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Wedding Planning Wedding Services Wedding Venue

Des-tination Des Moines

Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is an ideal location for couples looking to tie the knot. From its rich cultural heritage to its stunning scenic views, this city has everything you need for a memorable wedding. Just outside Des Moines in Runnels lies Baqara, a premier wedding venue that offers a perfect blend of elegance and charm. This blog explores the many reasons why Des Moines and Baqara should be at the top of your list when planning your special day.

The Charm of Des Moines as a Wedding Destination

Rich Cultural Heritage

Des Moines is steeped in history, offering a variety of historical venues that add a unique charm to any wedding. Venues like the Salisbury House and Gardens and the Hoyt Sherman Place provide a touch of elegance and historical significance, making your wedding day feel timeless and grand.

Scenic Locations and Venues

Des Moines offers an array of picturesque locations perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions. From the lush Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden to the chic Des Moines Art Center, there are venues to suit every taste. These scenic spots provide breathtaking backdrops for your wedding photos and unforgettable experiences for your guests.

Accessibility and Convenience

The central location of Des Moines makes it easily accessible for guests coming from different parts of the country. With a well-connected airport and extensive road network, traveling to and from the city is convenient. Des Moines also offers a wide range of amenities and services, ensuring all your wedding needs can be met locally.

Unique Venues in Des Moines

Historical Sites

Des Moines is home to several historical sites that offer unique settings for weddings. The Scottish Rite Consistory and the Hoyt Sherman Place are prime examples of venues that provide classic architectural beauty and sophistication, adding a touch of historical elegance to your wedding day.

Modern and Chic Venues

For couples looking for contemporary spaces, Des Moines offers a variety of modern venues. The Iowa Events Center and the Des Moines Art Center are perfect for those wanting a sleek, chic atmosphere. These venues are versatile and can be tailored to match your vision, whether it’s minimalist or elaborate.

Outdoor and Nature-Inspired Venues

Nature lovers will find Des Moines ideal for outdoor weddings. Venues like the Blank Park Zoo and local vineyards offer stunning natural settings that allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while celebrating your special day. These venues are perfect for relaxed, open-air ceremonies and receptions.

Planning and Support Services

Local Wedding Planners and Services

Des Moines boasts several experienced wedding planners who can help bring your dream wedding to life. Companies like White Willow Events and One Sweet Event offer comprehensive planning services, ensuring every detail of your day is perfect. These planners have extensive knowledge of the local wedding scene and can assist with everything from venue selection to day-of coordination.

Catering and Culinary Excellence

Food is a vital part of any wedding, and Des Moines offers a wide range of catering options. Local favorites like Taste! To Go & Catering and Christiani’s Catering provide exceptional services, offering everything from gourmet meals to custom cocktails. This ensures your guests have a memorable dining experience.

Floral and Decor Services

Floral arrangements and decor are crucial in creating the perfect wedding atmosphere. Des Moines has several talented florists and decorators who specialize in crafting beautiful, customized settings. Shops like Boesen the Florist and Stems Flowers offer a variety of floral options tailored to match your wedding theme.

Accommodation and Hospitality

Hotels and Lodging Options

Des Moines offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxurious hotels like the Des Lux Hotel to charming bed and breakfasts, there are plenty of places for your guests to stay. Many hotels offer special rates and packages for wedding parties, ensuring your guests are comfortable and close to the festivities.

Baqara’s Role in Your Wedding

Baqara, located just outside Des Moines in Runnels, is a key player in the local wedding scene. This premier venue offers a range of services to make your wedding day perfect. From elegant indoor spaces to beautiful outdoor settings, Baqara provides a one-stop solution for all your wedding needs. Their experienced team works closely with couples to create personalized wedding experiences, ensuring every detail is just as you imagined.

Entertainment and Activities for Guests

Local Attractions

Des Moines is a vibrant city with plenty to offer your wedding guests. They can explore local attractions like the Des Moines Art Center, the Science Center of Iowa, or the historic East Village. These activities provide excellent options for pre-wedding gatherings or post-wedding excursions, ensuring your guests have a memorable experience.

