Millard Plaza Ballroom Interview

With so many catering services and wedding reception facilities available, how do brides-to-be decipher all the information available, and then make the right choice when selecting the best reception facility for her needs?

OmahaBrides.com interviewed Dee Hankins, owner of www.millardplazaballroom.com to find out what a bride should know about catering and reception facilities, and how to ask the right questions.

Omaha Brides: With so many catering and reception facilities available, I would imagine the task of researching and contacting providers could be overwhelming to some.  How should a couple begin their search for the right reception facility?

Dee: First of all, slow down, take a breath, and follow a step-by-step approach.  You’re right, with so many choices available the process can be overwhelming.  First of all, you need to make a decision on the type of services you are looking for…full service or do-it-yourself.  We offer full service, so there are several choices to make.  Items such as size and ambiance of the facility, the quality and choice of foods provided, and the level of event design and management, just to name a few. Of course, this has to all work within your budget.  Once several venues have been compared, couples can then eliminate those items that don’t meet their criteria.
 
Omaha Brides: I’m guessing you would tell me Millard Plaza Ballroom is an affordable choice.  Am I right? 

Dee: I think so. Since we specialize in wedding receptions, we’ve become proficient at keeping prices reasonable. We offer several food and beverage options, enabling our couples to customize a package that fits within their budget. As far as our service price, I would put us somewhere in the middle.

Omaha Brides: Will you explain what today’s bride is looking for when choosing a reception facility?

Dee: Most people are looking for a reception that looks expensive, and yet, doesn’t have to be that expensive…so that’s what we provide. For example, twinkle lights and tulle on the ceiling can be an expensive addition to any budget.  But since our lighting is already arranged, it is an expensive-looking detail that comes with the ballroom at no additional cost.  The secret to establishing an “expensive look” is paying attention to all the details.  Since I’m a “detail freak”, this comes quite easily for me.  Table clothes and chairs must be aligned and placed perfectly…centerpieces immaculate…additional cover creations for the specialty tables…I could go on and on.
 
Omaha Brides: OK Dee, as you said earlier slow down and take a breath. (Laughter) You’ve convinced me your visual presentation comes down to paying close attention to all the small details. But what about the wedding guests?  What reception memories do they take with them when they leave?   

Dee: I can say with confidence, because it happens at each reception, there will be compliments and “thank you’s” for a perfect event.  Some will comment on the beautiful room, and how good the food was.  I ran into one couple two years after their reception at the ballroom and they said people were still talking about the food! 

Omaha Brides: Knowing this, I bet you also pay close attention to the quality of your food service…
 
Dee: How did you guess? When it comes to the food were serve, there’s no skimping…everything is homemade. We believe in good quality and good flavor, so our food is made fresh the day of the reception. Our clients and their guests constantly tell us how much they appreciate the efforts we make to provide them with a memorable dining experience. Of course, that’s exactly what we strive to do.
 
Omaha Brides: How can you make sure the wedding party and their guests have a fun-filled evening?

Dee: We meet with the couple two weeks prior to the reception and discuss every detail of the evening.  They leave that meeting with a clear vision of the evening.   I take that orchestrated flow of events and meet with the DJ prior to the guests arriving.  The DJ and I work together to make sure it all happens according to plan.  The wedding party simply has to follow the cues of the DJ and the guests are kept informed and entertained.   This makes it easy for everyone to relax and have a good time.

However, the choice of vendors and fun things provided by the bride and groom is the real key to creating a fun-filled evening.  For example, a good DJ can make a party come alive.  Some couples also produce a slideshow showing early pictures of the bride and groom as they grew up. Others call upon family and friends to stand up and tell a memorable and funny story about the couple.  But the latest rage is the photo booth…it’s become the hit of the reception. Some say it’s the most fun of all.  Not only can family and guests take home crazy pictures of themselves, the bride and groom also receives a complete collection of all the pictures taken. Since this is a popular addition to the event, we’ve even worked out a discount with Wedding Photo Booth Specialists when you reserve a booth for your reception at our facility.
 
Omaha Brides: Dee, we’ve covered several items of interest, but I would like to get back to some additional thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for anyone planning a reception.  What final insights and advice would you give a bride looking for the right reception facility?

Dee: Well, here are a few more considerations. First of all make sure you have exclusive use of the facility. Next, make sure your facility has plenty of well-lit parking and offers handicap access. Needless to say, you should look for a facility that is fully committed to making your event a success.

This is my final bit of advice. Don’t always judge a reception facility by looking at the bottom line.  You must assess the value you receive for your invested dollar.  Not only should you judge the ambiance and food quality, you should also have a good feeling about the person you will be working with.  Your event manager is the real key to creating a memorable wedding reception, just as you envisioned. Once this is accomplished, you will create a memory that will last a lifetime.

Omaha Brides: Dee you have been a delight…you’ve provided some helpful information for our readers.  Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me.

Dee: I’m always glad to be of help, so please call if you have further questions.