Wichita KS Reception Venue: Museum of World Treasures

I'm a huge fan of receptions at fun and innovative locations - especially art galleries and museums. We've already looked at Cowtown, now we move even farther back in history!

The Museum of World Treasures is located at 835 E. 1st Street in Wichita's Old Town district. The third floor of the building has multiple rooms available for rehearsal dinners or receptions. The Banquet Hall has a capacity for 175 seated guests (or 250 standing), and tables, chairs, tablecloths, & setup/cleanup are all included in the rental fee (um, hell-o! Tablecloths are soooo much pricier to rent than I thought!).

Now for the best part - as far as I can tell, the Banquet Hall rents for $125/hr on Friday and Saturday evenings!!! Plus, your guests have permission to roam the exhibits! For more info, call Penny at 263-1311 or click here for the museum's rental page.

Wichita KS Reception Venue: The Boathouse

The Wichita Boathouse is definitely one of my favorite places for parties, so wedding receptions are no exception. Currently serving as a Visitor Center, it is perched on the river in Downtown Wichita - about 15 minutes from anywhere in the city. The two-story building has gorgeous hardwood floors and even offrs a piano - perfect for cocktail hour as your guests arrive. Additionally, they have a kitchen and an open-catering policy. Six-foot table are available to rent, but you'll have to go elsewhere for linens, chairs, place settings, etc.

Call Connie Clark at (316) 462-2787, ext. 796 for additional information on fees and availability or click here for more info from the City's site.

Wichita Caterer & Reception Venue: Corporate Caterers

Images courtesy Wichita360 and Corporate Caterers

If you’ve lived in or near Wichita for any length of time, you’ve heard of Corporate Caterers. I can’t count how many times I’ve eaten their food at birthday parties, staff trainings, fundraisers and…wait for it…weddings! Soon to be celebrating their 10 year anniversary, the company has grown leaps and bounds boasting breakfast, lunch and dinner service as well as chocolate fountain rental and the recently opened Corporate Caterers Banquet Facility. Be sure to check out the 360° Tour to get a feel for the space . Having been there a few times, I think the slideshow offers a better idea of what the interior offers.

They will work with brides to create a menu that is pleasing to both your palate and your wallet, and can accommodate your shower, bridal brunch/luncheon, rehearsal dinner or wedding reception (minimum head count for the banquet facility is 20; maximum 225). Note that they will cater events held at other locations and you’re not bound to use their food service if you rent their facility.

2009 Bridal Menu

2010 Bridal Menu

Additionally, Corporate Caterers offers licensed bar service, table/chair/linen/place setting rental, and free tasting on Sundays. For more information or to RSVP to a tasting, call 264-9167.

Wichita KS Wedding Venue: Old Cowtown Museum

I’m guessing most of you (as I did) have visited Cowtown at least once during an elementary school field trip, but did you know that it is also available for weddings? The historic church building was originally built in the 1870s and later moved to the museum location. At a maximum capacity of 49, it is ideal for small weddings – make that small weddings held in late September through early May. Though all buildings are air-conditioned, the church can still be a bit warm in the summertime – but it’s just so darn cute! The schoolhouse is available as a changing area for the bride and her attendants with restrooms in the neighboring building. Indoor reception locations include the Saloon and Dance Hall, neither holding more than 82 people but both offering either a wet bar or kitchenette access. The Chuckwagon Café will seat 120 at tables. An outdoor wedding could also take place in the Gazebo (holding 12 people) with a reception on the lawn (“Fairgrounds”) easily accommodating up to 600 people. For the really daring, 1870s entertainment is also available – a variety of showcases by cowboys, saloon dancers, and gunfighters will surely leave a lasting impression with your guests. That impression might not necessarily say “wedding”, but it won’t soon be forgotten!


Visitor Center images courtesy of Old Cowtown Museum

Now the best part: the Visitor’s Center. Located on the Arkansas River, this was actually in the Top 3 reception sites The Husband and I chose from. Our date was not available & it wasn’t quite large enough, so that’s what scratched it off the list. The Great Room holds 130 seated and 200 standing. The Patio overlooking the river holds 200 and provides tables and chairs - this would have been a gorgeous location for our reception, especially with the light of the stars reflecting on the river. I remember the cost being $1,200 but that may have changed now with Cowtown’s recent financial struggles. Pricing charts are not available online, but are available upon request. Call Yvonne Kirker at 316.350.3320 or e-mail her at ykirker@wichita.gov for a full price list and facility rental policy. The museum is located near downtown Wichita at 1871 Sim Park Drive for those of you who would like to take a closer look.

Wedding Cake Alternatives

Image courtesy of iVillage

I'm not a fan of cake. I don't know why. By all accounts, I'm genetically predisposed to be a cake-lover. My mom and sister truly love no other food more than a beautifully decorated, 5-tier, white wedding cake. Ugh. As I child I would usually request ice cream cake, cheesecake or pies when my birthday rolled around, so I always knew I wouldn't serve a traditional wedding cake at my reception.

What I did not know was that my Prince Charming would love cake and be mortified at the very thought of ditching it for a tasty alternative. Our compromise? A 4-tiered cake offering a different flavor in each layer (amaretto, strawberry swirl, chocolate mousse, and tiramisu). So, yes, in the end I did end up with a (gorgeous!) cake at my reception. But it was fun and different - and guests loved having 3 options to choose from. Only 3, you ask? Yup! Hubby and I took the top tier (tiramisu) home and had it for dessert every night for the first week of our married life. I couldn't bring myself to freeze it and eat it a year later when I knew it would be so yummy NOW!

For you girls who are entertaining the idea of replacing that cake with something better suited to your tastes (or budget) - or for those just hoping to find something fun to serve alongside it, consider dishing up one of these delicious alternatives. They can be displayed on a reception table or served to guests individually:

- Flan (infuse with different flavors like orange or caramel)
- Creme brulee topped with fresh berries
- Chocolate Mousse
- Tiramisu
- Cheese cakes in multiple flavors
- Creme puffs
- Funnel cakes (perfect for casual outdoor receptions)
- Cupcakes (ok, they’re still cake…but they’re just so darn CUTE!)
- Giant, ornately decorated sugar cookies personalized with your names and/or wedding date
- Baklava
- Chocolate fountain
- Truffles
- Pies
- Build-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundaes

Can't bring yourself to pick just one? Set up a buffet table! Guests are sure to appreciate the variety and creativity. Plus, if you do some research, you'll spend less on a buffet than a big cake. Decorate the table with lavish flower arrangements and tiered serving trays to really make the presentation pop! Best of all, your big day will certainly standout from all the rest!

**NOTE** The most delicious wedding cake I have EVER tasted was at my cousin's wedding. The masterpiece was created by Stephanie Compton, half of the husband/wife team which owns and operates the Eaton Steakhouse in downtown Wichita. There is a small bakery attached to the restaurant where I love having coffee and elaborate desserts with my sister. If you're not convinced Wichita, Kansas can offer the elegance you desire with a taste to match, I suggest you visit the Eaton Steakhouse ASAP. The restaurant itself was once the Eaton Ballroom - and even farther back, it was the lobby to the swanky Eaton Hotel. It's a great location for rehearsal dinners or bridal luncheons if you're looking for something in downtown Wichita.