There’s something special about St. Louis – that perfect blend of Midwest hospitality with unique local flair that makes our region shine. 1860 Schulhaus is nestled in the charming countryside of New Melle, MO, just 45 minutes West of the Gateway Arch and we’re proud of our connection to St. Louis. In honor of 314 Day, we’re sharing our favorite ways to incorporate St. Louis charm into your wedding day, proving you don’t have to be downtown to celebrate what makes the Gateway to the West so special.
Flavor Your Reception with STL Favorites
Let’s be honest – St. Louis knows food. From the controversial-yet-beloved thin crust pizza with provel cheese to gooey butter cake that makes visitors swoon, our regional flavors are conversation starters and crowd-pleasers. Consider these STL-inspired food and drink ideas for your micro wedding:
Late-Night Snack Stations
Not feeling the vibe of a plated meal? Consider a late-night snack station or buffet style dinner with locally loved goodies.
- Imo’s Pizza station (because nothing says “St. Louis” quite like square-cut, Provel-topped pizza)
- Toasted ravioli with marinara dipping sauce
- Gooey butter cake bites
- Ted Drewes frozen custard bar (perfect for summer celebrations – it’s really good guys…and gals! #iykyk)
Signature Cocktails & Craft Beer
Consider creating a signature cocktail that speaks to your St. Louis roots or trying a STL themed drink like a Gooey Butter Cake Martini. Including local craft beers in your beverage package is another great way to include the Lou in your big day and support St. Louis businesses.
Décor with St. Louis Flair
You don’t need to plaster your venue with Arch imagery to bring in St. Louis charm (though we wouldn’t judge if you did!). Consider these subtle nods to our region:
- Table numbers featuring famous St. Louis landmarks or neighborhoods
- Vintage St. Louis postcards as part of your guest book station
- Forest Park-inspired greenery for a touch of our urban oasis
- Red and Blue decor as a lowkey nod to your favorite local sports teams
Local Favors Your Guests Will Actually Want
Skip the generic wedding favors and send guests home with a taste of St. Louis:
- Bottles of Fitz’s root beer
- Gooey butter cookies packaged in custom bags
- Local coffee beans from Kaldi’s or Blueprint
- St. Louis-made candles or soaps from local artisans
Music That Brings STL Soul
The rich St. Louis music scene has given us legends from Chuck Berry to Nelly and contributed to everything from blues and jazz to rock n’ roll and hip hop. Tina Turner went to High School here, Story of the Year formed here, Miles Davis was born here. We could go on and on! Whatever vibe you’re going for, we’re confident you can tie in your St. Louis heritage!
Creating Your Perfect City-Meets-Country Wedding
What makes the St. Louis region truly special is its diversity – from urban energy to serene countryside, historic neighborhoods to modern developments. At 1860 Schulhaus, we embody that perfect balance:
- The historic charm St. Louisans appreciate
- The open space and fresh air you can’t find downtown
- The intimate setting that fosters genuine connections
- The flexibility to make your wedding uniquely yours
You don’t have to choose between city sophistication and country charm – at 1860 Schulhaus, you get the best of both worlds. Our New Melle venue offers that distinctive Midwestern hospitality with the added benefits of a breathtaking countryside setting.
Why Micro Weddings Work Perfectly for StL-Inspired Celebrations
When you’re planning a wedding with regional flair, micro weddings offer distinct advantages:
- Budget flexibility to splurge on those special local touches
- Intimate atmosphere where guests can fully appreciate the regional elements
- Space to create meaningful experiences rather than rushing through traditions
- Opportunity to truly customize your celebration to reflect your St. Louis story
Ready to Plan Your STL-Inspired Micro Wedding?
Whether you’re St. Louis born and raised or a transplant who’s fallen in love with the Gateway to the West, we’d love to help you create a wedding day that honors your connection to this special region. At 1860 Schulhaus, we specialize in creating intimate, meaningful celebrations that tell your unique story.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning your perfect StL-inspired micro wedding. Just like our home city, your celebration should be distinctive, memorable, and full of heart.
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true! Your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners creating hundreds of jobs every year. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find more on this wedding venue map. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues around the country: Harris Glen, Butler’s Courtyard, The Hidden Abby, The Ironwood Barn at Von Erich Ranch, and Heartland Farms Event Center.
Thank you for supporting our locally owned venue: 1860 Schulhaus!
