Your name (and title/position): Crystal Jaeger, Facilities Manager
Business Name: Apothecary Lofts and Ridnour Room
Location: The Apothecary Building, 140 N. 8th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508
Service or Product Offered: Reception facilities
How long in business: The Apothecary Lofts were completed in 1997 and the Ridnour Room was completed in 2001. I started working for the business in July of 2008.
How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding? These facilities were created to provide couples with a 1st class facility in which they will create everlasting memories to cherish for a lifetime. Since they were first created, numerous events have been held in the facilities. Not only for wedding activities, but also many other different types of events. The Apothecary is a widely known building here in Lincoln and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to work here and help couples plan the wedding of their dreams.
What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? I definitely advise couples to choose their wedding ceremony and reception location right away. It can be very stressful trying to figure out where you are going to host your activities, but once you make that crucial decision, you will feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. But do your homework first. Many reception facilities will require you to use their on-site catering and beverage services and if you don’t ask a lot of questions about what they offer, you may be locking yourself in to food and beverage prices that are much higher than you would initially expect. We take pride in giving all of our couples the flexibility to choose their own caterer and beverage provider because that is where they can literally save thousands of dollars versus other reception halls.
What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day? I love to help people anyway possible and it is a joy for me to see these couples relax and smile when I am able to help them make these big decisions. I recently became engaged myself so I am going through the exact stages that these couples are. I know that planning a wedding can become very stressful and so I am able to put myself in their shoes and help them make these huge decisions without forcing them into doing something they really don’t want to do. I try to make all the aspects that go into planning a reception as fun and exciting as possible.
Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen? Just enjoy the experience! I know some brides can be very emotional and stressed during the planning stages, so the groom should always offer to help with the decisions that are being made and show your bride that you really care about this important day. This is one day that you will both remember for the rest of your lives and you want it to be a pleasant experience so lean on each other for your opinions and support. There are a lot of guys out there that have great ideas but don’t show them because they aren’t asked. Believe me, girls love to see that their groom is excited and interested in the wedding planning as well!
Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how? I have only worked in the wedding industry for 2 years but the business itself has been going strong since 1997. But I can say just from these past 2 years, I have noticed a some major changes, and most are from the technological advances that have been made. One big change is that many couples now choose to provide their own wedding dance music by using an iPod instead of a DJ. They like to be able to play only the songs they want and it becomes one less expense for them to worry about. Slideshows are another change from the past. Years ago, no one ever had the ability to show photos of the couples past and present to the entire reception, but now this has become almost a staple at receptions.
Are there any changes for your business in the near future you would like to share? We are constantly looking at ways to improve our business. Just this last year, we have done many new additions to our facilities that have been a huge success and I know that even more new additions are yet to come. You will just have to come see for yourself what our next surprise is going to be!
From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Ask lots of questions. In most cases, you won’t be told the whole story unless you ask. We take pride in providing the couple with all the information they need to know to make an informed decision.
What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? EVERYTHING! J Just think about everything that could possibly go wrong, and plan for what you would need in that case. More than likely though, everything will turn out perfectly in the end but you can never be too prepared.
If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why? The Dress—When you think about the wedding dress, it is usually that one item everyone talks about and remembers. Our company and facilities are what everyone will walk away remembering and talking about at the end of the night.
What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings? For the ceremony, I absolutely love Canon in D for the Processional. And for the reception, since I am a country girl at heart, it isn’t a wedding unless I hear Cotton Eye Joe!
Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information: The Apothecary Lofts and Ridnour Room are the premier reception facilities in Lincoln. We take pride in providing you with 1st class facilities that will help you create everlasting memories for a lifetime. Because we allow you to control the food and beverage services, you are able to hold an amazing reception at a very economical cost. We offer packages of all types, including overnight accommodations, to give you the opportunity to host any and all your wedding activities in one central location.
For more information contact Crystal Jaeger at 402-474-1812 or email to crystaljaeger@lincolnhaymarket.com
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