Planning a wedding is more than organizing a single day, it’s the beautiful journey of weaving together your love story, dreams, and traditions into a celebration that reflects who you are as a couple. But amidst the excitement, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Between choosing the perfect venue, creating guest lists, and managing countless details, it can feel like a whirlwind.
That’s why it’s so important to pause, breathe, and remember what it’s really all about: love, commitment, and sharing joy with the people who matter most. Whether you’re envisioning a grand affair or an intimate gathering, this guide is here to walk with you, offering clarity, inspiration, and support every step of the way.
Bombshell Salon Suites: Veils and Volume—The Bombshell Look (tgentele@gmail.com)
It’s okay if not everything goes to plan. What matters most is that your day feels like you. And you deserve to enjoy the journey getting there.
You’re not just planning a wedding. You’re creating memories. One of the worst things to go wrong as a bride is your hair and makeup. There is such a desire to look perfect on your wedding day. Whether you are doing hair and makeup yourself or hiring a professional to make you into a stunning bride, you want to feel like a princess, and still feel like yourself. So, let Bombshell Salon Suites guarantee that you are in love with your hair for the big day.
Bombshell Salon Suites can help with all things bridal hair, accomplishing that perfect cut and color before the big day, matching tattoos, (the tattoo artist is SO talented) and of course, relaxing before and after the big day in the new scalp Halo massage room!
Tara Gentele, Owner of Bombshell Salon Suites shares some advice for overwhelmed brides and grooms.
“My advice for brides and grooms is to take a moment, pause and breathe. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming! A great way to relax is by booking a scalp halo treatment.”
A scalp halo is a treatment focusing on the health of your scalp, hair follicles, and roots. It detoxifies the scalp by removing buildup, excess oils, dead skin cells and any of impurities that may damage your hair follicles, causing oily/dry hair and reduced hair growth. These treatments can also help any itchiness or dandruff you may be experiencing.
“I think what sets Bombshell apart from the rest is the unique services we can offer. All of our stylists are independent and have amazing talents. We offer everything from bridal hair, relaxation, the perfect cut and color, and tattoos! All in one location!”
Take a breath. This is your moment. So pause when you can. Smile at the chaos. Laugh at the missteps. Let joy live in the in-between moments, the cake tasting that turns into a mini date, the late-night Pinterest scrolls while holding hands, the quiet realization that you’re doing this together.
Plan to book 2-4 weeks in advance for their services, especially for the halo head spa, as it is high demand!
Talon Room: The Perfect Backdrop for Your Love Story (matt@talonroom.com)
Having a space that feels comfortable, flexible, and thoughtfully designed can make all the difference. A venue that adapts to your style, offers room to breathe, and brings a sense of calm to the day can help you focus on what really matters: being present, feeling the love around you, and making lasting memories with your partner, family, and friends. In the end, it’s about creating a day that reflects who you are, together, and making it feel like home, even if just for a moment.
Accommodating up to 250 guests, Talon Room is the premier wedding venue in Lincoln. With a ballroom and dining room, there is space for any unique wedding or celebration. Soaring industrial ceilings with exposed brick, the rustic charm of Talon Room sets them apart from other wedding venues. Timeless elegance and modern charm melt together into the perfect space to personalize your wedding. With private bridal and groom suites, the intimate moments can still take place while hosting all your loved ones.
Talon Room also offers thoughtful add-on services to wedding packages like DJs, florists and photographers making communication and coordination happen in one place, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. Their experienced and professional staff works alongside every bride and groom to ensure the experience is phenomenal from the first visit and tour to the final toast and send off at the end of the night, filled with irreplaceable memories.
Sartor Hamann: Crafted for the Moment. Treasured for a Lifetime. (jwells@sartorhamann.com, katy@sartorhamann.com)
The right ring holds not only the beauty of the moment but the weight of countless memories yet to come. It’s a daily reminder of love chosen and nurtured, of two people bound together with purpose and devotion. That’s why finding the perfect ring matters; it’s not just about how it looks, but what it means.
With Sartor Hamann, their in-house master jewelers, with a 120-year legacy, are dedicated to making every ring fit for the betrothed. From custom engagement rings to wedding bands, gifts for the bridal party, in-house engravings, and day-of styling help, they’re here for every detail.
Invest in pieces that last beyond the day. Jewelry becomes part of your story, something you’ll wear, cherish, and pass down to kids or grandkids.
