Blue Vista Blog

We work hard to reduce the stress of having an event. If you're planning an event for any time in the next year, COVID-19 has almost certainly added some stress. Here are all the reasons it can be OK.

This virus and the accompanying safety guidelines are constantly changing, but we have learned over the past almost eight months that we are able to adapt to a wide range of restrictions and situations to keep your event running and you and your guests safe. Currently, The Riley County Health Department has removed all restrictions except the mask mandate.  We're still committed to helping you host a safe event, and several features of Blue Vista help facilitate this:

Indoor Space:

Blue Vista is one of the largest indoor venues in the greater Manhattan, KS area. With 5,000 square feet in our main event space, we have the floor space to fit a large crowd while maintaining the recommended guidelines of 6-ft. between all tables. With this spacing (see image below), we are able to seat 232 guests comfortably banquet-style indoors, and up to 288 total people with a few tradeoffs (like a smaller dance floor) if you need as many people as possible.

Of course, you can seat more in warmer months and still follow the current guidelines if you also use the large outdoor patio areas on the East and South sides of Cedar Pavilion for seating or buffet lines, etc.

You may also have guests who want to attend that may be at higher risk (or live with someone who is at higher risk) for virus complications. In the Cedar Pavilion, our 2nd floor balcony and 3rd floor mezzanine levels overlook the main event space, providing physically distant seating for up to 32 people so your guests can be part of the event without being too close.

In our Lodge, you can hold a small gathering of up to 72 people seated banquet-style. Currently, Riley County does not require physical distancing, although it is recommended. With physically distanced banquet seating, the Hearth Room of the Lodge can hold 42 people. The Lodge also has a front patio space and a very large deck off of the Hearth Room for use to expand capacity in warmer weather. Creative hosts have also used the first floor apartment right off the hearth Room for a Buffet line or additional seating.

Outdoor Space:

We usually are wanting to make sure we have indoor options for outdoor events in case of bad weather, but with the pandemic, we’re finding it more important to have outdoor flexible areas for indoor events. To lower the risk of your guests catching the virus from other guests, use outdoor spaces to keep guests entertained (e.g., yard games, a bonfire, sparklers), have a cocktail hour in the cool evening breeze, or dance under the stars. We have large, grassy spaces outside both the Cedar Pavilion and The Lodge. Or, if you want to do a tented or open-air event, the Rose Quarry grassy area is just south of Cedar Pavilion offers breathtaking views of Tuttle Creek lake and can seat 500 guests or more (if not everyone is under a tent) seated banquet-style with tables 6 ft. apart.

The Tallgrass Prairie on a crest just south of The Lodge also offers majestic views and could seat 80 people physically distanced banquet-style.

 

Clean Air:

Another thing to consider when choosing an indoor event space is total air volume. Research on COVID-19 transmission rates indicate that large total air volume and good circulation slow the spread of the virus. Spaces with a large air volume make it much harder for droplets to build up over time, and we have high ceilings in both our large and small event spaces (38 ft. high in Cedar Pavilion and 20 ft. high in the Lodge's Hearth Room). We have also upgraded our air handling equipment with enhanced filters that can remove viral particles from the air. We have large ceiling fans in both the Cedar Pavilion and Lodge event spaces, and when the weather is accommodating, allow doors and windows to be open to create a lovely cross-breeze.

Masks:

Masks can be a sensitive topic, but they don't have to ruin your event! Masks that match your wedding theme may be the new custom coozy or napkin. There are many options on the internet to create custom masks to match the colors and theme of your event - you can even ask your vendors to wear your custom masks to continue the look and feel. Blue Vista staff will always be wearing masks when interacting with you or your guests as long as this pandemic is in place to ensure your safety. Additionally, we require guests to wear masks when approaching our staff (like coming up to the bar if we are bartending) to keep our staff healthy and able to continue serving our patrons. 

Digital Guests:

Whether there is difficulty travelling or it would be too risky for some of your guests to attend in person, many events are choosing to add a livestreaming component to include as many people as possible. We are lucky to have extremely fast internet service and Wi-Fi at both our buildings to help make that possible, and for outdoor events, our Rose Quarry area has excellent coverage from all major cell carriers we've tried.

