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The total solar eclipse taking place on Monday, April 8th, 2024 will be a sight to behold. Here on the northside of Indianapolis in Fishers, IN, we are lucky enough to have a spectacular view of the phenomenon. However, there may be more to think about when preparing to see the spectacular sight of the moon passing between the sun and earth. We’ve put together a list of April 8th eclipse tips to help you make the most out of the awesome sighting. 1. Where in the World? Indianapolis and surrounding cities are located directly within the Path of Totality. With so many places in the area hosting events, you will want to make sure you have a plan ahead of time for where you will view the eclipse. Businesses will likely cap their ticket sales, so it's encouraged to not wait until the last minute to figure out where you will be viewing the event. Here at The Balmoral House, we will be hosting a viewing event with a DJ, food trucks and beer and wine for purchase! Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets and spread out on our vast golf course greens while enjoying time with friends, family and coworkers. Wherever you decide to go for the event, be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time as events may sell out. You will also want to know what is included in your ticket… like a pair of eclipse viewing glasses! 2. Protect Those Baby Blues Check out NASA’s Safety Guidelines when it comes to the appropriate eyewear needed to view the eclipse safely. As stated in their safety guidelines, “Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.” Even if you are planning to view the eclipse from your backyard, you will want to score a pair of solar safe viewers far in advance. Each ticket for the Solar Eclipse Viewing at The Balmoral House event will include a pair of ISO 12312-2 certified glasses. Don’t worry, they are sure to go with your outfit! 🙂 3. What's for Lunch? In Hamilton County, we are expecting very heavy amounts of traffic before and after the eclipse which in our area will take place from 1:51pm to 4:23pm. Saying that, it’s important to think about what you will be eating that day as restaurants may be closed or extremely busy all day. We will have food trucks at our event including the Rollin in Dough Pizza Truck. Enjoy an afternoon glass of wine or beer as well with our house bar open with drinks for purchase. 4. School's Out! Many schools in the area will be closed on April 8th, so if you are a resident in the area with kids in school, you have likely already started planning out what you will be doing that day. If not, you may want to keep in mind that several tens of thousands of other students will be out that day needing a safe place to view the event. With plenty of space on our grounds to sprawl out on a blanket or set-up lawn chairs, families are sure find the perfect set-up at The Balmoral House Viewing Event. 5. Traffic Jam With the anticipated (yet welcomed!) spike in the number of tourists in the area hoping to get a prime view of the eclipse, we can expect that local cities within the path of totality (Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Bloomington, Shelbyville, New Castle) will see heavy amounts of traffic. Be sure to leave yourself extra time to get to your viewing destination as well as understanding that it may take a while to get home following the eclipse. Be sure to travel safely if you will be venturing out on April 8th! Whatever your plan for The Great North American Eclipse may be, be sure to plan ahead! Our Event Join us on our 20 acres of private golf course grounds for the April 8th Solar Eclipse Viewing Event here at The Balmoral House in Fishers, Indiana! We welcome families, friend groups, and employee outings to the event. We also have our Cottage available for rental that day for groups looking to host a private viewing party. While we will have tickets available the day of the event, we recommend that you purchase tickets in advance as we will have a limit on the number of attendees. We hope to see you there for this spectacular occasion! Disclosure : This blog post was written for informational purposes only and is not intended to give legal or medical advice. All information, content and outside links should be viewed at your own risk. The reader assumes the risk of injury or liability resulting from the advice in this post and The Eaton Group LLC cannot be held liable for these damages.

