The Ballroom at McKay

transform the space throughout the evening. It was easy coordinating with Nicole, the McKay staff, and our vendors who were 'regulars' to manage the flip between the ceremony and reception. This was our biggest stress point for the weekend, and (to our knowledge) everything went smoothly and in the allotted timeframe. The bar manager Barry is also very fun and easy to work with. We chose to do a consumption bar, and Barry's estimate was practically spot-on, which was a very pleasant surprise! Make sure to ask who your day of contact will be in advance and start looping them into the communications early. We also really liked that they had an approved caterer list. This gave us flexibility to choose a caterer to match our style, but we knew the selection would be comfortable and familiar operating in the venue. We highly recommend Kangaroo Kitchen!

igan. I wanted a location in Grand Rapids that was elegante but also central so that our many out of town guests could experience Grand Rapids on foot. The ballroom staff made the process very easy. Both my husband and I live abroad and Nicole was prompt about answering emails and setting up meetings when we were in town. Day of Jackie was there to greet us and make sure everything ran smoothly. Barry the bar manager was fun to work with. He and his crew did a great job and were in high spirits for the whole evening. The only disappointment was we used Martha’s catering from the ballroom’s preferred catering list and they did not live up to the service and quality expected from a company that earned “best caterers of the year.” Overall I would not hesitate to recommend The Ballroom at McKay for your event!

ly liked that the space didn't feel cramped for 200 people and it was easy for others to move around. I would highly recommend this venue.

ption it was. Loved the approved caterer list, too. Thank you for helping make our wedding an event to remember!

were included in the rental and the location was ideal. That is where the good things about the McKay Ballroom end. I was planning my wedding from another state and was very happy that I could email the McKay to reserve and ask questions, Nicole was good about getting back to me through email and sending me other samples of linens as their options are very limited. She never answered her phone during the planning process. I would recommend getting everything in writing as what we were told during our walk through's did not happen. When my mother and I went to do a final walk through we were told by Nicole that we just had to take pictures of the tables and they would set everything up and then Thursday before the wedding after sending pictures, Nicole informed me that they do not do that and we would have to do all the set up. After finding people to set up and changing plans we were able to go to the McKay Saturday morning to set up. When everyone got there nothing was set up, we were told we could set up the tables before hand and they would be hidden behind a curtain and then pulled out after the ceremony. There were no curtains and no tables to set up. The maintenance man was very helpful and he was trying to get us what we needed. Nicole was no where to be found on Saturday and did not answer her phone so no one could get a hold of her. We were also told that part of the ballroom would be blocked off so the guests wouldn't see everything during the ceremony, this also did not happen. When the groomsmen walked into the McKay early to be ready to seat guests they noticed the stage was way too small, so with their tux's on they were moving the stage so that everyone could fit. Then we were also told that there would be a microphone for the bride, groom and officiant to talk into so everyone could hear, there was no mic and so for the ceremony and saying our own vows no one could hear what we were saying. Another issue was that the layout that I had sent Nicole was the not exact layout that I walked into, I was worried that with a small guest list (~100) that the space would be too big but that she would arrange the room so that there was not as much space in between the dance floor and the bar as it was a long way. The bar was pushed back against the wall and a very large space was in between the tables and the bar which was not was we discussed and was not like the layout I sent her. The McKay also sends a website called AllSeated to work on the layout, this is not a user friendly layout and after the layout was not what I had wanted I don't know why I even bothered with the headache. I am a very organized bride and sent Nicole all the info needed months in advance, the week of the wedding I started getting emails in which she needed documents in which I had sent months before. Overall, the space is beautiful but if I had the choice to pick another venue I would, the stress from the McKay was not worth it, from having issues and phone calls starting the morning of the wedding because nothing was as we were told, to stressing over if the reception would be able to be flipped in time with enough help, then stressing over the clean up. I would NOT recommend the McKay to future brides.

dows, tables, chairs, bar, rich colors and awesome lighting!! I loved the chandeliers! The marble columns and bank table outside the elevators and vault were beautiful. Even the bathrooms...clean and bright. The staff were very helpful, courteous, patient and looking to fulfill requests and answer questions. We felt very cared for. McKay coordinated with other venues to ensure a no flaws evening. (Martha's Vineyard, Posh Petals, Music Host Entertainment-Joel, Gilmore Catering, Cakes by Lori). It was a humid evening and the air conditioning was on high! We would recommend this Venue without hesitation.

e event coordinators and they made sure everything was just how we wanted it to be. I would recommend this venue to ANYONE who is still looking. You will take one look inside and you won't want to hold your event anywhere else. It creates such a dreamy and romantic atmosphere :] Loved it!!