 

Flexibility:

While we need to follow the CDC and Health Department guidelines, we will always think through issues and work with you if you have a creative solution you'd like to try! And should you need to reschedule because key guests cannot travel or you do not feel safe, or there is a shutdown in place, we do NOT charge a rescheduling fee and will help you think through any adaptations you need to make. For example, some of our event hosts have wanted to downsize, or move their event to a later date to be able to upsize, or change indoor and outdoor components, or have the ceremony now and the reception later, or even switch buildings (when not otherwise booked, of course). Our job is to use our relationships with local vendors, and our knowledge of our property, the many ways others have found solutions that worked for them, and the current state and county guidelines to help you navigate the changing circumstances. 

 

If you're planning an event and are curious exactly how it could look at Blue Vista, please give us a call or schedule a tour - we'd love to help make it happen!

Tips for getting from “I will!” to “I DO!” in less than 6 months (without losing your mind!)

If you’re wondering how to plan a wedding quickly, we’re here to help! A beautiful celebration with your family and friends is totally doable in just 3 to 6 months. Stay focused, be flexible, and trust your gut. You’ve got this!

First Things First!

There are a lot of big decisions to make in the first month. Here’s where to start:

1. Set a budget

Having a realistic spending plan will help you prioritize the things that matter most. For example, some couples prefer an elegant plated meal, while others are just as happy with a buffet. Saving money in one area may give you freedom to splurge on something else. We recommend talking with your future spouse and making a “top three” list together.

2. Start your guest list

You don’t need every single name, but get a rough idea of how many people will be at your wedding. It will help while researching vendors. For example, Blue Vista can accommodate 70 guests in the Stone Lodge, 300+ in the Cedar Pavilion, and many more outdoors.

3. Research & book a venue

A lot of venues book weddings a year in advance, so be sure you have several dates in mind before you start making calls. Consider a Friday evening or Sunday option if your preferred date isn’t available.

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UPGRADE SPECIAL

Right now, we’re offering a FREE UPGRADE to the next package level when you book & hold your wedding at Blue Vista before July 31, 2019. Treat yourself to something special, like an extra night’s stay in the Stone Lodge or done-for-you set up and tear down.

• Small Wedding Packages: https://bluevista.info/pages/small-wedding-packages
• Large Wedding Packages: https://bluevista.info/pages/large-wedding-packages

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4. Book additional vendors

Your vendors will want to know the date and location of your wedding, so be sure to take care of those first! Then, work through this list:

• Caterer
• Photographer
• Videographer
• DJ/Entertainment
• Officiant
• Florist
• Cake Baker

Helpful Tip: Find a list of local vendors on our website. These are people we recommend because of the quality of services they offer and the character with which they treat others. Check it out: https://bluevista.info/pages/recommended-vendors-new

5. Say YES to the dress

If you’re opting for a traditional wedding dress, you need to start looking right away. It often takes 6 to 9 months to order and fit a gown. However, there are some options that can save you time and money:

• Buy a dress off the rack and have a seamstress alter it.
• Select a brand that offers free rush shipping.
• Negotiate the price. Ask the bridal salon if they would throw in free shipping if you buy the dress today rather than come back.

If you’re open to the non-traditional route, consider a white bridesmaid dress or white prom dress. Browse the formal section at department stores like Nordstrom or Dillards or visit a vintage thrift shop.

Be Flexible.

Don’t stress if your preferred vendor isn’t available (or isn’t in the budget). With a little creativity, you can still have your dream wedding. Here are some fun, fresh ideas:

Cake

• Buy a simple grocery store sheet cake. Make it YOURS with a fun cake topper. (Check Etsy!) Add personality and a pop of color with fresh flowers.
• Enjoy a tiered platter of cake donuts from your favorite donut shop.
• Have a potluck dessert bar. Ask friends who love baking if they could make a couple pies or several dozen cookies. Or, invite every guest/household to bring their favorite dessert to share.

