Blog
Wedding Ideas,
& Real Perspective.
Planning advice, vendor spotlights, and practical ideas for couples who want a celebration that feels polished, personal, and easy to enjoy.
From music and timeline tips to guest experience and event flow, this is where we share the kind of insight that helps couples make smarter decisions and create a wedding that actually feels like them.
Behind the Scenes with Marry Me COTTAGE: Insider Wedding Tips from a Local Expert
Planning a wedding? Don’t miss this exclusive interview with Christie Steimel, Owner and Lead Coordinator at Marry Me COTTAGE in O’Fallon, Missouri. From surprising mistakes couples make to a faux wedding that shocked everyone, Christie shares her behind-the-scenes wisdom for making your big day unforgettable.
💡 Wedding Planning Tips from an Intimate Wedding Venue in Missouri
Let’s be honest: planning a wedding can be a lot. Between managing RSVPs, finding the perfect venue, and keeping Aunt Karen happy, it’s easy to let a few details slip through the cracks.
To help couples feel more confident and less stressed, we sat down with Christie Steimel of Marry Me COTTAGE — a cozy, beautifully designed venue known for delivering intimate weddings with all the bells and whistles.
From outdoor ceremony hiccups to hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, Christie shared some incredible insights you won’t want to miss.
🎯 Common Wedding Mistakes Couples Make
“The number one mistake? Couples forget to tell guests the ceremony is outside!” – Christie Steimel
Yes, you read that right. One of the most overlooked details when planning an outdoor wedding is simply not telling your guests it’s outside. That tiny oversight can leave friends and family caught off guard—heels sinking into grass, guests overheating in summer sun, or freezing in early spring weather.
Pro Tip: When you book an outdoor venue, make sure to clearly communicate the setting in your invites, website, or group chat.
⏰ Time is Everything (And Why You Should Arrive on Time)
One of the best pieces of advice Christie gives couples?
“Arrive on time. Our packages are time-specific, and we want you to enjoy every moment.”
Venues like Marry Me COTTAGE operate on tight, well-orchestrated timelines. Delays can disrupt the whole flow—especially when multiple events are booked in a single day.
Being punctual ensures that you maximize your time with the venue and avoid unnecessary stress. Trust us: running late to your own wedding isn’t a memory you want to make.
🏡 More Than Just a Pretty Venue
Many couples book Marry Me COTTAGE thinking they’re just renting a space. But as Christie points out, they’re getting so much more.
Here’s what’s included in their intimate wedding packages:
- A private dressing room for pre-ceremony prep
- Four decorated ceremony spaces to choose from
- A wedding officiant and custom-written ceremony script
- A music attendant to handle pre- and post-ceremony music
- A venue host/coordinator to greet guests and manage flow
- And of course… the dreamy ambiance for your photos
That’s a whole team working behind the scenes to make your ceremony seamless, memorable, and stress-free.
❓ Questions Couples
Should
Be Asking
Let’s face it — most couples are new to this whole wedding planning thing, and you don’t know what you don’t know. Christie suggests asking these two critical questions:
- What time should we arrive?
- What exactly happens when we get to the venue?
Luckily, Marry Me COTTAGE includes a timeline in every couple’s contract. But for other venues, don’t assume — ask!
💍 Christie’s Golden Advice for Planning Your Big Day
“Expect the unexpected and go with the flow.”
Weddings don’t always go according to plan. A bridesmaid might lose a shoe, your cousin could get stuck in traffic, or the weather might not cooperate. And that’s okay!
Christie reminds couples not to get so wrapped up in planning a Pinterest-perfect wedding that they forget what it’s all about:
“Don’t spend so much time planning your wedding day that you forget to plan your marriage.”
Preach!
😂 The Most Unusual Wedding Story? Buckle Up…
You’re not ready for this one.
“A sweet couple ‘faked’ a micro wedding — complete with ceremony and reception — just to appease a pushy side of the family… and they’re not actually married!”
That might just take the cake for most iconic family compromise ever. We’re still laughing—and slightly in awe of their commitment to not committing.
💖 Most Memorable Wedding? Same One. Obviously.
When asked about the most memorable event she’s ever hosted, Christie just said:
“See above. LOL!”
Enough said.
📍Where to Find Marry Me COTTAGE
Thinking of hosting your own intimate ceremony at a charming, all-inclusive venue? Here’s how to find Christie and her team:
Marry Me COTTAGE
📍9036 Veterans Memorial Parkway
O’Fallon, MO 63366
✅ Final Thoughts: What We Learned from Marry Me COTTAGE
Planning a wedding is all about balance. It’s about finding a venue that not only looks great in photos but also delivers behind-the-scenes support you didn’t even know you needed.
From clear communication with guests to arriving on time and staying flexible with your plans, these little details make all the difference.
Whether you’re hosting 20 guests or 100, Marry Me COTTAGE proves that intimate weddings can be just as epic — and way less stressful.
📌 FAQs
1. What’s included in Marry Me COTTAGE’s wedding packages?
Everything from the decorated venue, dressing rooms, officiant, music, and on-site coordination — truly an all-in-one deal!
2. Can we bring our own officiant or music?
Yes, but the venue already includes both services, so it’s up to you.
3. Is Marry Me COTTAGE suitable for big weddings?
Nope! This venue specializes in intimate ceremonies, typically for smaller guest counts.
4. What should guests know before attending an outdoor ceremony?
Dress for the weather! Comfortable shoes, layers, or sunglasses might be necessary.
🔗 External Links for Wedding Planning Inspiration
- The Knot’s Outdoor Wedding Guide
- Zola: How to Create a Wedding Day Timeline
- Missouri Marriage License Info
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