Krista and Austin show us how an in-suite wedding reception is done in Las Vegas in today’s post! After a ceremony at Aria’s wedding chapel (and a double decker bus ride) they brought their guests back to a Skyline Terrace suite at MGM Grand for an evening of dancing, food and cake, enjoyed from the patio with a fantastic panoramic view of the Strip.
Photos from Tyler Freear show off this fabulous family and their amazing wedding day. Don’t you just love Krista’s incredible feather shrug? Just one of the many things that make this Vegas wedding feel like chic old Hollywood. Read on for Krista and Austin’s wedding tips, vendors, budget and more!
Ceremony: Aria Wedding Chapel | Reception: MGM Grand Skyline Terrace Suite
Why Krista and Austin chose a Las Vegas wedding
We love Las Vegas! Austin proposed in the Eiffel Tower restaurant, which was another added memory. We went with Aria based on the resort itself actually, the chapel was not complete when we booked our date, but I just knew it would be wonderful, modern and chic just like Aria. My mom and I do a lot of wedding planning and day of coordination here in Washington state (editor’s note: Krista didn’t give herself a shoutout, but I will! Every Last Detail Events, check them out! -Kelly) so after doing so many weddings I wanted something different and unique. Our guest list for an at-home wedding would have been well over 200 guests, and that sounded too big. We wanted a smaller group to really be able to enjoy everyone.
The Ceremony – The Wedding Chapel at Aria
We had a short but sweet non-religious ceremony where we said our own vows, and it was perfect. The bridal party walked in to a piano version of Suit and Tie by Justin Timberlake and I walked down with my dad to Avril 14th by Aphex Twin.
The Reception – MGM Grand Skyline Terrace Suite
Before we went to MGM we had a short tour of the strip on a double decker bus. Our guests enjoyed themselves but we cut it short and headed to the suite. My aunt and her sister-in-law made all the food for the reception at her condo. We had a selection of hors h’oeuvres including bacon wrapped prawns, caprese skewers, smoked salmon dip, hot artichoke crab dip and more. We brought our own alcohol and hired a bartender through Culinary Pros, to serve up drinks all night long. A friend was our DJ, and we danced the night away with a beautiful view from the terrace!
Favorite Vegas wedding memory
It was all just so much fun! I woke up the morning of the wedding and felt so fabulous, it was a really stress-free day (thanks to my mom and a few of her friends) and everyone had a ball.
DIY and handmade touches at Krista and Austin’s wedding
I added glitter to our invitations, our cake stand an wooden letters that spelled “LOVE”. Having help from my aunt and her sister-in-law for the catering was amazing! My cousin also did our flowers.
Krista and Austin’s #1 tip for other couples planning a Vegas wedding
Hire a day of co-ordinator! Let me say it again: HIRE A DAY OF CO-ORDINATOR. Haha! And if you’re doing an insuite reception get the suite the day before. Remember to have fun, it’s Vegas! Take lots of pictures of the events before the big day — we wish we had more!
Krista and Austin’s Guestlist and Budget
We invited about 80 people and 45 people attended, including the wedding party. Budget was $7,500 and we ended up spending around $11,000
Vendor and Venue Details:Â
Photographer: Tyler Freear Photography / Ceremony Venue: Aria Wedding Chapel / Reception Venue: MGM Grand Skyline Terrace Suite / Wedding Dress: I Do Bridal, Seattle WA / Alterations: Romashka Bridal, Everett WA / Day of Coordination: Laurie Andersen / Hair: Katie Sarpy of Essential Organic Earth Salon, Tulalip WA / Makeup: Bobby Pin Beauty by Francesca Lombardo / Bride’s Shoes: Aldo with DIY Swarovski detailing / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Davids’ Bridal / Groom’s Suit + Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse / Floral: Bride’s Cousin from Mayesh Wholesale Floral / Catering: DIY / Cake: Retro Bakery / Cake Topper: Chicago Factory / Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas / Door Hangers: Brown Paper Moon / Rentals (ice chest, chafing dishes): RSVP Party Rentals / Transport: Presidential Limousine / Videographer: Langdon Video
This wedding looks great! I’ve been looking into a MGM in-suite reception. I am curious about getting outside food/photographer/drinks into the suite. I have been researching on their website, and it seems like the restrictions are kind of strict? I’d be interested in how the planning of it all went down. :)
Hi Nicole, your mileage may vary, but some couples just bring up their supplies in suitcases or via tipped bellboys and do not tell the hotel. Otherwise, this is one of the biggest hotels in the world and you would be surprised at how much in-room partying goes on in Las Vegas. :) Check out these posts for information on how to pull off an in-suite wedding http://www.littlevegaswedding.com/2013/05/how-to-plan-insuite-wedding-reception-vegas http://www.littlevegaswedding.com/2013/09/checklist-pro-tips-on-organizing-and-decorating-your-insuite-wedding/
Such a beautiful wedding! I am also having my ceremony at the Aria wedding Chapel and I was wondering how you were able to bring in your own floral?! My contract currently states no outside floral is allowed. Congrats on a beautiful Las Vegas Wedding :)
Avana, I’ll try to ask the bride for you.
Hi. This article was so helpful! I am planning to have my reception at the mgm terrace suite as well and was wondering how many people you think max can fit in the space? I see you invited 80 and 45 attended? So was 45 a comfortable number?
Thanks for your help!
This is such a great post! We’re having our reception at the same MGM suite and this gives us such great ideas! Love love love it!
Who did your catering? We’re planning the exact reception :)
Congratulations! You guys look so happy :)