Search Results

Selecting your wedding décor is where you can really let your unique personality and style show through. Using an arch or arbor can create a focal point for entries or exits or most often a backdrop for the ceremony exchange of vows. The Balmoral House includes a traditional wrought-iron arch with all of our weddings. Dress it up with fabric, florals, greens or keep it simple and natural for a classic, timeless look. There are also several other arch styles that are gaining popularity. Many couples may choose to DIY their own unique arch or rent one from a wedding décor company like Blue Blossom, Nerdy Fox or Sparkling Decor and More. Geometric Backdrops Geometric backdrops can create a sleek and more modern style. Hexagons, triangles, squares, diamonds and all kinds of geometric touches, lines and shapes are right what you need to make your ceremony space trendy. Geometric arbors can be made of metal or wood for a more rustic feel. The decorations may be located on the arch, on its corners, at the base, on different parts of the arch. A geometric backdrop is easy to style for any wedding and colors, from a rustic to a minimalist or modern wedding, and can be placed both indoors and outdoors. Circle Arches Oversized circle arches are one of the hottest trends and is gaining popularity. Typically made of metal they can be left bare for a modern look, or covered in florals for a lush background. This is a bold look and the large sweeping curve can give a fantastic soft, romantic look. Fabrics And Macrame Backdrops Satin and chiffon or tulle can be used to create a soft romantic backdrop for a ceremony or photo spot. If you are a boho couple, a macramé wedding backdrop or arch is right what you need! It can be an indoor or an outdoor one. There are many ways to style a textile backdrop, besides, you can DIY it yourself to make your wedding more personalized. Arch details and backdrops work to pull your décor concept and wedding style together, create amazing photo opportunities – can be designed for any decor and style. So have some fun and find the backdrop that’s perfect for your special day!

Choosing a photographer may not be at the top of your priority list for wedding vendors, but it should. Long after the music stops and the cake is gone – it’s the photos that will live on and hold the tangible memories of your wedding day. There are a vast number of photographers from single camera amateurs to full professional crews to choose from. We have a few criteria you can use to select the photographer that is right for you. What is your Wedding Photo Style? Wedding photography can be categorized in one of three distinct styles: Traditional/Classic, Artistic/Dramatic and Photojournalist. And while some photographers specialize in one category, some may crossover or work in collaboration to be able to provide you multiple styles that blend perfectly together. 1. Traditional/Classic A Traditional or Classic style is focused on a more portrait-based photography. Photos may be likely to stand the test of time, perhaps a little more formal in structure and reminiscent of your parent’s or grandparent’s wedding albums. These photographers will typically have a standard list of traditional moments to capture throughout the day. They will still include some candid and action shots, but they will be well composed, and capture the moments of the wedding couple, party, family, and guests rather than getting in the mix to create moments. Photography by Rakoteet Photography 2. Artistic/Dramatic Artistic photography can actually be quite fun. There is no set shot list, it’s more about finding unique moments, interesting composition, perfect lighting. It will not be a lot of full frame portraits, but a more candid style with some direction and styling. You can also incorporate unique filters to give your wedding photos a distinct look and feel. If you are planning a sunrise or sunset wedding, it may make sense to find a photographer who excels in capturing that lighting – or being able to create light if your wedding day doesn’t naturally provide it. Photography by Sean x Molly Photography 3. Photojournalistic A photojournalist wedding photographer is going to capture your day as it happens. They will work to find the special moments and record them. There will be close-ups, candids, and capturing the expressions and reactions of wedding party and guests. There will undoubtably be a few portraits and group shots, but their goal will be to tell the story and feeling of the day through their photos. Photography by Holly Lea Photography Every photographer has their own distinct lens. Before you select a photographer be sure you spend some time on their website, social media or in person to look through their portfolio or work. Be sure you can see at least a 1-2 complete weddings, preferably ones similar to the wedding you have planned. If your wedding is outdoors, view their outdoor photography. A professional photographer will be able to consistently take amazing photos that capture every part of your wedding day. Finding the right style and the right photographer will provide you the beautiful reminders that will last you a lifetime. If you have questions about wedding photography or scheduling additional engagement or family photo sessions at The Balmoral House, please contact one of our Venue Managers at 317-288-8741 or email info@thebalmoralhouse.com.

