About Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo is built on its history as a paper industry hence the nickname "Paper City." Located in southwestern Michigan, the city has since diversified its manufacturing portfolio to include the production of medical, metal, and plastic products.
The strategic location, equidistant to Chicago and Detroit, further makes the city of Kalamazoo a point of interest. It's also where the Gibson Guitar Corporation began operations and in turn, had a hand in shaping the region's music scene. Kalamazoo also has plenty of watershed areas and hikers, as well as birdwatchers, are particularly drawn to the Kleinstuck Marsh.
There are lots of stunning places around the city which would serve as a great backdrop to host a myriad of events. Hence the reason you should consider renting a reception venue in Kalamazoo.
Reception Options in Kalamazoo
Perhaps you are planning a retirement, ordination, or baptism reception; the local experts can be of help. From the process of locating a suitable reception venue in Kalamazoo to designing the look and feel of the occasion; the city's lists of event professionals are on standby to assist.
- Event Rentals
Whether you choose to keep the party indoors or take it outside; you'll need to deck out the reception venue in Kalamazoo for the occasion. From tents, beverage service machines, to table linens; you can get them all from the event rental companies in Kalamazoo.
- Equipment
More than often, reception events include presentations and speeches. The equipment rental stores in Kalamazoo can supply the microphones, PA systems, and other items that are an instrumental part of the success of your occasion.
- Catering
Food brings people together and that's why your reception menu counts. With the help of a catering company in Kalamazoo, you can come up with a customized and befitting menu for the occasion.
- Music
Music has for the longest time been an important part of celebratory occasions. Your reception shouldn't be any different. With a band or DJ playing during the occasion, you can keep your guests in a great mood and on their toes.
- Photography
A reception concludes another grand occasion and in turn, you should have pictures taken of the two gatherings. There are lists of professional photographers in Kalamazoo ready to cover your occasion.
Reception Companies in Kalamazoo
Yours might be a somber occasion preceded by a funeral or a happy one that follows a christening. In each case, you could do with some help from the experts to organize a memorable reception venue in Kalamazoo.
- Stellaluna Events
Born out of a passion to pull off fulfilling experiences, Stella Luna Events places emphasis on the group of people gathering to celebrate. Their expertise is organizing beautiful weddings but they also offer event design services to make your occasion a true representation of your personality.
- Millennium Catering & Events
Millennium Catering & Events takes pride in creating unique experiences that suit your preferences and work for your wallet. Their award-winning team of chefs can customize dishes for your occasion.
- Canopeum
If you need equipment for your occasion, Canopeum has an extensive list of event rental items. From tents to lighting and fun food machines; they have every imaginable item needed to take your event to the next level. They also provide delivery, set up and tear down, and cleaning services.
Pros and Cons of Receptions in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo is a place that fosters harmonious living and the vibrant downtown scene always comes up in conversations. The city can fall short in certain ways particularly when you are planning a reception in Kalamazoo. Look at the pros and cons.
Advantages
- The downtown scene
If you want to treat your guests to the authentic Kalamazoo scene, head over to the city's downtown area. That's where you'll find a concentration of shopping establishments, entertainment spots, and endless leisure opportunities.
- Low cost living
Living in Kalamazoo is affordable and there are diverse housing options available. You'll also have access to a wide range of options when looking for reception venues in Kalamazoo.
- Diversity
The ethnic diversity is what gives Kalamazoo its character and unique vibe. You and your guests will feel like equitable fellows and the welcoming atmosphere will undoubtedly influence the spirit of your occasion.
- Accessibility
Kalamazoo is located about 150 miles from the cities of Detroit and Chicago. The equidistance from each city makes it a convenient transport hub.
- The culture
The city's cultural scene is equally vibrant and your guests will enjoy visiting the art galleries, museums, or sports arena.
Disadvantages
- The weather
With less than four months experiencing warm weather in this city, you may be best settling for an indoor reception venue in Kalamazoo.
- Downtown congestion
Like other major metros, downtown Kalamazoo attracts huge crowds and unfortunately, that's also where most of the action happens. Avoid reception venues in the area because accessibility will be an issue.
- Slow pace
Getting things one quickly is perhaps something you'll be lucky to experience in Kalamazoo. Be flexible with the timeline and oversee the most important aspects ahead of time.
- Crime
Crime is a vice that plagues just about every location under the sun. Kalamazoo records a high crime rate and you should be vigilant like you would anywhere else.
- Homelessness
The city's homeless community keeps growing and they mostly occupy downtown Kalamazoo. If you are up to doing some good, plan a community reach out session as part of your reception event.
Famous Locations in Kalamazoo
- Air Zoo
Every plane enthusiast will love visiting the Air Zoo. The museum offers aviation movies, flight-themed rides, as well as flight simulators. The zoo also retells touching stories about the brave pilots who operated some of the displayed planes.
- Kalamazoo Nature Center
Varieties of live-animal exhibits, a barnyard, and a restored pioneer homestead are some of the highlights found within the Kalamazoo Nature Center. It's also conveniently located near downtown Kalamazoo making the nature center highly accessible.
- Kalamazoo Mall
The Kalamazoo Mall dates to 1959 and it's an outdoor pedestrian shopping complex. Its construction is intriguing because the city shut down a section of Burdick Street from auto-traffic access but two out of the four blocks have been reopened.