Sartor Hamann sees the inside scoop of what brides and grooms want for their rings and weddings. Wedding trends phase in and out, but some of the most recent desires for engagement and wedding rings are classic solitaires, bezel set engagement rings, and personalized touches like engraved wedding bands and heirloom redesigns. Marquise center stone diamonds are also making a reappearance!
And from custom designs and special engravings to incorporating family stones into new settings, Sartor Hamann offers ways to honor your beloved family members and friends while welcoming in a new lifetime partnership and future love. They create pieces as unique as your love story.
Ovation Salon: Say “I Do” to the Perfect ‘Do (dolceaguirre@gmail.com)
Ranging from hair pieces, extensions, accessories and expert hair knowledge, Ovation Salon will make sure your locks look luscious to tie the knot. They have everything a bride and groom would need for their special day.
As part of your wedding journey, Ovation offers a full menu of spa services designed to help you relax, refresh, and renew before your big day. The experienced team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, using only trusted, high-quality products from the most respected names in the beauty industry. Whether you’re preparing for your wedding or simply taking a moment to unwind, their professionals are here to help you feel your absolute best.
Add hair or take it away. Ovation also offers a variety of waxing services for men and women including faces, eyebrows, lips, body and beard trims.
In addition to salon and spa offerings, they also carry a wide selection of wigs and hairpieces. Finding the perfect style for your special day, or any day, is something they’d be honored to help with. All consultations and fittings are held in a private, comfortable space to ensure a personalized and supportive experience.
Ovation Salon offers appointments for hair trials to make sure you have no doubt in your dos (your “I do” and your hairdo). With trusted professionals and products, try out your dream hair before the wedding so there no hiccups or hair meltdowns.
Tailored Dreams The Ultimate Party on Wheels (tailoreddreamslimousines@gmail.com)
A party bus is the only place where tuxedos, glitter, off-key karaoke, and questionable dance moves peacefully coexist. And, whether it’s quiet toasts or singing at the top of your lungs, those little in-between moments on the road become cherished memories, because it’s not just about getting from one place to another, it’s about sharing the journey with the ones who’ve supported you every step of the way.
With buses ranging for 26 to 45 people, Tailored Dreams can give bachelors and bachelorettes a party of their dreams, all while staying safe and being driven by experienced bus drivers who enhance the party mood. And with wheelchair accessibility for all the 35 passenger buses, Tailored Dreams will adapt their services and buses to any group of people wanting to celebrate a commitment of love and partnership.
Make stops at special locations like bars, photo opportunities, or must-see Lincoln destinations, the drivers will even stop if you need more to drink! The professional and courteous drivers are there for more than just driving the bus. They are there to take care of your group and make sure you have the best experience possible.
So, if you’re looking for a wedding excursion or activity, check out Tailored Dreams and tour around the city with your loved ones.
Confetti Corner: The Corner Where Celebrations Sparkle (hello@theconfetticorner.com)
Whether you need help designing or planning your upcoming event or a blank canvas to host your next celebration, you can truly be a guest at your own party with The Confetti Corner behind you.
The Confetti Corner offers a charming and intimate event space designed to serve as the blank canvas for your next event! Located at 8211 Yankee Woods Drive, this 1800 sq. ft customizable space was designed with aesthetics and practicality in mind.
Their mission is simple yet profound: to craft unforgettable memories with your nearest and dearest, all while minimizing the stress that often accompanies event planning. Initially conceived as a stylish and functional event space in response to a local need, the space offers an all-inclusive service dedicated to making every moment unforgettable. From showers to milestone birthdays, corporate events and intimate gatherings with friends and loved ones, The Confetti Corner is ready to be your one-stop shop to celebrate everything.
Micro-weddings became popular during the pandemic when physical distancing limited the size of gatherings. Many couples find that a smaller wedding allows them to enjoy their ceremony and reception with their guests more, while saving significantly on the costs. They are a shift away from large, traditional weddings, focusing instead on quality time with close family and friends and allowing for more personalized details.
The smaller scale makes planning less overwhelming that allows couples to be more present on the wedding day. Although micro weddings and elopement ceremonies can be cheaper than their more traditional counterparts, the main draw is to have a tailor-made experience that prioritizes the couple.
Owner of Confetti Corner, Jenna Broulette shares why she started her business.
“In 2020, I created The Confetti Corner as a creative outlet to share my passion for parties after leaving my full-time career. Creating balloon installations, custom backdrops, and event planning brings me SO much joy. I love getting to know people so I can transform their event vision into reality.”
Fast forward to 2024 – The Confetti Corner has a place to call home. Say hello to 8211 Yankee Woods Drive in Lincoln, NE.
