How to Choose the Right Wedding Venue: Modern Elegance in the City
Photo Credit: Shantel Phipps Photography
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most defining decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. The space you select determines the tone, style, and overall flow of your wedding. For couples who imagine a chic, city-inspired celebration with all the amenities built in, Eastbank Venue and Lounge in Cedar Rapids is the perfect fit.
Unlike hotel ballrooms or conference centers, Eastbank offers modern elegance in the heart of downtown, making it a natural choice for couples who want convenience and sophistication without compromise. With optional in-house catering by Zest Catering Company and professional in-house décor and day of coordination services, Eastbank simplifies the planning process while delivering a stunning backdrop for your love story.
Why Couples Choose Modern City Venues
More and more couples are looking for venues that reflect their lifestyle and taste. Cedar Rapids offers everything from rustic barns to elegant hotels, but modern couples often lean toward urban venues for several reasons:
Downtown convenience for guests staying at hotels or attending ceremonies at nearby churches.
Built-in amenities like professional lighting, AV, and décor that reduce stress and vendor coordination.
A modern look and feel that avoids the “generic ballroom” atmosphere of hotel spaces.
Flexibility for hosting weddings of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.
Expert Venue Insight: Why Eastbank Is Ideal
At Eastbank Venue and Lounge, couples find a rare combination: scale, style, and service. The ballroom is one of the largest non-hotel wedding venues in Cedar Rapids, yet its design remains intimate and customizable.
The venue’s downtown location makes it especially popular with couples planning traditional church ceremonies followed by modern receptions. Guests enjoy easy access to hotels, restaurants, and nightlife—making Eastbank part of a full wedding weekend experience.
Perhaps the greatest advantage, however, lies in the details:
Zest Catering Company, Eastbank’s optional in house caterer, ensures the food is as memorable as the event itself. From plated dinners to interactive stations, every menu is tailored to your taste.
In-house décor + Day of Coordination services allow couples to personalize the space effortlessly. From elegant draping to statement centerpieces, Eastbank’s team helps you create the aesthetic you’ve been dreaming of and can offer a hand in your planning from the start.
Key Considerations When Choosing a City Venue
1. Location & Accessibility
Eastbank’s downtown setting keeps everything close—ceremonies, hotels, and reception all within a short distance.
Check out the Cedar Rapids Transportation Guide + the WeddingWire Venue Map
2. Style & Atmosphere
The venue’s modern, chic design serves as a stylish canvas, meaning couples can decorate as much or as little as they like.
Check out Eastbank’s exclusive in house decor that offers a variety of decor aesthetics.
3. Guest Comfort
Eastbank is spacious enough to host large guest lists while maintaining a celebratory feel. No cramped dance floors here.
Check out some examples of venue layouts that previous couples have selected from.
4. Built-In Amenities
From lighting and sound systems to bar service, Eastbank provides the essentials so couples don’t need to source vendors for every detail.
Check out Eastbank amenities via the FAQs page.
5. Food & Beverage
Having Zest Catering Company on-site guarantees a smooth, professional dining experience with menu flexibility to suit every couple’s tastes.
Check out Zest’s pricing + services via their website.
Personalizing Your Eastbank Wedding
While Eastbank provides a beautiful foundation, couples often add their own flair with:
Lighting designs customized to wedding colors.
Statement décor pieces, from floral installations to chic lounge seating.
Signature food and drink experiences like interactive stations or themed cocktails.
Unique seating layouts, from traditional round tables to modern banquet-style dining.
With Eastbank’s in-house décor, day of coordination, and optional catering, these ideas are easy to implement without overwhelming planning.
FAQs About Eastbank Weddings
Q: What makes Eastbank different from hotel ballrooms?
A: Eastbank avoids the sterile “conference room” atmosphere, offering a modern, stylish venue designed specifically for weddings and celebrations.
Q: Can Eastbank accommodate both small and large weddings?
A: Yes! The space can be configured to feel intimate for smaller groups or expansive for large guest lists.
Q: Is catering flexible?
A: Yes! Though Zest Catering Company is Eastbank’s exclusive partner that couples can design customized menus that reflect their style and preferences they also have the option to use any licensed and insured caterer.
Q: Does Eastbank provide décor?
A: Yes! Couples can work with Eastbank’s décor team to elevate the space while saving time and coordination.
Q: Is Eastbank close to downtown churches and hotels?
A: Absolutely! Many couples host ceremonies within walking distance, and guests enjoy the convenience of nearby accommodations.
For couples seeking modern elegance in Cedar Rapids, Eastbank Venue and Lounge is the standout choice. Its chic downtown location, spacious ballroom, exclusive catering by Zest Catering Company, and in-house décor services ensure your day is as seamless as it is stylish.
If your wedding vision includes sophistication, convenience, and a stress-free planning process, schedule a tour at Eastbank Venue and Lounge today and discover why it’s the city’s top venue for modern couples.