Hey there, party enthusiasts! Life's all about those magical moments that make our hearts skip a beat and leave us craving for more. And guess what? Events are the secret ingredient to making those moments count! In this blog post, we're diving into the art of creating mind-blowing gatherings that connect people, evoke emotions, and forge memories that will stand the test of time. So grab your planner, get ready to take notes, and let's unlock the power of epic events together! #1. Forging Unbreakable Connections Meaningful Connections: Unveil the incredible potential of events to bring together kindred spirits, forming new friendships that will make your social circle bloom. Events provide an opportunity to bring people together, fostering connections, and creating lasting memories. The joy of celebrating with loved ones and forging new friendships is an essential part of a fulfilling life. According to The CMHA, Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk. Memories That Stick: Let's explore how celebrating with loved ones at events creates those epic, funny, and heartwarming memories that will be recounted for years to come. #2. Get Ready to Feel the Feels From Laughter to Happy Tears: Events have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from laughter and joy to tears of happiness. These emotional experiences leave an indelible mark on our lives, reminding us of the depth of human connection and the beauty of shared experiences. Embark on an emotional rollercoaster as we delve into the ability of events to elicit laughter, joy, and even the occasional happy tear. According to Swapcard, "What’s the key ingredient? ...The way get-togethers make people feel." The Beauty of Shared Experiences: Life is enriched by meaningful connections and shared moments with loved ones. Events provide an opportunity to bring people together, fostering bonds and creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. The profound impact of shared moments at events, reminding us of the beauty of human connections and the stories that weave us all together. #3. Let's Party Like There's No Tomorrow! Creating Unforgettable Moments: Unlock the secrets to crafting events that transcend the ordinary and become extraordinary, leaving your guests in awe and anticipation. Raise Your Glass to Milestones: According to Forbes, "Many of us don’t look for opportunities to celebrate our minor milestones. We deem them insignificant. Or, we’re so focused on the future, we don’t see what’s right in front of us." We all thrive on celebrations that mark significant milestones, achievements, and joyous occasions. Events allow us to honor and commemorate these special moments, providing a platform for appreciation, reflection, and shared happiness. Life is full of milestones and achievements that deserve to be celebrated. Whether it's a wedding, a birthday, or a promotion, marking these special occasions with a remarkable event adds depth and richness to our personal journeys. Time to honor life's big achievements and joyous occasions! Whether it's a wedding, a birthday bash, or a promotion party, let's make these milestones truly unforgettable! #4. Unleashing Your Inner Event Artist Get Your Creativity On: Events are a canvas for self-expression and creativity. Whether it's a wedding, corporate gathering, or a themed party, the act of designing an event allows individuals to showcase their unique style, vision, and personality, adding a touch of artistry to their lives. The power of self-expression as we explore how events become a canvas for showcasing your unique style, vision, and personality. According to Bizcommunity, "If you want people to remember your brand and event, you need a creative approach and innovative delivery. Remember 2+2=4 but then again, so does 3+1. There are different ways to get the same results." The Art of Mind-Blowing Event Design: Learn the tips and tricks of the trade to create events that leave guests speechless, with your creativity shining through every detail. #5. Escape, Relax, Repeat Time to Unwind: In the midst of our busy lives, events offer a chance to temporarily escape the daily routine and immerse ourselves in an atmosphere of enjoyment and relaxation. They provide a well-deserved break and an opportunity to rejuvenate, creating a balance between work and leisure. into a world of blissful escape as events provide the perfect opportunity to take a break from the daily grind and immerse yourself in pure enjoyment. Balancing Work and Play: According to Teambuilding Made Easy, "Taking a time-out is not something we should ever made to feel guilty about, in fact, having time spent relaxing and unwinding is majorly beneficial to productivity and our energy levels in the long run." Work place stress can creep up on the best of us, sometimes without us even realizing, which is why relaxing team building activities can be hugely beneficial to both you and your team.Discover the art of finding that sweet spot between work and leisure, where events offer a much-needed dose of relaxation and rejuvenation. #6. Networking That Rocks! Connections That Rule: Events serve as catalysts for networking, connecting individuals with like-minded people, potential collaborators, or even lifelong friends. They create a platform for forging new relationships and expanding personal and professional networks. Dive into the power of networking at events, connecting with like-minded individuals who may become lifelong friends or invaluable collaborators. Building Bridges to Awesomeness: Explore how events provide a platform for expanding your personal and professional networks, paving the way for exciting opportunities and new adventures. Congratulations, you've just unlocked the secret formula for creating events that leave a lasting impact! From forging unbreakable connections and unleashing a spectrum of emotions to celebrating life's milestones with a bang, events have the power to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. So go forth, my fellow event enthusiasts, and let your creativity shine as you curate unforgettable experiences. It's time to raise the bar, make memories that will be cherished for years to come, and leave a trail of epic events in your wake. Get ready to rock the event world like never before!

