About Indianapolis
Indianapolis--often referred to as Indy by its natives--is famous worldwide for fast cars and hosting the largest single-day racing event, the Indy 500. But racing is only one aspect of what makes Indianapolis incredible. Voted as one of the Top Five Beer Cities in the U.S., Indianapolis has a thriving beer culture with over 30 local breweries and more popping up each year. Indianapolis is also home to the world’s largest children’s museum and two Major League Sporting Teams. It is even the birthplace of the song, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame!”
Because Indianapolis is such a thriving and bustling Midwestern city, it makes an ideal spot for a wedding reception. In Indianapolis, you can expect to enjoy all four seasons. From sunny, warm summer days to stunning snowy wonderland perfection in the winter, Indianapolis provides a variety of seasonal options for your wedding reception. With local sporting events, races, and over 20 museums, there are also dozens of ways for you and your guests to entertain yourselves before or after the big event. And with hundreds of unique reception venues and event vendors throughout the city, there’s not much more you could ask from a city like Indy.
Wedding Reception Vendor Options in Indianapolis
- Caterers
With so many famous and fabulous restaurants and breweries in town, catering will not be difficult to find in Indianapolis. No matter what flavor or style you want for your event, the city is guaranteed to offer what you are after. Caterers in Indianapolis can provide everything from gourmet seafood to Southern comfort and barbecue. It even has food trucks available for rent if you want to add a bit of whimsy to your reception!
- Florists
As a flourishing Midwestern city, Indianapolis is positively bursting with flowers. With over a dozen local floral shops, decorating your wedding and reception hall is as easy as a leisurely stroll down the canal.
- Photographers
There is no shortage of places you can take iconic and memorable wedding pictures in Indy. Photographers can take you to places like the Indy Canal Walk, the Indy 500 racetrack and Speedway Museum, or around to the breathtaking gothic architecture seen throughout the city.
- Music
There is no limit of options when it comes to music for your wedding reception in Indianapolis. From Mariachi bands and classical string quartets to live local bands and DJs who know how to get a party started, you are sure to find the entertainment option that’s perfect for your reception event.
- Transportation
Whether your bridal party is looking for a limousine service, a party bus, a horse and carriage, or even a luxury sedan to cruise around town in style, Indianapolis has what you need.
Wedding Reception Planning Companies in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Blue Llama Events
With countless awards and accolades under their belt, Blue Llama Events--an all-woman full-service wedding planning agency--is a top choice for many couples looking to have their wedding reception in Indy. Blue Llama Events specializes in customizing events for individuals from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and provide multiple packages for couples on a budget.
- Jessica Dum Wedding Coordination
Recently voted the Best Wedding and Reception Planner, the team at Jessica Dum will work tirelessly to ensure that your big day goes smoothly. Founder and owner, Jessica Dum takes pride in making sure her clients’ weddings and receptions are pulled off seamlessly and with no headaches. And with her reputation for top-rated day-of coordination, there’s no reason to doubt that she won’t.
- The Wedding Lady
With over a decade in the wedding planning business, the team behind The Wedding Lady is known for putting her clients’ first. Their creative and insightful team embodies their motto of “Smiles for Miles” in every event they plan. The Wedding Lady provides both wedding and reception planning and coordination services, as well as decor and floral services.
Pros and Cons of Having a Wedding Reception in Indianapolis
Pros:
- Perfect for sports fans
With Indianapolis’s rich and vibrant sporting events, Indianapolis is an easy choice for party events for any sports buff.
- Superb breweries
With over 30 Breweries calling Indianapolis home, all beerologists, hops handlers, boozers, and general beer enthusiasts will feel like kids in a candy store when in Indianapolis.
- Unbeatable entertainment
Whether you enjoy sports, good food and drink, comedy and theater, or even just a pleasant stroll down the canal--everyone will find something to love in Indianapolis.
Cons:
- Rain
One of the downsides to Indianapolis is that it frequently gets rain; if you have an outside wedding and reception, you will want to be prepared for that kind of weather.
- Pricey services
While most of the businesses in Indianapolis are relatively cheap, if you are interested in some of the more prominent name brands and events, it will likely cost you a pretty penny or two.
- Landlocked
You won’t find any beaches or ocean-breezes in the city. Maybe a few sand dunes though.
Famous Wedding Reception Locations in Indianapolis, IN
- The Cabaret
This live music venue and performance theater is an absolute must-see for Indianapolis visitors. With a swinging, old Hollywood feel, it’s stunning beyond words. And with a dozen glass chandeliers and a divinely lit center stage, your time spent here will never be forgotten.
- Gondola Rides
Nothing says romance quite like a gondola ride. Drifting down the Indianapolis Central Canal with your event wedding reception guests while being serenaded is sure to leave you smitten and makes for the best wedding photos, as well.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum
Dive headfirst into the rich history of the Indy 500 at the Motor Speedway and Museum! From guided tours and up-close looks at the cars, it is an absolute must-see for any visitor to Indianapolis. For the speedsters out there, you can even take pictures in some of the fastest cars to hit the pavement, making it a fantastic place for photos with all your wedding guests!