2020 has been so full of uncertainty. We want to be sure that at The Balmoral House we continue to stay up to date on the changing restrictions to help plan and make adjustments as required for each one of our guests. The fortunate thing is that our doors are open. From elopements, to mini-weddings with 20 guests to full 150+ weddings, we are once again able to host these amazingly beautiful events. Amazingly, we have actually witnessed more couples than ever beginning their lives together this year. There are several things to consider as you host any event in Indianapolis in these tumultuous times. This starts with creating your guest list. Guests lists are always a very tricky thing to plan and predict, never more so than in the coming months. We have a few tips on handling your guest list and how it can affect your vendors and contracts. Wedding Planner/Coordinator: This is the first step to take before even adjusting or addressing your guest list. If you have a planner, talk to this person directly about how they would recommend navigating this situation, given restrictions are different per county, per month. While having a coordinator for your wedding day is always a great way to relieve pressure and stress from the wedding couple and party, now having a coordinator can also help monitor the safety and sanitizing of your guests, vendors and venue. Invitations: For formal events, printed and mailed invitations are still the standard. It is very helpful to create a special website for your event and include this site on invitations as a way to communicate with guests and send out any changes or safety mandates for the wedding location. There are a vast number of sites providing custom websites including: Zola.com, minted.com, or theknot.com. Venue: Your venue is typically rented for a specific space and time. Your initial guest count will determine your space and pricing. The actual guest attendance will not change your contract agreement. If your agreement must be changed or cancelled, you will want to contact your event manager as soon as possible to find out any options and fees involved. Catering & Bar Service: This is the service most affected by changes in guest counts. It is important to stay in communication with any food and beverage vendors. Be sure to ask about any services, such as buffets, that may be required changes or additional staffing to maintain safety standards. Make note of any food or beverage minimums and the date for final selections and guest counts. After this date, you will be held to those final guest counts. Officiant/DJ/Entertainment: Besides the wedding couple, the officiant is the most important attendee for the day. Entertainment vendors are all contracted for a specific time and while some of the details may change depending on your guest count, your contract is not guest count based. Photographer/Videographer: Photography is a service that is typically priced by time and will not change based on guest counts. One thing to note, many couples are actually choosing to upgrade their photography packages or include a videographer or other virtual component to their events to accommodate guests that are not able to attend in person. Florist/Decor: In order for your florist to figure out how many centerpieces, bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres you’ll need, they will have to have a guest count. Changes in guest count may also change your orders for table décor and favors. Linen, glassware and silverware rentals will also be communicated to your caterer or rental company. Since guest list adjustments are increasingly prevalent depending on where you plan to host the wedding, collectively the wedding industry has become more accommodating and creative in providing you the wedding of your dreams at any size. Contact a Venue Manager at The Balmoral House for more details (317-288-8741 or info@thebalmoralhouse.com).

This year has been turned upside down and we need to look at how we live our lives a little different. While we have had several holidays since COVID hit in March, but fortunately they have been in warm weather months that allow outdoor gatherings. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays will certainly bring new complications. While families will still want to gather for traditional meals, many will not necessarily want to host large group of people in their homes. Restaurants may have private rooms, but otherwise can be noisy and busy without room to socialize. An event venue may offer the perfect balance of private and safe, while relieving hosts from some of the traditional headaches. The Balmoral House is happy to open their doors for private parties. We have two great options: Eaton Hall, which can accommodate groups from 20-80, and The Cottage for groups of 40 or less. A few advantages to planning your holiday gathering with a private rental space: Elegant atmosphere – enjoy the on-site décor or bring in your own Large, open space to spread out and enjoy dining, games, gifts, dancing, and more Ample parking Venue open exclusively to your guests during rental time Venue Manager to assist with event timeline, selections and layouts On-site staff to clean and sanitize throughout event Tables and chairs provided Setup and tear down provided Custom menu options through catering Staff provides beverage and food service and clean up The holidays are complicated, let The Balmoral House take one more worry off your plate. If you are interested in learning more about Holiday events at The Balmoral House, click here, call 317-288-8741 or email info@thebalmoralhouse.com for pricing and availability.