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life. You've planned everything down to the tiniest detail to make sure it's perfect. However, when it comes to table linens, you might be thinking of cutting costs by doing it yourself. But trust us, renting your table linens is a much better option. Here's why: Photo by Complete Weddings & Events Stunning Tables at Every Price Point Table linens set the tone for your reception space. By renting, you can choose from a range of styles and colors to fit your vision and budget. You can have stunning tables starting at very little cost, making it an excellent way to save money on your wedding while still achieving a beautiful look. Photo by Aubrey Lynn Photography Sustainable and Cost-Effective If you're a sustainable bride, renting table linens aligns perfectly with your mindset. By choosing to rent, you're not only saving money but also reducing waste by not buying something that you'll only use once. Plus, it's hassle-free since the rental company will take care of cleaning the linens after the wedding. Photo by Aubrey Lynn Photography Get the Right Fit Choosing the right linen size for your table can be a daunting task. But don't worry, rental companies can help you get it right. There are specific sizes you should select for certain table sizes, and if you don't do this, the table linens will not look right! You don't want to end up like this couple who decided to buy their linens and ended up selecting the wrong sizes and didn't have enough linens. Luckily, they were able to order the linens last minute, but that is not at all normally the case, especially if you select a custom linen or something that is not standard. Photo by Cait Potter Photo Upgrade Your Linens It's not that much extra money to upgrade your linens from the basic ones. Upgraded linens can add an extra touch of elegance to your wedding décor and make your tables look more luxurious. Tips for Selecting the Perfect Wedding Linens: https://www.marthastewart.com/7875154/tips-selecting-perfect-wedding-linens Photo by Kari Hillman Photography Conclusion In conclusion, renting your table linens is a smart and cost-effective choice that can help you achieve the look you want for your wedding reception. Don't be afraid to upgrade your linens for a touch of luxury. With rental companies like one of our preferred vendors, A Classic Party Rentals, you can find a wide range of options that fit your vision and budget. if you're ready to rent, contact A Classic Party Rentals today to get started! https://www.aclassicpartyrental.com/

To all the brides out there who have been on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue, when it comes to selecting a venue, the bridal suite is just about as important as the ceremony and reception spaces! If you've been on the search for a while, you'll know that not all bridal suites are created equal. What sets the truly exceptional venues apart is their attention to detail, especially when it comes to the bridal suite. A great bridal suite is more than just a place to get ready. It's a sanctuary where the bride can escape the chaos of the day and prepare for the most important moment of her life. Here's what you should be looking for: a bridal suite that offers three distinct spaces - a prep room, a photo op space, and an area for food and drinks. Let me explain why these three spaces are so critical. 1. The Prep Room: First and foremost, the prep room should be a comfortable and spacious area where the bride and her bridal party can get ready. It should have plenty of mirrors, good lighting, and comfortable seating. And of course, a private bathroom is a must-have. The prep room is where the magic happens, and it's important that the bride has everything she needs to feel confident and relaxed. A wedding day emergency kit is also a must have! According to Brides.com, in an article by Kate Donovan, she shares 20 emergency items that brides need in 2023! https://www.brides.com/story/things-to-pack-in-wedding-emergency-kit A good emergency kit could include safety pins, wine-out & instant stain remover, mints, comfort insoles, lint roller, earring backs, hairspray, lip balm, bobby pins, band-aids, portable charger, and Q-tips. Adding a blue tooth speaker available for the brides and bridesmaids to use to play tunes is also a bonus! 2. The Photo Op Space: The second space in a great bridal suite is a photo op area; a charming sitting room where the bride and her lovely bridesmaids can strike adorable poses, mimosa in hand. This chic space also features a convenient area for the photographer to hang the dress, ensuring that every detail is captured flawlessly. And for the icing on the cake, this room provides the perfect backdrop for a priceless family first look, free from any pesky purses or clutter. Cheers to a picture-perfect day! 3. The Area for Food and Drinks: Last but not least, a great bridal suite should have an area for food and drinks. A customizable mimosa or coffee bar and a selection of snacks and light bites are a great way to keep everyone fueled up and energized. And if there's room for a small kitchenette or bar area, even better! In conclusion, a great bridal suite is essential for any bride's big day. And when a venue takes the time to create three distinct spaces for the prep, photo ops, and food and drinks, it shows that they truly care about their brides and want to make their day as special as possible.

