The reception venue you choose undoubtedly says something about your sense of style. Your setting not only makes a statement, it sets the tone and serves as a foundation for all of the elements that define your wedding—including your gown. What distinguishes a venue, and how do you choose the perfect dress for your perfect day? Our experts scoped out the best venues in town, one for almost every couple’s style. Read on—and find your perfect match.
Classic Traditional
 Photo by Susan Gilmore |
The Vision: You love tradition. Elegance. And all the little details of a picture-perfect wedding—with a backdrop that has hosted the crème de la crème of the Twin Cities’ grandest affairs.
The Setting: Lafayette Club, Minnetonka Beach, 952-471-6411.
Founded in 1899, the Lafayette Club boasts a regal setting overlooking Lake Minnetonka’s Crystal Bay. The private club is open to nonmembers and accommodates 450 seated, or 600 standing. Feel like a queen in the Grand Ballroom (shown), and waltz the night away. The club is currently booked through November for Saturdays, but Sundays and Friday evenings are available.
The Gown: Clean lines and crisp tailoring project a conservative vibe, but make it your own by adding unexpected interest: A beaded top, a colored sash, or a vintage jacket will give the buttoned-up look a slight sense of irreverence.
Editor’s Choice: Triple organdy strapless Sienna gown with modified seamed trumpet skirt ($3,960) and embroidered tulle cap-sleeved jacket with back button closure ($3,740), both by Monique Lhuillier, from Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-929-0747.
Other Sites to Consider:
+ Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, 612-332-2292
+ Interlachen Country Club, Edina, 952-929-1661
+ The Minikahda Club, Minneapolis, 612-924-1674
+ Calhoun Beach Club, Minneapolis, 612-928-7600
+ James J. Hill Reference Library, St. Paul, 651-265-5447
+ University Club, St. Paul, 651-222-1751
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Vintage Glamour
 Photo by Susan Gilmore |
The Vision: You’re a romantic with an old soul and sense of timeless style. A historic landmark offers the perfect setting for your storybook wedding.
The Setting: The Gale Mansion, Minneapolis, 612-870-1662
A handful of Minneapolis mansions await those who wish to channel their inner heiress. The Gale Mansion, built in 1912 as a private home for a well-traveled Minneapolis attorney and his Pillsbury bride, retains the elegant grace of a bygone era. This exclusive home in the Italian Renaissance style offers six sophisticated rooms—including the wood-paneled Heritage Room (shown) and a sweeping staircase—and accommodates 150 seated or up to 240 with the upstairs suites. Openings available.
The Dress: A vintage wedding gown adds another layer to a historic setting. Look for a style with a modern shape and period elegance.
Editor’s Choice: 1950s stripe-on-stripe strapless organza ball gown ($500), from Andrea’s Vintage Bridal, Blake Antiques, 901 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 612-716-8006.
Other Sites to Consider:
+ Blaisdell Manor, Minneapolis, 612-870-7875
+ Summit Manor Reception House, St. Paul, 651-228-9111
+ Forepaugh’s Restaurant, St. Paul, 651-224-5606
+ Washington County Historic Courthouse, Stillwater, 651-275-7075
+ Van Dusen Center, Minneapolis, 612-874-1900
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Modern Sophisticate
 Photo by Susan Gilmore |
The Vision: Clean lines. Sleek design. You cherish contemporary art, modern architecture, and progressive ideas. You love the vibrancy of the city and want to celebrate your wedding in a setting that reflects your state of mind.
The Setting: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, 612-375-7553
Make your wedding a work of art. The Walker’s iconic outdoor and indoor spaces (such as the General Mills Hennepin Lounge, shown) offer spectacular skyline views. The new building, designed by prize-winning Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, also boasts exclusive catering by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. The space is open for rental by non-members and accommodates 200 seated or 300 standing. The Walker has openings available.
The Gown: A modern locale calls for a look that is contemporary and architectural. Forgo intricate laces and complex beading in favor of structural tailoring and unadorned fabrics.
Editor’s Choice: Italian silk georgette and silk chantung Cindy gown ($4,200), by Garnette Avenue, from The Loft Bridal & Design, 20757 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville, 952-469-5638.
Other Sites to Consider:
+ Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis, 612-625-9683
+ Chambers, Minneapolis, 612-767-6800
+ Minneapolis Central Library, Minneapolis, 612-253-0255
+ Graves 601 Hotel, Minneapolis, 612-312-1158
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Rustic Romance
 Photo by Susan Gilmore |
The Vision: At its core, a wedding with a connection to nature is less fussy. The setting implies movement and freedom from the confines of a structured wedding. It’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twin Cities style.
The Setting: Noerenberg Memorial Gardens, Orono, 763-694-7631
Perched on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka’s Crystal Bay, Noerenberg Memorial Gardens offers a tranquil elegance. Regarded as one of the state’s most enchanting formal gardens, the estate was home to Grain Belt Brewery founder Frederick Noerenberg and his family. Noerenberg’s daughter Lora Noerenberg Hoppe bequeathed the land to Three Rivers Park District in 1972. The idyllic gardens are open for wedding ceremonies only (food and beverages are prohibited in the park) from mid-May through mid-October and can accommodate up to 200 people. In case of inclement weather, canopies are permitted. Openings available, especially in September and October.
The Dress: When surrounded by the natural environment, it’s wise to go with a gown that embodies an earthy feel. A wispy cut with floral appliqués has an ethereal feeling.
Editor’s Choice: Empire-waist chantilly lace and silk charmeuse Juliet gown with embroidery, scattered organza rose appliqués, and tulle shawl ($3,520), by Claire Pettibone, from L’atelier Couture, 493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492.
Other Sites to Consider:
+ The Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life, Falcon Heights, 651-646-8629
+ Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, 952-443-1411
+ Outing Lodge at Pine Point, Stillwater, 651-439-9747
+ Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Park Visitor Center, St. Paul, 651-487-8250
+ Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Cowles Conservatory, Minneapolis, 612-230-6400
+ Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, 952-445-7361
+ Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista, 763-694-7631
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Eclectic Chic
 Photo by Susan Gilmore |
The Vision: You’re a bit of a Bohemian—so your wedding doesn’t call for standard protocol. You seek a setting that’s unconventional but has soul and complements your creed: Ars longa, vita brevis—Life is short, but art is long.
The Setting: Café & Bar Lurcat, Minneapolis, 612-486-5500
This winning, 9,000-square-foot space in the historic Fawkes Building is newly restored and features the city’s best views of Loring Park. The bar (shown) and adjacent café accommodate up to 420. Impress your guests with sumptuous cuisine by D’Amico. There’s no site rental fee if the minimums for food and beverage are met. Openings available.
The Dress: All bets are off when you choose a location off the beaten bridal path. The dress should reflect your unique personality and the character of the space, but this is also the time to break the rules—hemlines can tastefully rise, color can shine through, and traditional notions can fall away.
Editor’s Choice: Silk taffeta tea-length Billie dress with ruched and ruffled taffeta appliqués ($3,500), by Melissa Sweet, from Priscilla of Boston, 3926 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-922-2106.
Other Sites to Consider:
+ Loring Pasta Bar and The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, 612-378-4849
+ Architectural Antiques, Minneapolis, 612-332-8344
+ Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis, 612-253-0255
+ Ritz Theater, Minneapolis, 612-623-7660
+ Mill City Museum, Minneapolis, 612-341-7555
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