In the spirit of fun while social distancing, The Balmoral House outdoor spaces are very popular to create an elegant setting that is safe for their guests. We invite you to think about how you can modify your plans to create the celebration of your dreams at the Balmoral House. Here are a few ideas to consider: Hold your ceremony outdoors - we have options on the Grand Deck, Garden Patio or Waterfront Pergola “Keep Calm and Sanitize” - Cute social distancing signage ideas Social Bands are wristbands to allow guests to silently indicate their social distancing preference Outdoor yard games let your guests spend time outside and still have a fun activity. The Balmoral House includes Giant Jenga, Cornhole and bocce ball games, if requested. Expand your cocktail hour to include more outside seating on the Garden Patio or Grand Deck Consider an outdoor reception on the Garden Patio

After your exchange of vows, your reception is technically the first celebration with family and friends as a married couple. Selecting your reception catering is vital piece of the wedding planning process. The Balmoral House has a wide variety of caterers to fulfill a wide range of pricing and cuisine. By using our preferred caterers, you can take comfort in knowing they are each familiar with The Balmoral House and all that goes with it from the standards and rules to room setup. While each caterer has exceptional service, the choice really depends on your own taste and menu preferences. We highly recommend contacting each caterer with your vision of the reception to see which may fit, and then request a proposal and plan a tasting with those caterers. Tastings should be scheduled after reviewing menu options with the dishes you most consider selecting. While there is some merit to tasting general items from the caterer’s menu, it is always best to taste the exact items that will be prepared. By sampling the caterer’s food, it will give you a chance to taste the catering and also to experience how it will be presented. This is also a great time to meet with the Chef and determine how flexible they are to your needs. All items can be adjusted to your own tastes, so make sure your feedback is taken seriously. Ask about how they handle any special requirements or restrictions as well. Also, try not to schedule more than one tasting session on any particular day. Trying too many dishes on one day can dull your taste buds as well as, you may have difficulty remembering which caterer prepared which dish. After each tasting session, take notes on the dishes you prepared and your opinions of these dishes. You might also want to assign a numerical rating from one to ten for each dish. It is important that you do this immediately after each session so that you are sure to remember the details as well as your opinions of the food. After your final tasting session, you will want to compare notes from all of the previous tasting sessions. The Balmoral House Catering Partners: A Cut Above Catering 317-575-9514 City Barbecue Catering 317-473-5850 Indy Fresh Catering 317-605-1200 Jacquie's Gourmet Catering 317-283-2776 Catering by Jonathan Byrd's 317-689-2087 MBP Distinctive Catering 317-636-4444 Mills Catering 317-254-0705

The wedding industry is constantly changing, and as a venue, it is our responsibility to change along with it. As many couples are considering smaller, more intimate weddings, The Balmoral House has created a new Saturday Sunrise Elopement Package. Through the current uncertainties - the ability to begin your lives together as a married couple should not have to wait. Historically elopement was used to refer to a marriage conducted in sudden and secretive fashion, usually involving a hurried flight away from one's place of residence together with one's beloved with the intention of getting married. More recently its been used to describe destination weddings with far-off locals. Now, elopement have been used to describe weddings for couples that want to proceed with small, intimate ceremonies in lieu of larger ceremonies after the COVID-19 pandemic. This new option relieves worries and concerns about guests ability to attend, host large events, restrictions on timelines and more. Some couples are also opting to hold a larger receptions at a later date or even hold a one year anniversary celebration with all of their loved ones present. We hope that with this new flexibility we can offer additional wedding dates on our calendar and assist you in planning your event with the elegance that The Balmoral House strives to achieve for all our events. Our Saturday Sunrise Elopement package is designed for the wedding couple, officiant, photographer and up to 20 guests. Saturdays: 8-10am or 9-11am Choice of Ceremony Site: Beach Pergola (Outdoor) or The Cottage (Indoor) Included with each Elopement: Meeting with our Venue Manager 2 Hours On-Site at The Cottage & Beach Pergola Access to our 24-acre property with your photographer Event Staff on property during Ceremony Celebration Toast: Two bottles of House bubbly served by Balmoral House staff Complete Package is only $500. Please call 317.288.8741 or email info@thebalmoralhouse.com for complete details and availability.