Tradition has us accustomed to the concept of a Saturday wedding. There are actually six other days of the week that may turn out to be the perfect day for your dream wedding. As a wedding venue in Indianapolis fielding the questions of newly engaged couples everyday, we wanted to offer some other options for you to think about as you plan your wedding. Have you thought about getting married on the anniversary of when you first met? Or perhaps it would be magical if you married on your proposal-versary? Limiting yourself to a Saturday wedding might not allow you to do this, plus, a significant date is far more meaningful than a date chosen out of necessity. We will give you six reasons why it might be worth considering one of these alternative wedding days! 1: Greater Availability at your Dream Wedding Venue Booking a Saturday wedding in September or October typically needs to be done at least a full year in advance to guarantee availability in Indianapolis. Fridays and Sundays have become much more popular, but prime dates can still be easier to find within a year. Over the past couple of years, we have hosted a number of Monday, Thursday and even Tuesday night weddings. Typically these wedding dates are chosen due to a specific significant date to the couple or their family. The other reason to choose a weekday is our reason number 2. 2: Save Money on your Wedding Venue The cost of your wedding venue will probably be one of the largest expenses in your wedding budget and typically your first major decision. Saturday weddings across the board cost more due to the demand. While venues may differ on how significantly alternative wedding dates are priced, a non-Saturday will always save you money. At The Balmoral House, Fridays and Sundays have their own price list and Monday-Thursday are nearly half the price of Saturday. If your where matters more than your when, a shift of a day or two can bring that dream wedding venue into your reality budget. 3: Add Extra Special Touches to your Wedding Day The savings you could achieve by booking your wedding venue during the week could mean you have room in your budget for some extra special wedding touches. What is on your wish list? A wedding coordinator, specialty cocktail bar, amazing event decor? Or, consider upgrading your wedding catering or why not schedule a special ice cream dessert or food truck? How about a firework display to add a spectacular end to your day? 4: Wide Selection of available Weddings Vendors Is your heart set on a dream cake? That perfect ceremony arch and event decor? Or perhaps you love how a specific photographer works and are desperate to have them capture your wedding day. The best wedding vendors tend to be in high demand and you won’t want to compromise on your dream vendors because they have already been booked on your wedding day. Choose a mid-week date and your chances of getting your first choice in wedding vendors increases greatly. 5: Save Your Wedding Guests Money Not only can you achieve some significant savings as a couple, but you can also save your guests money by booking a mid-week wedding. Your wedding guests may need to stay in a hotel overnight and room rates even at the most luxury hotels may drop during the week. Many groups at The Balmoral House enjoy the convenience of Courtyard by Marriott, which even offers shuttle service to our venue. Getting to your wedding may also be less busy for your guests during the week in terms of traffic, transportation, and flights. 6: Wedding Week extends the fun Rather than limit your celebration to just one day, you can plan a full weekend of events for your family and friends that have come together to celebrate your union. A Friday wedding can continue throughout the weekend. The other side is you can pre-celebrate all weekend with get togethers around town and let your wedding be the big finale on Sunday before everyone travels back home. This is one of our favorite options. A Sunday afternoon wedding complete with mimosa bar and brunch is a fun and affordable way to celebrate your union. No matter what day you choose to hold your wedding, the date will be celebrated each year going forward. The Balmoral House looks forward to helping you to bring your vision to life as the venue for your dream wedding. To schedule a tour, just click here. You can also call or email our Venue Manager, Sarah, 317-288-8741 or sarah@thebalmoralhouse.com.

