Vendor Spotlight: SLAM Events – Weddings at the Saint Louis Art Museum

When you’re planning a wedding in St. Louis, the venue you choose sets the tone for everything else. In our ongoing Vendor Highlight series, we sit down with the wedding pros we love working with and ask the questions engaged couples should be asking before they book.

This week we’re excited to feature Sarah Heckemeyer, Director of Catering & Events at SLAM Events, the in-house weddings and special events team at the iconic Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. We recently worked a wedding together and were blown away by how smoothly her team runs an event of this scale. We asked Sarah to share her best advice for couples currently planning their big day.

What common mistakes do you see couples making when planning a wedding?

A common issue is underestimating the budget and not leaving room for unexpected expenses. I also see couples trying to do too much themselves instead of trusting experienced professionals to guide the process.

What’s the best tip you have for couples hiring a wedding venue or catering team?

Do your research, read reviews, and make sure you genuinely connect with the vendor’s personality and communication style. Your wedding team will be part of one of the most important days of your life, so trust and comfort matter just as much as price and experience.

What don’t couples know about your business that they need to know?

Many couples don’t realize how much work happens behind the scenes before the wedding day. From planning timelines and coordinating logistics to preparing backup plans, a professional service is about much more than just showing up on the wedding day itself.

What questions should couples be asking that they don’t know to ask?

Couples should ask about backup plans, vendor experience with unexpected situations, communication timelines, and exactly what is included in the package. It’s also important to ask how vendors work with other wedding professionals to help the day run smoothly.

What is your best piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?

Remember that the wedding is about celebrating your relationship, not creating a “perfect” event. Focus on what matters most to you as a couple, stay flexible, and don’t let small details overshadow the joy of the day.

Why Couples Love Getting Married at the Saint Louis Art Museum

Few St. Louis wedding venues offer the kind of timeless atmosphere you’ll find at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Set in the heart of Forest Park, SLAM Events brings together world-class architecture, gallery spaces filled with art, and a seasoned in-house events team that handles catering and coordination from start to finish. Whether you’re imagining a grand reception, a sophisticated cocktail hour, or an intimate ceremony surrounded by art, SLAM Events tailors the experience around your story.

Sarah and her team work hand in hand with photographers, planners, florists, and yes, your DJ, to make sure every moment runs on time and feels effortless. That kind of behind-the-scenes coordination is what separates a beautiful wedding day from a stressful one.

Learn More About SLAM Events

If you’re searching for a St. Louis wedding venue that feels iconic, elegant, and unforgettable, you’ll want to connect with Sarah and the team at SLAM Events.

Sarah Heckemeyer
Director of Catering & Events
SLAM Events at the Saint Louis Art Museum
📞 314-655-5387
✉️ SHeckemeyer@ciemail.com
🌐 www.slam.org

Planning your St. Louis wedding and still building your vendor team? Reach out to Abell DJ Company. We’d love to help make your reception unforgettable, and we’re always happy to recommend trusted pros like Sarah and the SLAM Events team.