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ago when I announced my engagement, my mother immediately set to work
helping me plan all of the wedding details. I was married in the town
where she lived, and because she understood my style, has good taste
herself, is exceptionally organized, and left the major decisions to
me, the event was beautiful and everything I had imagined. Of course, most people do not have a built-in resource like I did, and they have to do the legwork of planning their wedding on their own. Today, there are a multitude of businesses vying for your wedding and event planning business, but the trick is to find the one that suits your needs. For many customers, the staff members at Millard Plaza Ballroom have become their partners in planning special events from business breakfasts to elaborate wedding receptions. Dee Hankins has been the owner of Millard Plaza Ballroom for the past six years. Previous to owning the business, she worked at a software development company planning corporate events ranging from client visits to holiday events, as well as doing administrative work and some marketing for the company. When she decided to buy Millard Plaza Ballroom, Dee says that no one was surprised. “In our circle of friends, I have always been the organizer, from renting park shelters to coordinating entire trips.” In the past, Dee has created an itinerary, made the reservations, researched the history of an area, and even created little books for everyone. “I also enjoy cooking gourmet meals at home and entertaining friends. Now my friends expect it. It has been a natural progression.” Dee tells me that she has had inquiries about dance lessons (from the “ballroom” part of the name, no doubt), and has spoken with folks who think they only hold dinner theater performances there. In reality, they have nothing to do with ballroom dancing (unless you want to book your ballroom dancing party there), and dinner theaters are primarily held during the winter months, opposite the wedding season. Last winter, Millard Plaza Ballroom hosted the “Office Party,” which was an audience-involved dinner show. As guests arrived, they were assigned to a “department” of the office, and actors sat amongst them and guided the action. Dee says that they offered a two-entrée hot buffet, along with sides and desserts, and stayed with the types of foods you might see at a traditional holiday office party. Small groups of friends and even coworkers attended, making the “Office Party” their own holiday gathering. But dinner theater is really only a small part of Millard Plaza Ballroom, Dee points out. The morning of my visit, they had hosted a breakfast for a group called Business and the Omaha Woman. It is an informal group open to any woman interested in meeting and networking with other local women. Reservations are not necessary, and the cost is $10 at the door to cover the cost of food. A licensed on- and offsite caterer, they do everything from lunches for pharmaceutical representatives and financial services groups, to fully catered dinner receptions for weddings. Lunch ranges from boxed lunches to hot dishes delivered in disposable pans appropriate for serving and easy cleanup. For another downtown business group, Dee and her staff cater lunch complete with china, silverware, condiments, and ice. Her staff sets up the lunch, serves the food, and handles the cleanup. They also cater events such as holiday parties and events held in residential homes. Weddings keep Millard Plaza Ballroom busy every weekend from March through November. Dee has twinkle lights along the ceiling and tulle and ivy wrapped around the pillars. During the winter months, there are seasonal ornaments scattered casually within the lights. For other decorations such as table centerpieces, the use of Millard Plaza Ballroom’s items is included in the price. “Many brides choose to do a mix. They might bring in floral centerpieces for half of the tables and use our rose petals and mirrors for the rest of the tables, for example. It breaks up the look of the room and makes a more interesting presentation,” says Dee. Dee works very closely with all of her clients, especially the brides, she states. “We offer an event planning sheet, which includes a lot of little details that many people have not previously thought about.” Dee works out a timeline beforehand with her clients, detailing everything from the arrival of the bridal party to the start of the dance, and even includes time for bathroom breaks. They take care of details such as making sure the wedding party’s table is cleared before toasts are done, which makes for better photographs. She says that she and her staff pick up leftover party favors, wash the cake-cutting knives, and pack up extra mints and cake before the party is over. “When it is time to go, everything is ready to take out to their cars,” Dee says. This way the bridal party isn’t required to stay behind and pick everything up. For the wedding dinner, brides choose from a wide variety to select their two-entrée hot buffet. Selections include pastas, chicken dishes, and roast beef, with the latter being one of the more popular choices. “We are known for our food,” Dee says. “I always feel confident telling my clients that their guests will compliment them on the meal.” There is a $350 booking fee, which is refundable after the event once any outstanding costs are settled. Two weeks before the reception, Dee will meet with her client to finalize details. Final payment is due one week before the party. Depending on the date, brides often book their event up to 18 months in advance. Dee is a member of the Millard Business Association and currently serves as secretary. In 2007, the Millard Plaza Ballroom was awarded the “Small Business of the Year.” Dee is also a member of the Western Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, and the National Association of Catering Executives. Dee is a supporter of several groups including the Millard Public Schools and Angels Among Us. “I am the sales and marketing department, the maintenance department, the purchasing department, and the human resources department—along with being the owner of Millard Plaza Ballroom,” she says. “But I can work all day because I love the outcome of our events. Receiving compliments on our work and pleasing my clients makes it all worth it.” Millard Plaza Ballroom is located at 5339 S. 139th Plaza. For more information, call 891-0779 or visit www.millardplazaballroom.com. |
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