For many couples, the wedding is the biggest event of their lives. And with so much pressure to make it perfect, it's no wonder that wedding trends change every year. One of the biggest trends in recent years has been the move away from traditional venues like hotels and banquet halls. More and more couples are opting for unique experiences. Couples are increasingly looking for ways to make their wedding day memorable and personal. This might mean anything from hiring a live band to serving signature cocktails, Shutterfly offers several unique ideas. This trend is likely due to the desire for a more personal and intimate wedding. Another big trend we're seeing is a return to classic elegance. Couples are shying away from over-the-top designs and opting for a more timeless look. This includes everything from classic wedding gowns to simple, sophisticated décor. The Balmoral House provides an elegant setting that can be personalized with your colors and decor, click here to view our gallery. Finally, we're seeing a focus on sustainable practices. More and more couples are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, from choosing local and seasonal flowers to opting for recycled materials. Click to read - 50+ Beautiful Eco-Friendly, Zero Waste + Sustainable Wedding Ideas So whatever your wedding style, there's sure to be a trend that you can embrace. And who knows? Maybe you'll even start a trend of your own. For information about booking your wedding at The Balmoral House, click here or email info@thebalmoralhouse.com. You can also setup a private tour of the venue.

How to Plan a company gathering & what you can expect The Balmoral House has 10,000 sq. feet of event space available to accommodate a variety of events. As well as 20+ acres are beautifully landscaped grounds in Fishers, Indiana. We cordially invite your company to schedule our new event package option: The Corporate Picnic. We are now booking for Summer 2022. We open dates Monday-Sunday in June, July, & August. This is not your traditional picnic. It will be an elegant, outdoor dining experience on our garden patio. Your Corporate Picnic Location Our garden patio is the perfect location for your corporate picnic. The ideal outdoor event location surrounded by our beautifully landscaped greenery. Our garden patio can accommodate 15 round tables with 10 chairs at each table, allowing for up to 150 guests. Catering: We have four caterers for our Balmoral House space. They are City BBQ, A Cut Above, Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering, & Mills Catering. They offer buffet or plated options depending on your preference. They have a variety of menus depending on your preference. They can accommodate a variety of courses. Our buffet location is just inside the doors off the garden patio in our retreat. Bar Options: The Balmoral House has a variety of bar options to fit the beverage needs of your corporate picnic. We have licensed bartenders on staff. We have the House Bar consisting of your choice of House wines and domestic beers options. Our Hops and Vines bar adds imported and craft beers to the domestic beer options, and upgrades to premium wines options. Finally, the Spirits Bar includes all the Hops & Vine options, plus a full assortment of Premium Spirits & mixers. Our bar pricing is based on your choice of open, cash, or consumption pricing. Our Celebration Hall Bar Location is located on the Lower Level just inside from the Garden Patio or we can setup an outdoor bar area for your picnic. In Case of Inclement Weather: We understand that the weather does not always cooperate, and we have an indoor space, Eaton Hall, that can accommodate 15 tables and 150 guests just like the garden patio. There is a location for buffet just off Eaton Hall as well. We can gladly switch your booking to indoor if needed, our Venue Managers will work with you to make a decision. Booking: We have a lovely team of event sales staff that would be glad to work with you to select the perfect day and time for your corporate picnic. They can meet with you to plan out all the details needed for a successful event. We recommend booking 2-3 months in advance to secure your date. A 4-to-8-hour rental would be ideal to make the most of your corporate picnic.