Nightlife and Entertainment Options

For couples looking to extend their celebration, Des Moines offers a lively nightlife scene. The city is home to numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, perfect for a fun after-party. Venues like The Gas Lamp and Wooly’s provide live music and a great atmosphere for continuing the festivities into the night.

Conclusion

Des Moines offers a unique blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and natural beauty, making it an ideal location for your wedding. With a range of venues, professional services, and local attractions, it’s a perfect place to celebrate your special day. Whether you’re a local or planning a destination wedding, Des Moines and Baqara have everything you need for a memorable wedding experience. Explore the possibilities with Baqara to ensure your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

FAQs

  1. What are some unique wedding venues in Des Moines?
    • Des Moines offers a range of unique venues, including historical sites like the Salisbury House and Gardens, modern spaces like the Iowa Events Center, and outdoor locations such as the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
  2. How can Baqara assist in planning a wedding in Des Moines?
    • Baqara offers comprehensive wedding planning services, including venue, decor, catering, and entertainment, ensuring a seamless and personalized wedding experience.
  3. What are some popular local dishes to include in wedding catering?
    • Local catering services offer a variety of dishes, including traditional Midwestern fare, farm-to-table options, and international cuisines, providing something for every palate.
  4. Are there any outdoor wedding venues in Des Moines?
    • Yes, Des Moines has several outdoor wedding venues, including gardens, parks, and vineyards, offering beautiful natural settings for ceremonies and receptions.
  5. What entertainment options are available for wedding guests in Des Moines?
    • Guests can enjoy local attractions like the Des Moines Art Center and the Science Center of Iowa, as well as the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, with bars and clubs offering live music and entertainment.

For everything for your special day, get in touch with Baqara today!

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Flowers Wedding Planning Wedding Services Wedding Venue

Rustic Chic: The Perfect Wedding Venue 

The Perfect Choice: Rustic Chic Wedding Venue

“Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay forever.”

 — Unknown

 

A wedding is a magical event that symbolizes the union of two souls in love, and choosing the perfect wedding venue plays a vital role in making this special day truly unforgettable. The concept of a rustic-chic wedding venue has gained immense popularity in recent years, as it offers couples the opportunity to celebrate their love in a unique and picturesque setting. This blog explores the significance of a rustic-chic wedding venue as the most trending venue and discusses the factors to consider when making this important decision. 

Baqara is located in beautiful Runnells IA which is only a 20 minute drive from downtown Des Moines, and a free of gravel roads! Baqara is a perfect rustic chic wedding venue. Choosing a rustic-chic venue for a wedding has become increasingly popular among couples in recent years.This style combines elements of both rustic and elegant aesthetics, creating a charming and romantic atmosphere. There are several reasons why couples opt for Baqara:

    1. Natural Beauty: Rustic-chic venues are often set in picturesque locations, such as barns, farms or gardens. These venues offer a stunning backdrop of natural beauty, with lush landscapes, rolling hills, or rustic architecture. The organic and serene environment adds a touch of enchantment to the wedding, creating a magical ambiance for the couple and their guests.
    2. Unique and Quaint Charm: Rustic-chic venues exude a unique charm that sets them apart from traditional wedding venues. The vintage and rustic elements, such as exposed wooden beams, aged brick walls, or weathered barn doors, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The venue’s character and history contribute to the overall appeal, allowing couples to celebrate their special day in a distinctive and memorable setting.
    3. Versatility and Flexibility: Rustic-chic venues often offer versatile spaces that can be transformed to suit various wedding styles and themes. Whether couples prefer a romantic and intimate affair or a grand celebration, these venues provide flexibility for customization. The open spaces allow for creative décor arrangements, personalized touches, and unique seating layouts, giving couples the freedom to design their dream wedding.
    4. Relaxed and Intimate Ambiance: Rustic-chic venues often provide a more relaxed and intimate setting compared to traditional ballrooms or banquet halls. The cozy and laid-back atmosphere creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, allowing guests to feel more at ease and enjoy the celebration. The natural surroundings and rustic charm contribute to a more intimate ambiance, fostering a stronger connection among family and friends.
    5. Blend of Elegance and Simplicity: The rustic-chic style seamlessly blends elegance with simplicity. The combination of refined details, such as delicate chandeliers, fine linens, or floral arrangements, with rustic elements, like wooden tables, burlap accents, or mason jar centerpieces, creates a harmonious balance. This fusion appeals to couples seeking a wedding that is both sophisticated and down-to-earth, with a touch of rustic charm.
    6. Photography Opportunities: Rustic-chic venues often offer a plethora of stunning backdrops for wedding photography. From sun-dappled fields to weathered barns or enchanting gardens, these venues provide numerous opportunities for capturing beautiful and memorable moments. The natural lighting and rustic elements add depth and character to the photographs, resulting in breathtaking imagery.

