So You’ve Booked a Venue… Now What?

Congratulations! Booking your venue is a huge step — everything else will start to fall into place from here. Now you know the aesthetic, the season, the capacity, and the rules for catering and other vendors. You're off to a great start!

First Things First…

GO FIND A DRESS!

I can’t stress this enough — your wedding dress sets the tone for so much of the planning that follows. There are so many wonderful bridal shops right here in the St. Louis metro area. Some of our favorites include:

• Mia Grace

• White Traditions

• Cleo Bridal

Some shops carry off-the-rack options, but many dresses come with long lead times — which is exactly why I always suggest starting your dress search as soon as possible.

While your venue might influence the style of your dress, it doesn’t have to. Want to wear a Cinderella-style ball gown on the beach? Go for it — it’s your day! Thinking of a backless or sleeveless gown for a December wedding? No problem! Just grab a cute faux fur stole for warmth and style.

Next Up: Catering

Start reaching out to caterers early. Some of our preferred vendors can handle multiple events in a day, while others only book one client per day — and they go fast! If you wait too long, you might miss out on your favorite.

Good news: our exclusive beverage provider, Booze Brothers, will always be available since their liquor license is tied to our venue. But here's a tip — I’ve never seen liquor prices go down, so lock in your contract early. Once you make your first payment, your price is locked in, and you’ll give yourself more time to make payments.

Photography & Videography

These are the only vendors I strongly recommend you choose based not only on style, but personality. You’ll be spending your entire wedding day with them — so it’s important that you connect personally, not just professionally.

Check out our Vendors Page for some of our favorite photographers:

• Rachel Myers Photography

• WhiteKlump Photography

• Lisa Meyer Photography

• Sarah Oberheim Photography

We know, trust, and love all of them — but you’re welcome to bring in your own, too.

Florals

Florists can be similar to caterers — some do multiple events per day, others take on just one. It really depends on the size and scope of each event. Again, our Vendors Page is full of incredibly talented floral artists, including:

• Artistry Florist

• Roses & Mint

• Rouge

Desserts

Let them eat cake — or cobbler, pie, cookies, or even ice cream! Cake is traditional, but dessert bars are growing in popularity. Ice cream carts are adorable, and cobbler is perfect for fall weddings.

The best part? Desserts can come from anywhere — even your Great Aunt Betty! Just keep in mind: your caterer must handle the serving, replenishing, and cleanup of all desserts, due to food liability laws.

Some of our sweet treat faves:

• Temmtations by Wedding Wonderland

• Sarah’s Cake Shop

• Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream

• Slings ‘n Scoops

Don’t Forget the Officiant!

This is the one vendor you must have — someone to legally marry you! Maybe you have a friend who’s licensed, or maybe you want a professional. Either way, this is what it’s all about: you're getting married!

Your vows are sacred and serious — but remember, this isn’t a funeral. Laugh, cry, be silly, and enjoy the moment.

Other Things to Think About:

• Groom’s suit or tux

• Bridesmaids’ dresses

• Hair and makeup (hello glam squad!)

• Guest transportation or shuttles

• Live musicians (a violinist for the ceremony? Yes, please!)

I’ve got the hookup for all of these and more.

Need Help? I’m Your Girl!

My name is Ruth, and I’ll be your Day-of Coordinator for all events at Stone House of St. Charles. I’m here to make sure everything goes smoothly from the moment you book to the moment you say “I do.”

Have questions? Need vendor recs? Want to brainstorm ideas at 2 a.m.?

Text me anytime:636-541-2698

Let’s make your wedding day unforgettable 💍✨