We are here to host the birthday party of your dreams. Whether it is for you, or a surprise for someone you care about. The Balmoral House is a place where you can hold a variety of events to celebrate with those you love! We are here for every birthday milestone. From Quincenera to a 100th birthday celebration and every year in between. At the Balmoral House we can accommodate guests in our variety of spaces from under 40 guests at our Cottage and to up to 150 guests in Eaton Hall located in The Balmoral House. How to Plan the Perfect Birthday Party: Start planning Two Months in advance Select Your Guest List Choose a Date and Time Select a Location Pick a Theme or Décor Style Buy decorations Reserve any additional vendors (décor, linens, balloons) Pick a menu: Select a Caterer Plated, Buffett, Food Stations Select your desserts Cake, Cookies, Donuts, assorted Create Your Event Timeline Set up Party Hours Eating Cake and Presents Activities Tear Down Planning your Party with The Balmoral House: A Cottage Birthday Party The Cottage holds up to 40 guests and is conveniently located in Fishers, Indiana just off Allisonville Road. Our Venue Managers will help you chose the appropriate setup and timeline for your event. There are a variety of variety of bar packages available. You can even add on our famous MIMOSA BAR! With the more casual setting and DIY options at The Cottage, you have the flexibility to use any caterer for your food and dessert service. We will provide the tables and chairs. You just need to provide any decor and your guests for a wonderful celebration. A Balmoral House Birthday Party When holding a birthday party in The Balmoral House we will set up and tear down the event for you. You will have the option to rent linens from us. Like the cottage, there are bar packages available to choose if you wish. Any food in The Balmoral House will have to be provided from our list of caterers. You will coordinate the menu with them, and they will come day of and set the tables for desired dining. As well as serve the food. The Balmoral House is our largest space to accommodate up to 150 guests. This is our most popular space for weddings and large events, so spots fill up quickly be sure to book in advance.

Planning your wedding day timeline can seem stressful, but with these tips, you should have all the information you need to help you plan the day of your dreams. What are some of the key timeline points for planning your wedding day? Know your priorities and work the rest of the schedule around them for the day. Things to consider are: ● making sure vendors arrive in time ● travel time between locations ● bridal party prep - need extra time for hair and makeup in Bridal Suite or off site ● first look before the ceremony ● time for special photos - before and/or after ceremony ● cocktail hour so you can enjoy some time with your guests before the reception ● first dance, other special dances and toasts ● wedding couple send off with guests ● tear down with vendors and who is responsible for tear down of personal items How do you typically collaborate with couples and vendors on the timeline? It is helpful to review contracts as you book with your vendors and incorporate them into the timeline. The Venue Planning meeting at The Balmoral House with your Venue Manager is also an excellent time to finalize details such as the timeline and floor plan. We also invite couples to attend our Tour Tuesday open houses to meet with other vendors and discuss details of the day, especially if it is a vendor that has not worked at The Balmoral House previously. If you are working with a coordinator will they typically develop the timeline? Yes. If you are working with a third-party planner or coordinator they will work through the timeline with you. We will also work with them to ensure that any plans meet The Balmoral House guidelines. We also invite you to bring your planner to the Venue Planning meeting, if desired, so that all parties understand the timeline for the day. Build in time to be late You want to make sure that you have adequate time for each of the things you want to do. Examples of this are specific photo requests, time to spend a moment alone with your spouse, special dances, and anything else you may want to do! Be sure to build in buffer time throughout the day in case anything runs late. When should the timeline be finalized? The Venue Planning meeting is when we go over all final details. This meeting is typically about 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding day with your Venue Manager. What information should be included in the timeline? ● vendor names and contact information ● vendor arrival/departure times ● when they will be setup and teardown ● important photo opportunities ● when the wedding party and couple should be ready for each stage of the day ● transition times of events ● main events such as ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, first dance, toasts and send off Who should this document be shared with? ● Wedding Couple ● Parents ● Wedding Party ● The Balmoral House ● Vendors We can’t wait to host the wedding of your dreams. If you do not have someone in your wedding party to designate as a coordinator for your day, The Balmoral House now offers Day of Coordination services to help you both create your timeline and assist with keeping your wedding day on track. Click here to contact our Venue Managers or call 317-288-8741 for complete details.