College send-off parties are a fun way to create lasting memories with friends and family before moving away and starting this new chapter. They're a great way to celebrate the end of summer, but they can also be a lot of work for those hosting them. The Balmoral House is happy to be able to offer these College send-off parties this year. As our lives continue to be postponed, it does not mean we should not celebrate our milestones! Typically June can become full of Graduation Open Houses and commemorating the end of High School careers. With uncertainties this year, we want to offer an alternative – celebrate with a College Send-Off during the end of July or August! While a College Send-Off Party is not a new idea, it is one that we expect will gain popularity this year! The Balmoral House staff is still working to ensure that all events scheduled after the stay at home restrictions are lifted are fully planned and prepared once we are allowed to reopen our doors. How a College Send-Off Is Different from a Graduation Open House Most Graduation Open Houses and occur as soon as classes are completed or graduation is help. However, a College Send-Off occurs at the end of Summer, before the graduate begins their next adventure. Timing is the only real difference. The details of the event are purely up to your preference. How to Host A College Send-Off You can send out invitations, either in the mail or via e-vite, to let people know about the party. Since the graduate is the main attraction, you don’t have to decorate as elaborately or plan a lot of entertainment. 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. · Themes: You can have a school focused theme, or there are lots of fun & festive themes you can choose to help decide decorations and activities for your party! · Decorations: A collegiate centerpiece and a festive tablecloth, along with some streamers or balloons are all you need for decorations. · 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 or full bar if you event will have more adult guests than graduate friends. · Games and entertainment: Most people attending will want to give well wishes to the graduate, so you don’t have to plan any special activities. The Balmoral House can provide some outdoor lawn games, and some guests enjoy having a DJ to provide music and serve as an emcee if you plan to have toasts or want to direct guests throughout the party. Expectations for Guests If you’ve been invited to a College Send-Off party, the hosts probably have very few expectations, other than the opportunity to share congratulations with their recent graduate. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring a gift to send with the graduate. Since this is their first time living away from home, items for a dorm or first apartment are always helpful. Here are some great gifts to bring to a College Send-Off: · A personalized keepsake from High School memories. · A sweatshirt or blanket to the college they are attending. · A gift basket filled with handy toiletries, laundry detergent, and other household items that will come in handy · A gift card to a favorite restaurant, because one cannot exist on ramen or dorm meal plans alone. It’s Not When You Celebrate, It’s That You Celebrate The College Send-Off Party may or may not have been your original plan, but now more than ever it is important to make plans and celebrate our life milestones. What better way to celebrate when this crisis is over than the start of a new life beginning! The Balmoral House looks forward to working with you to make a plan for the most joyous event for your friends and family.

Typically, this time of year we are providing lots of tours and showing our venue to so many newly engaged couples. Since we can’t host any events at The Balmoral House right now, we want to be sure that we still provide you the answers you are looking for to plan your Wedding. Providing an elegant setting and impeccable service will always be our top priority. While we take this break from life to quarantine and recover from this pandemic, we believe that continuing to plan for the future and celebrate life’s milestones is even more important. Indianapolis is home so many different types of wedding venues from rustic to urban and everything in between. The Balmoral House is a versatile venue as a former residence with light-filled indoor spaces and multiple outdoor sites as well. While finding the venue that fits your aesthetic is important, there are also some other important questions you may not think about that you should be asking venues before making your final decision. Rather than creating our own list of questions, we reached out to Here Comes the Guide to get their list of Questions to Ask A Wedding Venue, and completed the questionnaire for you. Here is a link to the original worksheet for you to use when questioning other venues as well. VENUE NAME: The Balmoral House CONTACT INFO: Venue Managers, Ashtin or Katie The Basics 1. What dates are available in the month I'm considering? Currently we are holding all dates through October 31 for currently booked events to reschedule. There are several dates available from November 2020 through 2021 and 2022. Call to check current availability 317-288-8741 or email info@thebalmoralhouse.com TIP: Some venues offer a discount for booking an off-season date or a Sunday through Friday wedding. 