A couple’s bridal party often fulfills a multi-faceted role throughout the wedding planning process, especially during the wedding weekend. The individuals that a couple asks to stand by their side on the most important day of their lives typically help fulfill practical roles in addition to being present to celebrate and share in the couple’s joy. Though perhaps not at the top of the wedding planning checklist for most couples, finding unique wedding weekend accommodations for their bridal party may nevertheless be the key to less stress on the big day. While the unique dynamics of each bridal party will dictate what makes sense for each couple and their group, having a place for the entire bridal party to stay (or individually as the ladies or the men) over the wedding weekend offers many logistical benefits.
As an example, the morning of the wedding is often witness to a flurry of last minute and essential tasks, which could include putting finishing touches on decorations, delivering programs to the ceremony location, and/or distributing bouquets and corsages. For the bride and groom, having their team on-hand operating from a central location near the venue is a great way to streamline the execution of these tasks, which means less stress for everyone!
And then there is the getting ready process. For the ladies, this typically means having a team of hair and makeup professionals come to you; so, having enough space to all get ready together enhances and simplifies the experience. Though the getting ready process is a usually a bit more abbreviated for the guys, it’s still a lot more fun to have everyone around to help get the party started.
These three locations are unique options that offer more open space and amenities than the typical hotel room; which, for example, often don’t have enough space for a bride and several bridesmaids to all get their hair and makeup done at the same time.
Located in the city’s urban core, these examples of unique wedding weekend accommodations, all with deep roots in Kansas City history, are perfect for couples who have selected one of the many venues located in downtown. They are also a great place to crash after a night out following a bachelor/bachelorette party.
1. THE RIEGER PENTHOUSE
This Crossroads property originally housed the historic Rieger Hotel, a Kansas City fixture that opened in 1915. The building now houses The Rieger, a fine-dining restaurant with French and Italian inspired cuisine and a penthouse that recently clinched The Metropolitan Home magazine’s “Home of the Year” award. The self-proclaimed “Million Dollar Condo”, per its VRBO listing, boasts 7,500 square feet of space, has four spacious bedrooms spread out over three floors, and has its own rooftop deck and screened sunroom. With a full kitchen on one floor and a separate kitchenette on another, plus six luxurious bathrooms, this property is truly the best of both worlds in terms of community and privacy. Stylishly appointed in rustic, old-world charm, the property’s rate per night (thankfully) doesn’t quite live up to its nickname, and can host up to sixteen guests.
The perfect scheme would be to hold a rehearsal dinner in The Rieger’s private dining room and then head upstairs for a nightcap with the bridal party on the rooftop deck.
2. HISTORIC WEST BOTTOMS GET-AWAY LOFT
In addition to being a popular destination for vintage shopping every First Friday weekend, the Historic West Bottoms is also home to the Rumely Tractor Event Spaces, whose owners operate the Historic West Bottoms Get-Away Loft.
Located on the third floor of what was formerly a candy factory, the loft encompasses over 5,000 square feet of space, can accommodate up to sixteen guests overnight, and has a full kitchen. With exposed brick and locally sourced vintage finishings, this elegant loft space is a glamorous backdrop for wedding day photos. The ample open space provides plenty of room for bridal party beautification, and also allows for catered rehearsal dinners and other events.
Located just two blocks from its sister event spaces, couples who book the loft in conjunction with their wedding at The Rumely receive a twenty-five percent discount off their stay. The loft is available to all other interested parties on nights it is free, so it’s still an ideal location for couples with venues throughout downtown.
3. THE PEPPARD HOUSE
Developer Megan Duma spent fifteen months renovating this historic property located in Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood, rescuing the designated landmark from disrepair and transforming it into “Kansas City’s Most Luxurious Airbnb.”
Originally built in 1887 as a residence for prominent Kansas City businessman J. G. Peppard, the Queen Anne revival home has been restored to its former glory with interiors that honor the home’s nineteenth century nascence without sacrificing modern comfort. This brick beauty includes elegant nouveau art touches and custom woodwork alongside luxury appliances.
The three levels of the home each have their own kitchen, so the entire house can be rented for large groups of around 16 people, but also in floor-level units for smaller groups. The distinct floor levels allow for privacy or the creation of separate domains between parties (groom with his groomsmen and bride with her bridesmaids). Once dressed, the bride and groom can meet downstairs for their first look on the stunning grand staircase or in front of the beautifully tiled fireplace, both being gorgeous additions to wedding day photos.
Amber Arnett-Bequeaith
COMPANY: Full Moon Productions
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