• No time for a custom design? Choose a print-at-home option. You can find boxes of blank invites at stores like Hobby Lobby or Staples.
• Order online from a company like VistaPrint or Minted. They have cute designs and normally ship within a week.
• Send electronic invites instead of mailing traditional ones. Ask people to RSVP by email. If you go this route, consider printing a few invites for special guests (like your grandparents) or people who aren’t as tech-savvy.

 DJ

• Use our speakers and put your favorite playlist on a smartphone.
• Ask a friend to play DJ for the night. Encourage your guests to request their favorite tunes.
• Designate someone as a "Master of Ceremonies" if you would like to announce dinner, first dance, cake cutting, etc.  Give them a schedule so they know what they're supposed to do and when.

Flowers

• Buy cut flowers in bulk from a warehouse like Costco or Sams Club and arrange them yourself.
• Know someone with a lovely garden? Ask if they would provide simple arrangements for your wedding day. Tie stems with twine or ribbon for rustic, laidback bouquets.
• Contact the horticulture club on campus and see if they offer a student discount.

Include Friends and Loved Ones

People are excited to celebrate with you! Give them an opportunity to use their talents and share your joy.

As tasks come to mind, write them down so that you don’t have to wrack your brain when people ask how they can help. Create a shared spreadsheet to keep track of who’s doing what.

•  Invitation Party: Pop in a movie and crank out those hand-lettered envelopes with the help of your wedding party and besties.
• Centerpiece Party: You’ve been pinning DIY ideas forever. Bring them to life with the help of some artsy friends. You’ll have a blast and make memories in the process.
• Skill Share: Know someone who’s great at photography, floral arranging, cake decorating, or alterations? Ask if they would share their talent with you in lieu of a wedding gift. (Be sure to compensate them appropriately for their time.)

Practice Gratitude

You’ll probably feel overwhelmed at some point during the wedding planning process. Keep a gratitude list things that are going well. Be sure to write down sweet things about your future spouse, too!

When you’re feeling stressed, read through your gratitude list and think about the bliss that’s coming on your big day. You’ll be saying “I DO!” in no time!

One of the unique features of the land on which Blue Vista sits are the incredible displays of rock. A giant boulder line (we’re talking car-sized boulders!) part way down the hillside runs all the way around the property. Building on this soaring rock outcropping has required us to let the land determine where buildings and roads and ponds go. As the large earth moving machines have worked to shape the land, piles of limestone rubble in diverse colors and textures have been left in their wake.

We felt this history beneath our feet deserved more than to simply be plowed under again. Luckily, skilled artisans Chris Thompson and Jake Morford had a vision.

Chris and his crew harvested limestone from these rubble piles to hand-chisel stone for the 30 ft. high, 11 foot wide stone fireplace that is the central feature of the Stone Lodge’s Hearth Room (and also the inspiration for the Lodge’s name).  The mantels are doubled 2x12 beams from an old barn complete with the square wood pegs that have held them together for over 100 years.

On the other side of the property, we needed a way to help guests access the large green space that is separated from the Cedar Pavilion by a 10 ft. rock face. Jake saw another opportunity to use what our land provided and built a staircase entirely out of limestone he found in the rubble piles during construction. A limestone staircase was the perfect choice for accessing this large flat green space that is the remnants of an old limestone quarry used to build local bridges. We call this space the Rose Quarry for the amazing coloration of the exposed stone.

Want to see more of the ways Blue Vista helps you connect with nature and the people close to you?  Contact us today to schedule a tour!

We’ve recently come to a decision about our catering fees that we think you’ll be happy with. 

Wait – catering fee?  What’s a catering fee?!

A lot of venues charge a fee to catering companies who work at their events for the use of their facilities and equipment.  Some venues have made extensive investments in all kinds of kitchen equipment, and they feel that provides enough benefits to the catering companies that they charge a fee for the value provided.  This is pretty common practice in the Manhattan, KS area, with fees commonly ranging from 12-18% of the catering charge.  While the fee is charged to the catering company, it’s pretty much always passed along to whoever is paying for the wedding.