Each year there are definitely trends that will become clear in the weddings that we host at The Balmoral House. 2021 is no different. We wanted to share a few popular blogs from noted wedding sites of what they predict the trends to be. As we being to hold Venue Planning Meetings with our engaged couples there are a few things we have noticed, and wanted to share as well. The Top Wedding Trends of 2021 from The Knot Welcome to the Year of Intentionality. The Only 2021 Wedding Trends You Need to Know - WeddingWire Our top 2021 wedding trends are all about thinking big—even if your guest list might be a little smaller. From bold decor to an emphasis on entertainment, 2021 weddings are all about making a statement. The Biggest Wedding Trends to Expect in 2021 from Brides New year, new ideas. Top 10 2021 Wedding Colors Trends You Shouldn’t Miss Wedding Colors - Complete Guide + Popular Palette & Trends for 2021 Top 5 Balmoral House Trends The wedding ceremony is based in tradition. We have seen a shift in the popular colors in ceremony and reception design. So far this year, dusty rose and porcelain blue is popular where burgundy and navy once ruled. Brighter, bolder colors have taken a priority. Custom decorated arches have become a popular backdrop in both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. The Balmoral House has a traditional wrought-iron arch that can be used and customized with florals, greens, fabrics to give a unique look. We can also recommend several wedding decor companies that have arches in unique shapes and materials. Although our venue is already smaller scale, with an upper capacity of 150, couples are choosing to have smaller receptions that originally planned. Weddings with 80-120 guests is a bit of a sweet spot for our venue. With guest counts in this range there is plenty of space for guests to still socially distance if they choose, and have a variety of settings for ceremony, cocktail hour, reception and dancing. The idea of having time and space for mingling has also grown in popularity. Having a time between ceremony and reception to spend in Celebration Hall or out on the Grand Deck with a Cocktail Hour and passed appetizers allows the wedding party time to take extra photos and guests to have a bite and a drink at their leisure. Reception dining has also transformed since shutdown. We are seeing a shift from the traditional self-serve buffet setup and more individually portioned dishes and plated catering options. Similarly, desserts are frequently served as individual dishes rather than one large sliced wedding cake. The biggest shift in wedding planning is that there are no rules. Life was put on hold for so long, couples are making the choice to begin a new life together on their terms. It may look different than originally planned, but as we have continued holding events it is just important to continue celebrating life's milestones.

Bridal Showers are a traditional way for a bride's wedding party, friends and family to celebrate the Bride prior to the Wedding Day. These pre-wedding celebrations create lasting memories before moving from single to married life. Bridal Showers are fun, but they can also be a lot of work for those hosting them. The Balmoral House is excited to be able to offer several options to host Showers at either The Cottage or The Balmoral House. While a Bridal Shower is not a new idea, it is one that can be personalized to cater to the brides life or use a great theme! Bridal Showers and Bachelorette Parties are a chance to bid farewell to single life and celebrate and welcome the new beginning of married life. How to Host A Bridal Shower Traditionally, a Bridal Shower is hosted by the Maid or Matron of Honor. Often now, brides will have multiple showers with smaller circles of friends and family, so anyone can decide to host a bridal shower. Here are some things to consider during your planning: · Beginning and ending times: Make sure that when you write out the invitation, you’re specific about when people may arrive and when the party is over. Even if you’re hosting a casual open house style party, you need to be precise, or you might have a difficult time getting folks to leave. You can typically plan for bridal showers to last 2-3 hours. We recommend reserving a space for at least 4 hours to allow time to setup and teardown of catering, decorations, etc. · Invitations: You can send out printed invitations, online invitations or email, to let people know about the event. · Themes: You can have a bride focused theme, or there are lots of fun & festive themes you can choose to help decide decorations and activities for your party! · Decorations: There are countless ways to decorate depending on if you want a traditional wedding themed shower or unique themed event. Be sure to check with your Venue Manager about what materials are allowed for decorating. · Refreshments: Serve mostly finger foods and a couple of beverage options. Setting up food stations with the guest of honor’s favorites can be fun. Or you can serve a meal for a more formal event. Whether or not you choose to offer alcohol is up to you, but it does need to be provided by The Balmoral House. Many people enjoy celebrating such joyous events with champagne toast, mimosa bar, specialty drinks or full open bar. · Games and entertainment: Click here for some free printable bridal shower games will make your bridal shower lots of fun with no chance of the guests getting bored. There are both classic and unique bridal shower games here so you should be able to find just what you're looking for. The Balmoral House can also provide some outdoor lawn games if you would like to enjoy the outdoors. Deciding Between The Cottage and The Balmoral House There are a few key differences between The Cottage and The Balmoral House. This was designed intentionally and allows hosts to select the venue that fits their style and budget. The Cottage: A casual-chic atmosphere. Accommodates up to 40 guests indoors. Small outdoor wrap-around deck Choice of Any Caterer Self-Setup options for a budget-friendly event Full Setup, Bar Service & Staffing available upon request The Balmoral House: An elegant space with multiple rooms. Accommodates up to 150 guests indoors or outdoors. Access to 20+ acres of Grounds Catering provided by choice of 7 Exclusive Caterers The Balmoral House staff on site for event Expectations for Guests If you’ve been invited to a Bridal Shower, the hosts probably have very few expectations, other than the opportunity to share congratulations with their expectant bride. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring a gift for the new couple. Here are some great gifts to bring to a Bridal Shower: · Many couples will already have a wedding registry completed before Bridal Shower to make choosing a household gift much simpler. · Picture frames are always handy for all the wedding photos to come. · A custom wall hanging with their new married last name, if they are changing their name. · A gift basket of honeymoon essentials or a beauty box subscriptions are fun, more contemporary gift ideas. · A gift card to a favorite restaurant, because wedding planning is a long process and a couple preplanned date nights are always welcome. It’s Not When You Celebrate, It’s That You Celebrate Our staff is working with all our event hosts to ensure that all events understand all safety procedures and any possible government restrictions. The Balmoral House looks forward to working with you to make a plan for the most joyous event for your friends and family.