2. How many people can this location accommodate? Indoor weddings up to 150 guests, outdoor events up to 200. 3. What is the rental fee and what’s included in that price? Our Balmoral Wedding Experience ranges from $3500-$5500 depending on the month and day. The Twelve-Hour Exclusive Venue Rental includes: One-Hour Ceremony Rehearsal Time, One Venue Selections Meeting, Use of the Entire Balmoral House, including the Bridal Suite, Groom's Quarters & Private Grounds, Venue Manager & Venue Assistant On-Site For Entire Event, Parking Attendant On-Site, Set-Up & Teardown for Indoor Ceremonies, Indoor Receptions, & Outdoor Ceremonies on the Grand Deck and Garden Patio*, Guest, Cocktail, & Buffet Tables, Two Rustic Wooden Farm Tables with 16 Crossback Chairs, Two Hundred White Padded Chairs, One Wrought-Iron Ceremony Arbor, Fifteen Complimentary Classic Linens, in a Variety of Colors, Outdoor Twinkle Lights, Five Ivory Easels 4. How many hours does the rental fee include, and is there an overtime fee if I stay longer? We really like to party. The Balmoral House Experience is a 12-hour rental. We do have options to add additional hours but all events at our venue must end by 12am Fridays & Saturdays and 11pm Sunday-Thursdays. 5. How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable? We do require a deposit, 50% of the venue rental to reserve your date. Your deposit is not refundable, though we will work with any guest to reschedule an event within a year of the original event date. During the COVID-19 crisis, events can be reserved with just a 25% deposit. 6. What’s the payment plan for the entire bill? The Total must be paid two weeks prior to your event. We can work with you on creating a payment plan. What forms of payment do you accept? Cash, check or credit card (cards will be charged a 3.8% processing fee) 7. Can I have my ceremony here, too? Yes. Is there an additional cost? No. 8. Are there changing areas for the bride, groom, and/or wedding party? Yes! We have an amazing three-room Bridal Suite as well as a Groom’s Quarters on the opposite side of the house for those couples that wish not to see eachother before their First Look or ceremony. 9. Can we have our rehearsal dinner here? Yes! What about a morning-after mimosa brunch? Yes! 10. How much time is allocated for the rehearsal? We allow one hour for the rehearsal. If you reserve your rehearsal dinner at The Balmoral House, you can start decorating during that time as well! 11. What's the cancellation policy? Event deposits are non-refundable. The Balmoral House will work with clients to reschedule events. Events cancelled within 30 days are responsible from the entire invoice. TIP: Some places will refund most of your deposit if you cancel far enough in advance, since there's still a chance they can rent the space. After a certain date, though, you may not be able to get a refund—at least not a full one. 12. What's your weather contingency (backup) plan for outdoor spaces? We can make indoor accommodations for any outdoor event, We give you up to 24 hours before your rental time to make your decision. Pergola and patio flip fees may still apply. 13. Do you have liability insurance? Yes. TIP: If drunk cousin Steve gets injured during the dance party, you don't want to be held responsible—if the site doesn't have insurance, you may need to get your own. Food + Drinks 14. Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of "preferred" caterers, or do I need to provide my own? We do have 7 Exclusive caterers at this time, to allow flexibility in budget and cuisine. A Cut Above, Jacquie’s, MBP, City Barbecue, Jonathan Byrd’s, and recently added Mills Catering and Indy Fresh! Even if there is an in-house caterer, do I have the option of using an outside caterer instead? We can make accommodations for those that have specific cultural requirements. Ask your venue manager for details. 15. If I hire my own caterer, is there a kitchen available for them? No. We do have a large prep space for catering. TIP: Caterers charge extra if they have to haul in refrigerators and stoves. 16. Is there a food & beverage minimum? There is no food minimum from the venue. You may confirm minimums with your selected caterer. The Balmoral House does have a beverage minimum based on your beverage package and guest count. 17. What’s the tax and service charge? Tax 8% and Service & Gratuity is 22%. 18. Can we do a food tasting before we finalize our menu selection? Yes, each of our caterers offers tastings. Does it cost extra? Each caterer handles tastings differently, please check with them direct for details. TIP: Be sure to ask if they’ll accommodate dietary restrictions and/or food allergies. Usually it’s no problem! 19. Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, and glassware provided, or will I have to rent them myself or get them through my caterer? The Balmoral House provides tables and chairs, including a couple farm tables with cross-back chairs for the wedding party. Linens can be selected and rented through The Balmoral House. Plates, silverware & glassware can be rented through catering. 20. Can I bring in a cake from an outside baker or do I have to use a cake made on site? Yes! We do require that any baked goods come from a commercial bakery. 