During our design phase, we met with multiple high-quality catering companies in the area to find out what equipment would be really useful (and what wouldn’t!), how much space was needed, and what layouts would work best.  We’re making targeted investments so that our catering prep kitchens are a pleasure to use and, most importantly, allow for smooth, quick, seamless service for the event at hand.  It’s easy for a catering fee to feel like a hidden charge, too, and that’s why…

Blue Vista has officially decided NOT to charge a catering fee.  We do require the use of eco-friendly dishes (compostable or recyclable) if disposables are used to help us achieve our goal of zero-landfill. The extra costs for that will be much less than a catering fee would be, and it benefits the earth.

If you’d like to know more about our recommended vendors or what’s require to make the list, please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you!

There isn't a ton to see yet when you click on our link to Something Blue Vintage Rentals, but there will be soon! Once we get all of our inventory online, there will be many items that span a variety of decades and styles. Although some people love designing and working on the details of an event, we know this can be a bit overwhelming for others. To make navigating our large collection a bit easier, we'll be using a tag system to give you suggestions of what items may go together based on the look you want. Here is a preview of what is to come!

	For example, although my grandmother was quite practical and rarely splurged on herself, she loved gold and glamour. In her honor, I've started an Old Hollywood Glamour collection. Think 1930s-60s sophistication with lots of gold, shimmer, clean lines, and cut glass.
Perhaps a common use of vintage items is to create a romantic shabby chic ambiance. This look tends towards soft and romantic with visual markers of wear and tear that bring out the story of the item.
	Given the location of BV, themes that have rustic, earthy, and country vibes are also quite fitting. We bring in decor that references nature and treasures that have come from old farmhouses.

 These are just a few of the styles that our landscape and buildings lend themselves to.  What kind of style do you envision for your big day?  What elements would you like to see available from us to help create your vision?  Hit us up in the comments and let us know!

We've been making some major updates to the website, but perhaps the biggest is a new wedding package!  Based on customer feedback, we've added the Classic Celebration, a 24-hour event package using our large Cedar Pavilion event space and Rose Quarry outdoor area. To allow turnaround time to host 2 Classic Celebrations in one weekend, Saturdays are excluded.  Other than that restriction, it will include all the features and amenities of any other package.

As another major update, we've decided to make all our prices visible online to help couples more easily make decisions about whether Blue Vista is a good fit for them. It's common for venues to require potential customers to contact them before seeing prices. That means that the venues have more opportunity to explain their options, the value that different options offer, and different ways their offerings might fit into a plan or budget.  We certainly believe in all those things and are happy to talk to you about all that and more!  

With packages ranging from $1,000 - $6,900 based on size, month, and package, we feel confident in the value of each package, and we know you will have a wonderful experience if you choose to celebrate with us. 

When you look at our construction pictures, you don't see much wood yet, just funny looking white foam blocks. Those blocks are called Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and are making our building both eco-friendly and tornado resistant! How this works is: 

• The blocks assemble like Lego blocks, so the walls can be built pretty fast. 
• The gap in the middle of the blocks is fitted with rebar and then filled with concrete, so the structure of the walls is steel-reinforced concrete, making the building exceptionally strong
• Unlike most concrete forms, these blocks stay in place after the concrete is formed, and the foam becomes the insulation for the walls (our Stone Lodge is 4" foam on the exterior side, 2" interior)
• That level of insulation makes our walls R-30, and the concrete makes them extremely airtight, so the building ends up being very energy efficient
• And super strong!!
• So although they cost a bit more up-front than traditional wood framing, ICF will save us money in heating and cooling bills.

This is a learning journey for us and as we continue moving toward opening to the public, we'll share what we're discovering in the world of eco-friendly and socially-responsible options from the obvious things like the solar panels you'll see going up to the less visible such as what soaps and shampoos we choose.  Stay tuned!

Our first spring at Blue Vista brings with it the discovery of all different types of Flint Hills wildflowers. We have found milkweed, primrose, penstemon, dame's rocket, rocket larkspur, pale dock, and several others we have yet to identify!