A lot of brides have asked us if we could provide a list of venues that allow outside caterers.  We found for you lots of choices – from community spaces to elegant historic homes.  If you book one of these venues, be sure to tell the venue that you found them through BrideStLouis.com.

Be aware that some venues do charge extra fees for non-preferred catering.  Some are reasonable and some are extremely high.  All will require proof of insurance and other such documents that a good business caterer should have no problem producing.

560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130

Dog Museum, 1721 S. Mason Road, St. Louis, MO., 63131

Ballwin VFW Hall, 115 Minosa Lane, Ballwin, MO 63011

Blanchette Park Memorial Hall, 1900 W. Randolph St., St. Charles, MO 63101

Casa Loma Ballroom, 3354 Iowa Ave., St. Louis, MO.

Charles F. Knight Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.

City Hall Rotunda, 1200 Market St., St. Louis, Missouri

The Edge of Webster, 359 Marshall Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119

Florissant Egan Center, Florissant, Missouri

Foundry Art Center, 520 N. Main Center, St. Charles, MO 63301

The Hawken House, 1155 S. Rock Hill Road, Webster Groves, MO 63119

Kuhs Eate and farm, 13061 Spanish Lake Pond Road, St. Louis, MO 63138

The Lodge at Des Peres, 1050 Des Peres Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63131

Machinists Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044

Magic Chef Mansion, 3400 Russell,St. Louis, MO, 63104

The Mahler Ballroom, 4915 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO

Old Courthouse – Downtown, St. Louis, Missouri

Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis, MO

Quail Ridge (St. Charles County Parks), Wentzville, MO 63385

Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO. 63108

St. Louis City Hall, St. Louis, Missouri

Additional contact information can be found in our vendor section.  If you know of others that you would like us to add to the list, let us know, and we will check them out.

Are you the kind of bride that wants to see your guests and friends having a great time and mingling at your reception?  A reception is a party and creating a party atmosphere can be easily accomplished with food stations.  From a carving station to a pasta station, guests can enjoy a night to remember that is truly special.  Here are some ideas of different food stations that you might consider:

Carving Station – Smoked Turkey, Honey Ham, Prime Rib

Mashed Potato Bar – Provide toppings such as cheese, bacon, spices, blue cheese, sour cream, onions, green peppers, etc.    Add seasonings for French fries and sweet potato fries.  How about some homemade potato chips.  The possibilities are endless.

Pasta station – mostaccioli, macaroni and cheese, chicken with bow tie pasta, etc.

Barbeque Station – Ribs, Pork Steaks, and Brats to name a few.

Nachos Station – Build your favor nachos with Mexican toppings.  Add a pitcher of margaritas for more fun.

Hot Dog Station – Wow!  I love this.  Include a variety of sausages as well.  Put toppings in clear glass jars.  Provide a variety of homemade pickles, pepper rings, sauerkraut.  Maybe have a selection of local microbrew beers.

Bread Station – What about lots of different breads, rolls, jellies, peanut butter, almond butter, honey butter.

Popcorn Station – Yes, lots and lots of great choices here.  Be sure to check out Poptions in Kirkwood for a wonderful selection including Gooey Butter, Chocolate Pecan Praline (my favorite), Aged White Vermont Cheddar and many, many more.  Poptions is located at The Village at Schneithorst’s, 1580 S. Lindbergh Blvd.  See more information at www.Poptions.com,

I think you get the idea.  It is lots of fun.  Guests love it.  Be sure to forego the ordinary and try to think of fun ways to serve everything!  Vintage dishes can be used for many of the stations.

These mini buffets are scattered throughout your reception area and are the perfect solution for non-traditional reception spaces.  Don’t be afraid to implement your own ideas.  Have fun.