About Omaha
Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska, and is close to the Iowa border, on the banks of the Missouri River. The area has a continental climate with warm and humid summers and cold winters. Omaha was founded in 1854 and got its nickname “The Gateway to the West” as many people used this route to reach the “new West”. During the 1890s and throughout the 20th century, it had one of the best livestock markets in the world.
Today, the city is a regional transportation, trade, and manufacturing center. Omaha has four Fortune 500 company headquarters and is home to the Union Pacific Corporation, which is the country’s largest railroad operator. Some popular inventions took place in Omaha including Butter Brickle ice cream, the Reuben sandwich, the “pink hair curler”, Duncan Hines cake mix, and the first ski-lift in the country, to name a few.
With a storied history and plenty of uniqueness, Omaha is a great place to have a wedding!
Wedding Options in Omaha
When getting ready for your wedding in Omaha, you will need to take care of different aspects. This includes the decorations, the venue and the food.
- Décor
Décor is an important part of a wedding. Get ready to make your ceremony and reception stand out! From flowers to table centerpieces and elegant linen, there are plenty of options in Omaha. Make a budget and speak to different decorators to find the ideal décor for your Omaha wedding venue.
- Photography
Photography is an indispensable part of an important event, including weddings. You want to remember this day for the rest of your life, so hiring a professional photographer is worth the expense. Meet with a few photographers and take a look at their portfolios before deciding.
- Catering
Omaha has plenty of caterers to pick and choose from. If you don’t have any specific caterer or restaurant in mind, it’s always better to speak to a few different caterers to widen your options. Buffet-style catering often suits a larger gathering.
Wedding Companies in Omaha
Are you ready to plan the details? Let the professionals help make every decision from A to Z.
- Lovestruck Events
Lovestruck Events organizes weddings in Omaha, Kansas City, Des Moines, Minneapolis, and the surrounding areas. The all-women team at Lovestruck Events has put together over 250 weddings since 2011. They believe that “weddings should express the endearing qualities of the people they are celebrating”. Building a good relationship with their clients is of the utmost priority. Choosing to work with Lovestruck Events ensures that you will be in capable hands.
- 402 Events
This company offers premier wedding planning services in the Omaha area. The team at 402 Events begins working on your event many months in advance to make sure that everything goes off smoothly on your big day. Their staff is experienced and capable. Check out their different packages online and rest assured their know-how will make your day perfect.
- Dream Big Events
Audra Pace, owner of Dream Big Events is an internationally Certified Event and Wedding Planner. Dream Big Events was the winner of the Top 10 Wedding Planner by WeddingRule and has been nominated among the top three wedding planners in Omaha by Three Best Rated. Audra and her team have good connections with top vendors in the area, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Omaha
If you are planning to host your wedding in beautiful Omaha, here are some pros and cons to consider.
Advantages
- Nice weather
The weather in Omaha is lovely in the summer. If that’s the season you are choosing, you are all set.
- Parking is plentiful
In areas like the Old Market, parking is easy to find. Choosing a venue with lots of options for guests to park is ideal.
- Lower cost of living
Compared to other cities in the state, Omaha has a lower cost of living and this means you will pay less for miscellaneous goods and services. This will help if your wedding is on a strict budget.
- Good transportation system
It is easy to travel within the metropolitan area and Eppley Airfield is the largest airport in the state. The airport is well connected with the rest of the country making it easier for guests and family to attend your wedding.
Disadvantages
- The crime rate is higher
The crime rate in certain parts of the city and safety is a concern when compared to other cities.
- The winters are cold
Because of the type of climate in Omaha, the winters can get very cold. Keep this in mind when you are planning your wedding and the season in which you’d like to get married.
- The city is densely populated
There can be stress and environmental concerns because of the density of population in the city.
- Bugs can be a factor
Certain times of year bring bugs that bite. Think about the type of bugs that are prevalent, depending on season and venue.
Famous Locations in Omaha
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
This famous zoo and aquarium is spread over 160 acres and is one of the best attractions in the city. It is known for the Dome Desert (the largest indoor desert in the world) and Lied Jungle which is the largest indoor rainforest in North America. The main mission of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is research, conservation, recreation and education.
- Saint Cecilia Cathedral
This cathedral dates back to 1905 when it was first started and is one of the city’s iconic locations. It has more than 3 million bricks and twin bell towers. If you are visiting the city, or are planning your nuptials here, the interiors of the cathedral with stained glass windows that are over 500 years old will completely enthrall you.
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is the only footbridge that connects two states, which are Omaha and Iowa. It is built over the Missouri River and in Omaha is located next to Old Town Market. The bridge is easily accessible to pedestrians who want to go for a quiet after-dinner stroll. There are also bicycle trails in both cities if you love cycling. The bridge is a total of 3000 feet in length.