21. Is there a cake-cutting fee? This is handled by catering. If I use a cake made on site is the fee waived? Varies based on caterer. TIP: Sometimes if you ask if a friend or family member can cut your cake, they’ll waive the cake-cutting fee for you. 22. Can we bring our own wine, beer or champagne? No. What about hard liquor? No. 23. Is there a corkage fee? No. 24. Are you licensed to provide alcohol service? Yes! TIP: Some venues (like wineries) aren't licensed to serve hard alcohol. You may need to get permission to bring in an outside beverage catering company if you like your booze. 25. How is alcohol priced, and is there a bar minimum? We have several packages, including non-alcoholic, domestic or craft beer, house or premium wine, champagne, house and premium spirits options. We do have a bar minimum based on guest count and package selected. 26. Are there additional charges for bar staff? Yes Décor + Rentals 27. Are we allowed to bring in our own decorations? Yes. The Balmoral House provides an elegant, neutral setting that does not require a lot of décor. Decorations to personalize your wedding day are encouraged. TIP: Keep the existing décor in mind when planning your own decorations so that they won't clash! And if your event is in December, ask what the venue's holiday décor will be. Because creepy Santa’s NOT invited. 28. Do you have an inventory of décor (lighting, candle holders, vases, etc.) we can borrow from? No. 29. Can I move things around or do I have to leave everything as is? If you have a request for items to be moved, we recommend discussing with your venue manager. Balmoral staff must move Balmoral owned items/décor for guests. TIP: Some venues have restrictions on whether or not you can hang things from the ceiling or on the walls. If you’re obsessed with string lights, better check on this. 30. Can we use candles/confetti/sparklers/fireworks/animals/lawn games/bounce houses/food trucks/insert your own fun-but-potentially-dangerous liability here? Yes and No. Candles may be used as long as they are contained in holders. The Balmoral House can help you with arrangements for sparklers, fireworks, lawn games and including pets in your ceremony. We do not typically allow bounce houses, food trucks or confetti. If you have a special request, just ask and we will try to find a way to accommodate. 31. Do you have signage or other aids to direct guests to my event? We do have some directional signage as well as providing a parking attendant for larger events. 32. Do you provide heaters and/or umbrellas for the outdoor spaces? We have a few umbrellas that can be used for shade. We do not have heaters. Generally we would recommend having an indoor space reserved for cold weather events. Vendors + Staffing 33. Can I hire my own vendors or is there a preferred vendor list we need to stick to? The only preferred vendor list we have is for catering. Any other service you may choose your own vendor or check our “Vendors We Love” for recommendations. 34. Do you offer on-site coordination? Yes. What services are included? New for 2020, we do offer day-of coordination. Services Included: Assist On-Site with ceremony rehearsal, Coordinate pre-ceremony food & beverage services, Set up ceremony & reception spaces, Meet caterers, vendors and deliveries & deliver final payments and/or tips, assist with decor set up, Greet and direct guests, make sure that the wedding party is on time and in the right places, Wedding party lineup for ceremony, Wedding party lineup for reception grand entrance, Coordinate reception timeline, Tear down and pack décor, collect personal items for exit, Loading gifts for exit, Coordinate Send Off, Coordinate returning rentals, Ensure space is left clean, Solving last-minute emergencies. Fees are based on the size of your event. 35. Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band? We can accommodate either DJ or live band. 36. What security services do you offer? We do offer security for larger events and it is required for all events with bar service. TIP: In general, you should have 2 security guards for the first 100 guests and 1 more for every additional 100 guests. 37. Do you provide a coat check service? Yes. We have a coat room that can be utilized as either staffed or self-service. 38. What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding? Your vendors can begin arriving any time after your rental begins. TIP: Some venues host multiple weddings per weekend. Others just host one! If your venue does the latter, ask if you can start the setup the day before. 39. Does the venue provide assistance getting gifts and/or décor back to a designated car or hotel room after the wedding? This service is part of our day-of coordination service. Logistics 40. Is there a separate space for cocktail hour? Our lower level bar space, Celebration Hall, is perfect for hosting a cocktail hour. 41. Do you have a sound system and/or microphones for speeches? No. Typically, a DJ will provide microphone for toasts. TIP: Check where the outlets are located in your event space, because that will help you figure out where the band can set up and where other vendors can hook up their equipment. You don't want the head table to block the only outlet in the room, right? 42. Are there any noise restrictions? No. We do limit the length of our events to adhere to noise restrictions. 