By Kris Goracke

Reporter

According to the Wedding Report webpage, Minnesota saw 33,835 weddings in 2022, with an average guest count ranging from 145 to 155. Nationally, the wedding industry has approximately 2.5 million ceremonies annually, contributing to a $70.5 billion market as of 2022.

Located in Glenwood, Lakeside Ballroom’s wedding business thrives, hosting ceremonies nearly every weekend year-round. With a dedicated team, Lakeside’s goal is to create a unique experience for all guests. 

Owner Jill Solmonson credits their recent accolade – the Best of Bride Award 2023 from Minnesota Bride magazine – to the collaborative effort of the team and the many attractions the community offers visitors.

Describing Lakeside Ballroom as a destination wedding without the plane, wedding coordinator Shelly Thompson notes, “We have discovered that guests are willing to travel for a wedding if it doubles as a weekend getaway. Our area provides many opportunities for activities, including going to the lake, golfing, biking, and shopping, to name a few. What initially begins as a wedding day evolves into a family weekend getaway. We have many guests who have enjoyed their initial visit to the area so much that they return as families for vacations,” said Solmonson.

The wedding planning journey begins approximately one year before the big day. “Couples usually contact us, inquiring about costs, available dates, and venue capacity. Shelly is usually their initial point of contact. She visits with them to get an idea of their vision and discusses how Lakeside can bring it to life,” explains Solmonson. Once the date is confirmed, the Lakeside team helps orchestrate the details leading up to the day. 

“Around the six-month mark, we arrange a meeting with the couple, often accompanied by a tasting session led by our chef, Jeff Lehtola,” said Solmonson. Reflecting on how Lakeside has changed its wedding service over the years, Lehtola notes, “One significant change we have made is the transition from a buffet-style service to a plated sit-down meal. This gives a more formal atmosphere to the event and allows us to add that personal touch, making each wedding special.”

Solmonson notes another shift in wedding preferences, “We’ve noticed a growing number of couples wanting an on-site ceremony. To accommodate this demand, I became a wedding officiant.” Over the 14 years of hosting weddings, Solmonson has had many memorable moments. She recalls a few of those moments, “We’ve hosted some genuinely unique weddings, such as a military ceremony and, just last year, we had guests camp out on the lake in their fish houses. However, every wedding holds a special place in our hearts, and each is unique in its way.” 

While Jeff, Shelly, and Jill serve as the public faces of the team, the roster runs deeper. “We have a dedicated setup crew, a “spit and shine” crew, and a team of 5 to 8 servers who help make the day as perfect as possible for the couple and their guests,” Solmonson elaborates. “Our Lakeside team is more than just coworkers; we’re family, and every individual’s collective effort makes each wedding successful. This recognition from the Minnesota Bride magazine truly belongs to every team member and our beautiful community,” she said.