    Conclusion: Couples choosing Baqara, a rustic-chic wedding venue feels exciting and made an important decision that significantly impacts the overall experience on their special day recently. From the captivating setting and intimate celebrations to the natural beauty, versatility, intimate ambiance, and blend of elegance and simplicity make this venue an appealing choice for couples seeking a wedding experience that is both romantic and unforgettable. After carefully considering the preferences and desires of the couple, along with the practical aspects of logistics and guest accommodation, a wedding venue can be transformed into a dreamlike location that leaves an indelible mark on everyone’s hearts. Ultimately, Baqara, a well-chosen rustic-chic wedding venue sets the stage for an enchanting celebration of love, creating cherished memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

    Get in touch today!

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    Featured Wedding Planning Wedding Services

    Planning for Rain on Your Wedding Day

    Isn’t it ironic…. Rain on your Wedding Day? Just a little too ironic. You Ms. Wizard cannot change the forecast, nor can you alter the weather during your wedding day. But what you can do is understand your options and discuss this with your vendors ahead of time. Experienced vendors have already discussed this with you and let you know what all of the “Plan B’s” are, but you don’t always know if your wedding vendor is who they advertise. 

    Therefore, here is a list of options for you if your outdoor
    wedding does not go as planned:

    1) Have an indoor space on reserve and make the decision to move it. Sometimes it just doesn’t matter how long you stare at the radar, that rain just won’t stop. A lot of the decision comes
    down to timing though. Some venues require a decision to be made days before on an indoor vs outdoor wedding due to setup of chairs and spaces. Therefore, this needs to be discussed with
    your venue in advance to determine available spaces, requirements, and flexibility.

    2) Wait out the storm and make a last-minute decision. Some venues can audible quickly and can wait until the last minute for a decision to be made on an outdoor wedding. If things are moved indoor last minute, guests will most likely sit at their tables during the ceremony and the ceremony may be held on the dance floor, in front of the head table, in an open space available in a larger venue, etc. If things can happen outside last minute because there is a break in the weather, staff will need time to dry off chairs, set any décor or floral, and ensure a safe, non-slick walk path for guests.

    3) Move your ceremony time. Maybe there is a break in the weather at 7:00pm and it will continue to rain through the scheduled ceremony time of 5:00pm. An experienced and easy-
    going wedding coordinator can arrange this with the DJ, photographer, and caterer by doing a“soon to be Mr. and Mrs.” grand entrance and go right into dinner. Then you might be able to go from dinner and drinks to a ceremony, followed by speeches and special dances. This takes coordination but it can be done and everything feels planned and accounted for, regardless what some vendors may thing of the idea. Working outside of the norms does tend to freak some people out so just make sure you trust your coordinator fully.

    4) Buy 200 cheap umbrellas and let’s do this thang!!! 

    Regardless the situation with weather, keep calm and enjoy the day. Rain happens and all you can do is go with the flow at that point. No stress drinking, no yelling, and no crying over Mother Nature. She is an unpredictable force regardless of what those overpaid weather-men tell us.

