Engaged couples often get caught up in wedding planning and have little time for themselves. ISU Catering and Reiman Gardens offered a solution to these couples’ dilemma.

On Jan. 24th, the two organizations sponsored the first Bridal Date Night from 6 to 9 p.m. at Reiman Gardens.

According to Emily Bradshaw, assistant manager of ISU Catering, this is the first time the organization has made an expo into a date night.

“We had noticed, as well as a lot of other vendors, that by the time they [the couple] get to an expo, they already have a lot of things decided,” Bradshaw said. “This way, especially for us as catering, we can showcase more of our food and the services we provide — the experience people would have using us.”

For $20, each of the 56 guests who attended received a drink, appetizers, dinner and access to all vendors.

Vendors had the option of having a booth, an idea gallery or goody bags to showcase their products or services, Bradshaw said.

The vendors at Bridal Date Night were businesses in Ames and surrounding communities. Some of the vendors included Pampered Chef, Pure Bridal and BC Productions.

BC Productions provides disk jockey, photo booths, uplighting and videography services.

Nic Sandstrom, a BC Productions disk jockey, said their owner went to Iowa State and has connections with the Alumni Center and Reiman Gardens.

As the host of the event, Reiman Gardens was also able to showcase its facility and services. While the majority of its wedding rentals come in the summer, Renee Rule, Reiman Garden’s private event coordinator, said they also have options for winter weddings.

“The nice thing about us is nature does the decorating for you,” Rule said.

ISU alumni and Ames residents often rent the facility for their weddings — but Rule said they have had renters from as far as New York.

Bradshaw said they hope to host the event biannually in the winter and the fall.