Lolly the Trolley
Make getting there part of the fun by hiring Lolly the Trolley to shuttle the wedding party and guests from the hotel to the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception. Co-owner and president Sherrill Witt says the very sight of one of the eight iconic Cleveland conveyances, all of which are enclosed and heated for cooler weather, brings a smile to people’s faces. “How can you look at a trolley and be in anything but a good mood?” she asks. And it allows out-of-towners to enjoy the ride rather than focus on negotiating unfamiliar streets, particularly after a night of drinking. “They prefer, very often, that we’re the designated driver,” Witt says. Couples hosting downtown Cleveland nuptials can also book a trolley to entertain guests with a narrated city tour during a gap between the wedding and reception. 216-771-4484, lollytrolley.com
Cleveland Music Group
Celebrate scoring your perfect mate in NBA championship style with a confetti cannon. Most couples use the device to shower themselves in the colors of their wedding palette as they make their entrance into the reception, according to Scott E. Jones, president of entertainment provider Cleveland Music Group. “It’s very effective to give that wow,” he says. CMG also has the ability to work with the Cavs’ in-game host Ahmaad Crump to introduce newlyweds in grand LeBron James fashion as well as provide a motivational troupe to emulate the Cavs’ Scream Team and get guests on the dance floor. Just be prepared to pay the venue an extra fee for the confetti cleanup. The last venue quote Jones received was $500. 216-986-1808, clevelandmusicgroup.com
CLE Clothing Co.
For those who want weddings with a dash of local pride, apparel mecca CLE Clothing Co. sells a “Cleveland Bride” tank top and a “Cleveland Groom” T-shirt, as well as an “Ohio Love” koozie with an outline of the state with the L-word superimposed atop it. Couples can also get favors such as buttons and glassware customized in their wedding colors. “People are gravitating toward items like tees and koozies for wedding favors because they are looking for a way to really stand out and make a statement to their guests,” says director of operations Laura Kubinski. She adds that, “Celebrating where you are from as a part of your big day is definitely a trend we are seeing grow. Each year we get more and more requests from people looking for cool, locally made favors and gifts for their wedding guests and wedding parties.” 342 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-736-8879, cleclothingco.com
Miranda’s Vintage Bridal
While the “something old” adage does not include “something Cleveland,” brides can combine both of these wedding necessities at Miranda’s Vintage Bridal in Tremont. Owner Miranda Park shops all over the state looking for dresses ranging from the early 1900s to the early 1980s. “All of the dresses I have are vintage and a lot of them are purchased from local Clevelanders,” she says. In addition to dresses, brides can find veils, jewelry and other accessories. Park worked as a seamstress for seven years prior to opening her store and uses those skills to redesign vintage gowns. She has even redesigned wedding gowns worn by relatives. “On several occasions, I have redesigned a dress that had been passed down the family through three generations,” Park says. 2685 W. 14th St., Cleveland, 216-298-9070, mirandasvintagebridal.com
CLE Urban Winery
Brides-to-be looking to celebrate their engagement at a winery need not look outside Cuyahoga County. Cleveland Heights’ CLE Urban Winery can accommodate groups of 10 to 100 people. There is no rental charge for the winery, which works on a first-come, first-serve basis, as owner Destiny Burns views her site as a community space. The winery offers tastings, tours and classes. Burns has had bachelorette parties come to the facility to make the wine that will be served as wedding favors. Batches of wine are available in 30 full or 60 half bottles of any variety and include a custom label. “It’s a good hands-on activity for the bridal party. They use our equipment to make the wine and then, when it’s ready, they can go and bottle it in the winery,” says Burns. 2180B Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-417-8313, cleurbanwinery.com
Rocky River Brewing Co.
Looking to mix up the usual bar situation at your upcoming wedding? Consider renting out Rocky River Brewing Co.’s MicroWoodie. This beer truck will be dropped off filled with two to three taps of Rocky River’s seasonal or standard brews. The truck comes equipped with Sirius satellite radio, or it can be hooked up to an iPod or MP3 player. The Woodie, for short, is self-pour, but a Rocky River bartender can come along for an additional cost. The Woodie is great for weddings as it is made to serve a large crowd. “If you get two kegs, that’s 260 glasses of beer. You’ve got to have enough people to drink it,” says Rocky River Brewing Co. co-owner Bob Cintron. 21290 Center Ridge Road, Cleveland, 440-895-2739, rockyriverbrewco.com
Cleveland Cycle Tours
Whether you’re hoping to spice up the typical bar crawl for your bachelor/bachelorette party or show off your city to out-of-town guests, Cleveland Cycle Tours provides several different opportunities. Cleveland Cycle Tours is typically open 10 months of the year, but has gone out in January and February in the past. Depending on whether you select the downtown, Tremont or Ohio City tour, you will hit up a variety of Cleveland hot spots, including Heck’s Cafe, Market Garden Brewery and Wild Eagle Saloon. A non-alcoholic tour is also available. Each two-hour tour holds six to 15 people and has two or three stops. Not only can groups bring their own playlist, they are allowed to drink while riding on the bike. “I always say it’s only legal when two feet and two cheeks are on the cycle,” says owner Carol Stanek. 2135 Columbus Road, Cleveland, 440-532-9995, bikecct.com
Mascots
If you’re looking for the most experienced entertainers in town, you may be surprised to find that Slider may be your best choice. “Slider has done numerous weddings in his over 26 years of performing,” says Dan Kilday, mascot coordinator for the Cleveland Indians. “Slider has been brought in as a surprise or for entertainment, either during the cocktail hour or during the lively hours. We have no restrictions as to how the mascots are used,” he says. Slider’s availability cannot be confirmed more than three weeks before a wedding. Call as far in advance as possible as Slider is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sir CC from the Cavaliers, the Browns’ Chomps and Ketchup, Mustard and Onion from the Indians are also available for weddings.
Wild Fox & Flower
For brides looking to add an earthy touch to their wedding, Wild Fox & Flower is the answer. All of owner Meghan Wingenfeld’s flowers are organically grown from her garden and delivered throughout Cuyahoga County. Wild Fox & Flower typically makes deliveries from mid-June to mid-October, although Wingenfeld was able to grow flowers through November in 2016. As she does not import, Wingenfeld’s brides receive whatever flowers are growing in her garden at the time. To accommodate this, she works with brides on understanding their desired color palette, shape, size and style. “If you order a bouquet from me, it will have been cut in the last 48 hours, at most, usually [within] 24 [hours],” she says. Wingenfeld describes her taste as organic and free-style. “It looks like it was picked from the garden, and it actually was picked from the garden,” she says. 216-832-5477, facebook.com/wildfoxandflower
Cleveland Whiskey
Not many companies in Cleveland can claim to be innovators in their industry, but Cleveland Whiskey can do just that. Cleveland Whiskey provides tours of their disruptive technology that accelerates the typical maturation and flavor development of distilled spirits. CEO Tom Lix has seen bachelor and bachelorette parties tour his distillery as well as special tours for families of the bride and groom coming in from out of town. “It’s a great icebreaker for the new in-laws,” he says. With advance notice, Cleveland Whiskey can create custom labels and engrave barrelheads and flasks for wedding party gifts or guest favors in large- or small-scale orders. The distillery offers the option of creating a custom blend that incorporates a type of wood that is special or unique to the couple. “In essence, they can make their own Cleveland Whiskey,” Lix says. 176 E. 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandwhiskey.com