43. Is there parking on site and if so, is it complimentary? Yes! We have added a second parking lot over the winter to allow plenty of paved parking for guests. If not, where will my guests park? 44. Are cabs/rideshares (like Uber, Lyft, etc.) easily accessible from the venue? We are located right in Fishers, at 106th & Allisonville. Very accessible to local hotels and I-465. 45. If a shuttle service is needed, can you assist with setting it up? No. 46. How many restrooms are there? We have 7 restrooms located throughout the house. TIP: You should have at least 4 restrooms per 100 people. At least. 47. What overnight accommodations do you provide? None. Do you offer a discount for booking multiple rooms—or a complimentary room or upgrade for the newlyweds? No. 48. If no accommodations are available, what are the nearest hotels to the venue? We have several hotels within 1-2 miles of our venue. We can make recommendations based on your needs. TIP: Some venues have partnerships with local hotels that offer a discount if you book a block of rooms. 49. Is the site handicap accessible? Yes. We also have a golf cart that is available for transporting guests to outdoor spaces. 50. Do you have a recycling policy? Yes. Our Share the Love program allows our couples to donate their flowers after the wedding to Meadow Ridge, a neighboring nursing home, to provide flowers to their residents. We’d love for our wedding to give back.

You can still shower mom and baby with gifts and love, but with a twist – a Sip and See Party! A Sip and See party isn’t a new concept, but with our current stay-at-home restrictions, it is the perfect solution to still be able to celebrate such an amazing milestone but at a later date, once large group events are allowed again. The Sip and See party has been around for a while. It started as a casual open-house style gathering for family and friends. A nice, relaxed alternative to visiting hospitals, couples invite family and close friends to stop by for light refreshments and to see the new baby. How a Sip and See Is Different from a Baby Shower Most baby showers and sprinkles occur before the baby comes. However, a Sip and See occurs afterward. Timing is the only real difference. The details of the event are purely up to your preference. The Sip and See is typically a more casual event than a shower. In fact, most couples have more of an open house format than a party with everyone present at the same time. This gives more people an opportunity to cuddle with the baby. Entire families may attend one of these events - including kids. If a Sip and See is taking the place instead of a traditional shower, you can keep your invite list the same as you originally planned. Rather than holding a family-style open house, invite your family and friends and celebrate baby with a mimosa bar and snacks. Share stories, snuggle baby, play games, open gifts and enjoy the party. How to Plan a Sip and See Much like any other occasion invitations can be sent out either in the mail or via e-mail, to let people know about the party. Since the baby is the main attraction, you don’t have to decorate as elaborately or plan a lot of party games. There several fun theme ideas for bringing baby home and making your sip and see party personal. 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. This is important for you and your baby. · Decorations: The Balmoral House has spaces both indoors and outdoors that can provide an elegant backdrop your your party. A themed centerpiece, a festive tablecloth and a few balloons or streamers go a long way to provide a festive environment. · Refreshments: Serve mostly finger foods and a couple of beverage options. Small sandwiches, cookies, or an ice cream bar can be fun. Or if you want to serve a meal or passed appetizers, we can help you connect with one of our preferred caterers too. 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 or mimosas. · Games and entertainment: Most people attending a Sip and See event would much rather spend their time holding the baby than playing games, so you don’t have to plan any special activities. And since people are there to see the baby, there is no need to worry about providing anything additional, if you prefer. Tip It’s a good idea to provide hand sanitizer at the door. Ask your guests to either wash their hands or use the sanitizer before touching your new little one. After all, this is supposed to be fun and not a way to pass germs. Expectations for Guests If you’ve been invited to a Sip and See party, the new parents probably have very few expectations, other than the opportunity to show off their new family member. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring a gift. Since you know the sex and name of the baby, you can also have it personalized. At least, that’s something that southern moms and dads have always appreciated. Here are some great gifts to bring to a Sip and See: · A bib, rattle, and teething ring with the baby’s initials · A personalized baby gift · A custom book with baby's name · A gift card to a restaurant and an offer to babysit so the new parents can enjoy their date night It’s Not When You Celebrate, It’s That You Celebrate The Sip and See Party may or may not have been your original plan, but now more than ever it is important to make plans and celebrate our life milestones. What better way to celebrate when this crisis is over than the start of a new life beginning! The Balmoral House looks forward to working with you to make a plan for the most joyous event for your friends and family.