The most important part of the day is the wedding, but the reception is the celebration of that wedding! The Balmoral House is an alcoholic beverage licensed venue and able to provide any alcoholic beverages served for your special day! Our talented staff of bartenders can serve beer, wine, spirits and specialty cocktails. We have created several bar packages to make your event planning easier. Each package features different options to fit different tastes. There are 4 packages to choose: House, Craft, Wine and Spirits. Our bar packages allow couples to select up to three House or Premium wines of your choice, as well as special order options. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, a little bit of bubbly? To assist with your decision making we offer a wine tasting to make a more informed decision at your venue selection meeting. Our beer options do change slightly from year to year as tastes change. Every package includes up to 3 domestic beer choices, including newer additions of Michelob Ultra and Yuengling. And by popular demand, White Claw seltzers have been added to our selections. We continue to feature local Indiana breweries including Sun King, Four Day Ray and new this year - 3 Floyds. For those not local to Indy – here a little info on our featured local breweries: Sun King Brewing Company is an Indianapolis-based craft brewery with a focus on continually creating traditional seasonal and unique specialty beer. Sun King rolled our first keg of beer out of the door in July 2009 and since that time has grown into one of Indiana’s largest and most award-winning breweries, with multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival® and the World Beer Cup®. Sunlight – Sun King Brewing Sunlight Cream Ale celebrates American brewing tradition by balancing smooth malt complexity with a crisp, clean finish. Wee Mac – Sun King Brewing Wee Mac Scottish-style Ale is an enticing and malty brown ale with caramel, cocoa, and hazelnut character balanced with toffee undertones. Four Day Ray Brewing is a gastropub located in Fishers, Indiana. Beer is what we make but community is what we create. The moments you remember aren’t just about the beer you’re drinking they’re about the people you are enjoying your beer with. That is why giving back to our community is one of our main core values. We have made it our mission to contribute to charitable causes that make a difference locally and globally. Blood Orange Blonde | Four Day Ray Brewing Track Jumper IPA | Four Day Ray Brewing Brewer of some of the most insane and delicious craft beers in the world. Three Floyds Brewing is a brewery founded in 1996 by brothers Nick and Simon and their father Mike Floyd in Hammond, Indiana. Since 2000, the brewery has been located in Munster, Indiana. Gumballhead – 3 Floyds Brewing American Pale Wheat Ale Our selection of Premium Spirits is top-notch and remains unchanged. There are no selections required here, you receive our full assortment of well-known brands: Grey Goose, Tito’s, Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, Bacardi, Malibu, Captain Morgan, Patron, José Cuervo, Hennessey, Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Crown Royal, Maker’s Mark, Johnnie Walker, Disaronno, Cointreau. We also offer custom signature cocktails & toasting options. If you have any special order requests, our bar manager will do all they can to accommodate. Once you have selected one of the bar packages you can discuss your choices with your Venue Manager to get complete pricing.