Sweet Things By Marcy: A Sweet Touch of Southern Charm (mdjhaas@gmail.com)
For their special day, the couple knew they wanted desserts that felt warm, nostalgic, and full of heart. That’s exactly what they found in Sweet Things by Marcy, a beloved local bakery known for its rich Southern flavors and heartfelt service.
Founded by Marcy, a U.S. Navy Veteran with roots in Alabama, the business has grown from a cozy home kitchen to a bustling downtown destination, thanks to overwhelming demand for her authentic Southern sweets. With a menu featuring classics like banana pudding, peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and her signature Kentucky butter cake, every dessert reflected the love and tradition Marcy brings to her craft.
Guests won’t be able to stop raving about the desserts, many returning for second helpings. But beyond the incredible flavors, the couple chose Sweet Things by Marcy for what the bakery represents—excellence, community, and service. Marcy’s dedication to giving back, including her roles with Friendship Home and the Veterans Advisory Council, added even more meaning to their choice.
In the end, the desserts weren’t just a treat—they were a tribute to tradition, love, and the sweet start of a new journey.
Wilderness Ridge—Love with a View: Now That’s a Natural Connection (broberts@wrccgolf.com)
Wilderness Ridge offers countless ways for couples to personalize their wedding experience, creating a celebration that reflects their unique style and love story. Pick between an indoor or outdoor ceremony space. Choose from the rustic, one-of-a-kind indoor ceremony space or say “I do” on Wedding Island, surrounded by water and breathtaking scenery, then dance the night away in their elegant Yellowstone Ballroom.
At Wilderness Ridge, they welcome and encourage clients to bring personalized décor—including custom centerpieces, signage, lighting, and floral arrangements. They will provide in-house linens in black, white, or ivory, along with more than 20 napkin color options to suit your theme. You’re also welcome to bring in your own photographer, florist, or DJ to ensure every detail matches your vision.
The newly updated catering menu offers a variety of options which includes buffets, stations, and plated dinners. Looking for something truly unique? The lead chef can help design a custom menu that reflects your favorite flavors. Add a personal touch with a signature cocktail your guests can toast in your honor.
Unlike many venues, Wilderness Ridge is surrounded by natural beauty that is perfect for photos without having to leave the property. Wilderness Ridge is nestled in a scenic, wooded area complete with ponds, waterfalls, and lush landscaping, giving couples a stunning natural backdrop for their big day.
Wilderness Ridge is a full-service facility, meaning they take care of many of the details so you can focus on enjoying your big day.
While there’s no strict timeline for reaching out, most couples choose to tour the venue and secure their date about 12 to 18 months before their wedding. However, thanks to the convenience of full-service offerings, they can seamlessly accommodate shorter timelines as well. Wilderness can easily book and plan beautiful ceremonies and receptions in as little as six months or less.
They offer everything you need in one place—ceremony, reception, catering, linens, bar service, and full-service staffing. This makes the planning process smoother and more enjoyable for couples. Each couple works with a devoted sales manager who guides them through the planning process. On the big day, the professional and experienced banquet staff ensures every detail is executed flawlessly.
Cupcakes & More: Making Your Wedding Sweet and Stress-Free (cupcakesandmorelincoln@gmail.com)
When it comes to planning your wedding, there’s enough to think about, so let Cupcakes & More take dessert off your worry list. Their goal is simple: to make the process of finding the perfect sweet treat for your big day easy, enjoyable, and delicious.
With weddings, they provide an all-inclusive service. This means a one-on-one sit down with the baker/decorator. They give the couple a chance to taste up to six kinds of cake flavors and frosting combinations. Then, they provide cupcakes of each combination, not just small bites of sample cakes. This gives the couple a chance to really experience each of the possibilities.
During these consultations, Cupcakes & More will review pricing, available discounts and size options using display cakes. They will discuss designs and go over photos, examples and sketches to get as much of the details as possible to ensures that they can bring their vision to life.
“The biggest thing that sets Cupcakes and More apart is that we don’t charge more for wedding cakes than we do for any other cake order. We don’t believe that a couple should have to pay more for a great cake just because it’s for a wedding instead of a birthday party or other occasion. Our goal is to help you celebrate no matter what the occasion,” says Wendi Ringsmuth, owner of Cupcakes & More.
The earlier is better when booking, but they’re happy to work with couples for wedding orders on only a few week’s notice. If an order is on the smaller side, they can even do it within a few days. Freshness remains their top priority when planning orders.
