Yolo Event Center

I am reviewing YOLO for their wedding services as well as Early Bird for their VIP package. These services were rendered in July 2013, with contact starting in May/​June 2012.
I do not remember how I found YOLO, but when I did, I knew it was the place I wanted to have our wedding reception. The owners have taken the time to really make the space upper-​class and trendy. I felt my guests were going to experience the best Fort Wayne had to offer. Kristen was our contact from day one and she was always on top of her game. She was there for me for months as I was debating if we should go to this spot or not, there for the 15 times I changed the menu and even there on my wedding day. As an owner, I was quite impressed with her for taking so much time and care into our day. Kristen was good with communication, especially as we became closer to our wedding date. She also was great in allowing us to come in early for setup.
YOLO was a dream for me because I got a lot of features in one deal. Uplighting was included, I didn’t have to search many places for a caterer (in-​house), large space, linens/​silverware/​glassware/​dishware included, color choices for linens… They were not very restrictive in what we could not do like other venues. We received a discount from the hotel across the street as well, which became our wedding hotel. I was happy with all that. And plus, the cost for YOLO was very reasonable. We were open with many people on how much we paid and they were shocked. YOLO worked with us on a payment plan and was flexible with us as we changed features, which impacted cost. I love they had a child’s option, which brought down costs.
As stated above, having a lot of flexibility was the reason I went with YOLO. We had to have Trolley’s catering, but we were allowed to go with anyone for the rest. Trolley’s was good and everything we had was great. You could tell Trolley’s had a great relationship with YOLO and wanted to impress their clients. On the day of our wedding, our food was great and guests had only great things to say.
Another thing that sets YOLO apart was the fact they have a nightclub attached to the venue. As a result, they had (not sure if this still applies now) packages that include your wedding reception and a discount on the nightclub package. We were able to get a VIP section for 50% off, a great deal. This was a major highlight of our wedding, as we had a morning service and lunch reception. We were happy to have a cost effective option where we and our guests could still party the night way. At Early Birds, we had a large section set aside for us with good barside service. I think we got more bottles and alcohol, then we expected. We were suppose to be in a VIP room within the club, but we were given an option to have an outside section… We choose outside as it was a beautiful July night. Again, YOLO being open with flexibility was great.
There was not much to complain about with YOLO. When I had issues with them, I told them and they either told me how they would address it or why they could not do it. They are clear, at things blunt, but all and all fair. There were times when I felt communication could have been better, but I was such an early planning bride, I felt Kristen dealt with me the best that she could. If we had to do it again, I would still pick YOLO. They did a great job and we had a memorable wedding day.
***My only advise to couples considering this venue is 1) Being mindful if your photographer has done photos in dark settings. YOLO is dark with NO natural lighting. I liked this for our wedding, but had to be mindful to view the work of photographers that had worked in this setting. I think my photographer even went to YOLO to get a feel of the lighting. 2) Take down was not a part of the package, so make sure you plan accordingly or you/​your wedding party will be completing this task.