A Sunset Wedding is the ultimate in romance — the rainbow of colors create a soft background (and provides amazing photo opportunities!) The key to create the perfect moment, is timing. At The Balmoral House, we have tried to simplify this for you by mapping out the forecasted sunset times on the first of each month, taking Daylight Saving Time into account as well. Photo Credit: Monahan Photography We're having an outdoor wedding and want to get married at sunset. What time should we start the ceremony? Timing your outdoor ceremony to coincide with the sunset is a wonderful idea — you will remember the moment forever and your wedding guests can experience the magic as the sunlight wanes and the lights turn on to transform the space with a soft glow against the moonlight. But timing the ceremony start time perfectly can be a bit tricky. If you wait until the sun has begun to set to start your walk down the aisle, then the light will be gone by the time you say your vows and you may be left exchanging rings in the dark. Instead, if you're having a 15- to 20-minute ceremony, begin the ceremony at least 30 minutes before the actual sunset time. What other Wedding Day moments are best captured in the "Magic Hour" of Sunset? First-Look. If you are having a winter wedding when the sunset is around 5:30pm, you may want to bundle up and have a quick first look photo session before the wedding guests arrive. Details. Many outdoor wedding parties have special gifts or decor that photographers can capture as the light is just right while wedding guests are enjoying dinner or drinks. Couple Portraits. Much like the picture we showcased above, a newlywed silhouette is a picture perfect moment. Post-Ceremony. While your guests enjoy cocktail hour, your wedding party or just the wedding couple can take some time to take extra photos on the grounds. Of course, if you have any question of timing, we always encourage guests to contact our Venue Managers at 317-288-8741 or info@thebalmoralhouse.com

The Undeniable Wedding Trend of 2020... Individuality One of the fun things to do at the beginning of each year is to predict the upcoming trends. You can argue about what the most popular color or floral trends are for 2020. The one thing that is undeniable is that every couple is planning a wedding that features unique and personal details about their life together. At The Balmoral House, it has been a pleasure to have seen these fun touches incorporated into both ceremonies and receptions. Your wedding day is the first day of your shared life together. There are, without a doubt, quirks and inside jokes and likes that make the two of you… "you". This is the day you can share your “you-ness” with your family and friends. Capture them in pictures. Celebrate them. Build your new life from them. Here are a few of our favorite personal wedding moments: Show your True Colors: Not every bride has dreams of a white wedding, especially for second weddings or recommitment ceremonies. We absolutely love this brilliant emerald green wedding dress and beautiful family! Man's Best Friend: For many, a dog is family, friend, most loyal companion before marriage - why would you not want them to be a part of your special day! At Balmoral House we have plans to accommodate your best friend for wedding ceremonies and photos! Unity Twist: This couple decided to forego the traditional candle lighting to symbolize unity. Instead, making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich mid-ceremony - a perfect combination! Truly one of the "sweetest" things we've seen during one of our ceremonies! Otter Things Have Been Done: Certainly not lacking in the cuteness, one couple opted to top their cake with a couple of otters. That's the beauty of an inside joke. We don't have to get it, to appreciate the thought and beauty of its execution! A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words: We loved this table decor for its sustainability! Often times so much time and effort goes into table decor for just one day. This couple had artwork of all the significant places from their relationship as table markers for their reception! This is fantastic because now they also have beautiful and meaningful artwork for their new home! Don't Forget Dad: Some couples worry about their first dance. This bride had other plans... Rachel and her Dad performed an adorably choreographed father/daughter dance. Track Seven DJ created the mashup and two months of practice paid off for a priceless memory. We can't wait to see what this year's couples bring to us! If you are interested in booking an event or tour you can always call our Venue Managers at 317-288-8741 or email info@thebalmoralhouse.com for more information.