickly add up, so before you fall in love with a space, be clear on pricing and what is included.
As you tour potential venues, asking the right questions is key. Beyond basic inquiries about rental fees and food and beverage minimums, dive deeper to understand the full scope of costs and logistics. Capacity can often be misleading; request sample floor plans to ensure your guest count will fit comfortably with essential features like a dance floor, bar, and lounge areas. Additionally, review a sample Banquet Event Order (BEO) to identify potential extra charges, such as fees for staffing, linens, AV equipment, or a dance floor rental. Clarify policies on parking, security requirements, and any auxiliary room rental fees that could impact your budget.
By staying detail-focused and asking the right questions upfront, you’ll not only avoid unexpected costs but also gain confidence in your final decision. With the perfect venue secured, you'll be well on your way to bringing your wedding day vision to life. To dive more in-depth on our advice about venues, check out our blog Wedding Planning 101: Venues.
The Whim is airy and modern, with soaring windows that flood the space with natural light, plus a charming patio and a cozy speakeasy. Machine Shop, with its rich history and industrial character, offers a blend of vintage charm and bright, open spaces—perfect for a stylish, unique celebration. The Hutton House provides a spacious, elegant setting with standout features like a serene courtyard and bright fireplace focal point.
Urban Daisy offers an elegant, industrial-chic atmosphere with a refreshing botanical theme, blending modern style with a lush, organic feel. Glass House captivates with a modern-contemporary design with abundant natural light and inviting outdoor spaces. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Ballroom exudes vintage luxury, combining timeless elegance with a grand stage and sunken dance floor, perfect for creating an unforgettable, classy celebration.
For those seeking a refined yet nature-infused setting, Equestria West offers a sophisticated, equestrian-inspired ambiance with stunning outdoor spaces that provide an elegant and serene backdrop. Edward Anne Estate combines a Bavarian-style cottage with a modern event space with peaked ceiling and massive windows for a mix of old and new worlds. The Beach Club, with its graceful grand staircase and elegant ballroom-esque vibe, boasts a stunning patio with picturesque views, making it an ideal location for a sophisticated wedding celebration.
For couples looking for an iconic city venue, the Minneapolis Club blends historic charm with contemporary elegance, offering a moody, classic atmosphere with a mansion-like feel. The McNamara Alumni Center stands out with its bold architectural design, featuring modern, breathtaking spaces that create a dramatic and unforgettable setting. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Institute of Art offers a one-of-a-kind experience, combining rich history with gorgeous surroundings, making it a perfect backdrop for a truly timeless celebration.
twin cities wedding caterers
Catering is often the biggest expense in a wedding budget, and it’s more complex than just picking a menu. The key is understanding the costs—especially whether you’re using on-site or off-site catering. Off-site catering offers flexibility on the caterer you bring in, but can also mean extra rental fees for essentials like staffing, plates, utensils, and even cooking equipment, as well as an added percentage of the bill paid to the venue as a Catering Fee. Asking for a sample Banquet Event Order (BEO) from on-site or off-site caterers can help uncover hidden costs and ensure there are no surprises.
Remember, the food and beverage minimum is just a starting point—you will spend more. Guest count, menu choices, staffing fees and other costs will impact the final amount. And, service charges and taxes will add at least another 30% to your bill. Be sure to clarify what the service charge covers, as it’s usually not a gratuity. Also, consider your service style: passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations for a swanky feel, buffets for a casual vibe, or multiple courses with wine pairings for a foodie experience.
Once the budget and service style are set, the best part begins—the tasting! Some caterers will allow you to taste before booking, while others will not. There may be a fee for the tasting, so check in advance. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the catering process and create a menu that perfectly suits your wedding vision.
twin cities wedding cakes & desserts
No wedding is complete without a delicious and beautifully designed dessert spread! When selecting your wedding desserts, consider both aesthetics and variety. A traditional multi-tiered cake can serve as a stunning decor focal point, while a dessert table featuring macarons, tarts, french pastries, and other treats allows guests to sample an assortment of flavors. If you have dietary restrictions to accommodate, many bakeries offer gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options to ensure everyone gets to indulge.
Logistics are also key when planning your wedding desserts. Be sure to discuss delivery and setup details, as well as any cake-cutting fees your venue may charge. If you’re opting for a self-serve dessert table, consider how the presentation will fit with your overall wedding design. With the right planning, your dessert selection will not only taste amazing but also provide a sweet and stylish highlight to your big day!
twin cities bar services
Deciding on bar service for your wedding is an important detail that can impact both guest experience and budget. Many venues offer in-house bar services, simplifying the process by providing everything from alcohol to bartenders. However, if your venue allows outside vendors, you have more flexibility to tailor the service to your needs and budget.
There are three primary ways bar service is structured. Some vendors handle all bar logistics and either charge per drink, ensuring you pay only for what’s consumed, or via an hourly package price per guest. Another approach involves the vendor purchasing alcohol at retail prices on your behalf, then charging for bartending services, liability coverage, mixers, and supplies—this option balances convenience and cost efficiency. The most budget-friendly (but labor-intensive) option is purchasing your own alcohol, hiring licensed and insured bartenders, and handling all drop-off and pick-up logistics. While this can save money, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for every last detail, from the cherries to the ice, so we don’t recommend it.
Before making a decision, confirm with your venue what’s allowed and what additional fees may apply. No one likes a surprise charge for corkage or service fees! By planning ahead and choosing the right bar service option, you’ll create a seamless, enjoyable experience for you and your guests while keeping costs in check.
want more help?… we’re on it!
Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, and selecting your vendors is just the beginning… At Style-Architects Weddings, we are expert, award-winning wedding planners and designers with decades of experience crafting stunning, seamless events in the Twin Cities. From intimate celebrations to grand affairs, we’ve worked to build strong relationships with these vendors to ensure your wedding planning process is effortless and stress-free.
Our experience means we know exactly how to match you with the perfect venue and vendors to bring your vision to life. Whether you need guidance on selecting a caterer, a floral designer, or a photographer, we can connect you with trusted professionals who align with your style and budget. And if you need inspiration, just take a look—we’ve got numerous galleries listed on our website, and every venue photo featured in this article showcases one of our beautifully designed weddings! Just click on the image to see even more!
This guide is just the beginning! Stay tuned for Twin Cities Wedding Guide Part Two and Part Three, coming soon, where we’ll continue to share expert advice and inspiration to make your wedding day unforgettable. If you’re ready to start planning, fill out our contact form linked below—we’d love to bring your dream wedding to life!