    For everything weddings and irony, call us today!

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    Featured Wedding Planning

    VENUE….ENDO

    “Hi, my name is [insert name]. Welcome to my wedding venue. Congratulations on your engagement. Let me show you around and let me know if you have questions. We seat [select number] people, we include [set-up, cleaning, tables, moral support, etc], and we cost [insert ridiculous dollar amount that includes 4 walls and a roof] for a Saturday.”

    Have you heard that same ol’ song and dance before? Welcome to a wedding venue tour you first time, naive engaged couple. Be prepared to receive a sub-par sales pitch and a pamphlet with pretty pictures of someone else’s wedding. You want to know a secret though? Searching for the “right” wedding venue is like searching for a place to eat in a town you have never visited in which you are so hungry that you are choosing which of your arms you will start nibbling on first. Regardless of where you finally choose, you feel like it is the right choice because of your stomach’s desire to satisfy it’s craving. You won’t ever know if there was a better place because you are leaving town the next day and your goal was achieved. Your objective, if you so choose, is to pick a wedding venue that checks all of the boxes that are most important to you. But, do you even know what boxes to check since this is the first time you have been engaged? Mission Impossible. Let me give you some tidbits of advice on how to choose the right wedding venue.

    1) PRIORITIZE THE PRIZE

    Is the visual appearance #1 or is the service #1? Of course you want both to be amazing but set one above the other. If the appearance is at the top of your list, is the ceremony or the reception more important? If you are more focused on how the ceremony looks and feels, judge your venue on those marks first and foremost. If the reception space and the party pad check your first box, pay special attention to the proximity of the dance floor to the bar, look close at the head table and backdrop, and see if there is a fun patio for guests to be outside.

    If service is #1, then figure out what the venue offers that will make your wedding day smooth and easy so you can relax and enjoy the time with your fiancé, family and friends. Ask the following questions:

    1. Do they set up and tear down?
    2. Do they clean or do they charge additional cleaning fee?
    3. Does the venue include planning and/or day-of-coordinating?
    4. Do tables, chairs, linens, decorations, etc. come with the rental or are they separate?
    5. Is the venue open catering or do you have to go through a specific caterer?
    6. What time can you show up and what time do all guests have to leave?

    2) I NOW PRONOUCE, INSIDE OR OUTSIDE

    Do you want to have your wedding ceremony at the same place as the reception or are you having a church wedding? If you want to do the same location, does your venue have an indoor space or outdoor? If outdoor, is it paved or covered just incase of rain? If it is indoor, is it a separate space from the reception or will the space need to be flipped? Rain even the day before can have a huge impact on the ceremony space if it is grass. You don’t need all of your bridesmaids heals deep in mud.

    3) LAY OFF, I’M STARVING

    Does the venue require you to use their catering or their preferred caterer or is it open catering? This has a huge impact on the overall price for your wedding. Many venues that require you to use their food services or their preferred food vendor have higher food charges per person. Slightly counterintuitive but I will cover this in a separate blog post.

    4) DRINK A LITTLE DRINK

    Does the venue have a liquor license? If so, do they require a minimum dollar spent on alcohol? Are bartenders included in your rental price? Also, it seems like a given, but be sure you know what alcohol is available for your guests. Not all licenses include liquor and not all venues include variety. If you are expecting to be able to get a nice whiskey but the venue only caries Black Velvet, there isn’t much you can do about it the day of your wedding (this is in no way a bash on the classic BV). Serving alcohol to 200-300 people is a chore so be sure your venue is confident and versed in selling alcohol and has the setup and staff to be efficient.

    Finally, DO NOT SETTLE. If you need to visit 6-10 venues before one checks all of your boxes, then do so. Do not rush this process. As mentioned previously, you will never know if there was a better venue for you out there. So be sure to do your homework, visit the venues, and judge the venue on all merits of your big day. The venue tour better be the best tour you have ever been given as your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life.

    Contact us today!