“Try not to worry about the cake and the desserts. We want to make this process as easy as possible for the couple. Unless questions or changes come up as the wedding gets closer, we try to follow the “doctor’s advice” of no news is good news. This means that if you haven’t heard from us, your order is in great shape and on schedule,” Wendi explains.
They have seen “naked” cakes increasing in popularity. These are cakes that don’t have very much frosting on the outside so that some of the cake is still visible, giving it a more rustic look. Along with naked cakes, they get many requests for flowers on wedding cakes, both real and artificial.
Blush Bridal: Dresses Worth Swooning Over (Tissues Not Included) (emmy@blushbridalne.com)
Blush Bridal Boutique is a wedding gown shop in Lincoln that specializes in providing exceptional service and guidance to brides and nearlyweds on their gown shopping journey. With a team of expert stylists, an extensive size-inclusive and customizable gown collection and a variety of upgraded and add-on accessories and services—and now tuxedo and suit rental offerings—Blush Bridal has something for every nearlywed and the team and expertise to help them find the wedding look of their dreams!
The best window for gown shopping is typically 9-12 months before your wedding; this is with the understanding of 4-6 months for a special order gown to arrive, and an additional 2-3 months for alterations. While they can occasionally accommodate tighter timelines, it can be very dependent on stock availability on a gown-by-gown basis!
For best appointment availability, the stylists recommend booking several weeks in advance of your optimal shopping window or preferred shopping date, particularly if you are hoping to shop on a weekend!
Blush Bridal is in the business of making bridal dreams come true! Beyond having an extensive bridal collection curated specially for their brides to find or customize their perfect gown or ensemble down to veil, jewelry, and accessories, they also offer in house customization through their Bespoke by Blush services, which allow nearlyweds to personalize their wedding looks with fully custom veils or other accessories, add personalized embroidery to any element of their look, or even breathe new life into keepsake garments.
Have another idea for something truly unique? Bring it to their Bespoke specialist for a consultation! They know how special those individualized touches can be and how far they go in truly capturing each couple’s unique personality and story!
At Blush Bridal, you will find an unmatched commitment to honoring a bride’s authenticity and individuality. They are proud to embrace every body and welcome brides and nearlyweds of all shapes, sizes, styles, gender presentations, and orientations. The team is dedicated to representing the diversity of clientele and providing a beautiful and welcoming environment to truly celebrate these joyous moments!
They approach all aspects of the Blush Bridal shopping experience with a level of intentionality that they hope will make every bride who steps through the doors feel like their most beautiful and authentic self!
It may sound cliché, but they’re firm believers that the most important part of a wedding is the couple, so their advice is to not lose sight of that! There is a lot of stress, pressure, and expectations to navigate when planning a wedding, but at the end of the day, it’s about two people coming together.
Consider what your priorities are as a couple and plan accordingly!
Starting off a year before the big day with an engagement party at The Confetti Corner, the newly engaged lovebirds have no clue what is in store for wedding planning. After months of planning, the celebration came to a close and the last song played beneath the soft glow of the Talon Room lights or the natural beauty of Wilderness Ridge, the couple took a quiet moment to soak it all in—surrounded by love, laughter, and the warm embrace of the community that helped bring their dream day to life.
From arriving in style with Tailored Dreams party buses, to getting pampered and picture-perfect by the talented teams at Ovation Salon and Bombshell Salon, or finding the perfect dress at Blush Bridal that puts your Pinterest wedding board dresses to shame, every detail reflected the heart and soul of local Lincoln businesses. The stunning rings from Sartor Hamann Jewelry symbolized their forever, while the unforgettable desserts—from the soulful Southern sweets of Sweet Things by Marcy to the delightful bites from Cupcakes & More—added the perfect finishing touch.
A wedding is so much more than a ceremony or a celebration. It’s the beautiful bridge between what has been and what is to come, the moment two lives intertwine with intention, hope, and love.
It marks the start of a new chapter, not just as partners, but as a team, building a life, a home, and a future together. Surrounded by family and friends, a wedding is a declaration of commitment, of shared dreams, and of promises made not just for a day, but for a lifetime.
It’s where memories begin, ones that will be cherished, told, and retold for years to come. You’ll look back at the photos and memories as you grow old with the love of your life. From the vows to the first dance, the laughter to the tears, every part of the day becomes a foundation for the journey ahead.
Because a wedding isn’t just about starting a marriage—it’s about beginning your life, side by side, ready to take on the world together.