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đ Class of 2026: Why Booking Your Grad Party Early is a Gift to Yourself
Class of 2026 parents: The countdown is on! đ Before you commit to a backyard graduation party, letâs talk about Minnesota weather, renting tents, and cleaning your house twice. đ§š
At The Studio Downtown, you get climate control, included tables, and zero post-party cleanup. When you do the math on rentals, booking our venue is often the smarter choice! Read our latest post to see why booking early is a gift to yourself. (Bonus tips for Class of 2027 planners inside!) â¨
Wendi Shilts-Johnson
2 hours ago3 min read
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đź Creative Baby Shower Themes That Arenât Overdone (And Look Amazing in Photos)
Planning a baby shower in 2026? đź Skip the melted chocolate diaper games and cheesy plastic decor.
Weâre sharing 4 creative themes that look incredible against the exposed brick at The Studio Downtown. 1ď¸âŁ A Baby is Brewing â 2ď¸âŁ Adventure Awaits đ˛ 3ď¸âŁ Vintage Storybook đ 4ď¸âŁ Baby in Bloom đź
See how to host a shower that feels modern, cozy, and saves you money on decor!
Wendi Shilts-Johnson
Feb 113 min read
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đ° Real Talk: A Bookkeeperâs Guide to Wedding Budgets (Where to Save vs. Splurge)
How to plan a wedding that looks expensive but makes your bank account smile. Okay, letâs get real for a second. The minute you get engaged, you enter a world where the price of everything  seems to have an extra zero attached to it. The average wedding in Minnesota is getting pricey, and the "sticker shock" is real. But here is a secret: In my previous life, I was an accountant. Before I ever opened The Studio Downtown , my world revolved around balanced spreadsheets and bot
Wendi Shilts-Johnson
Jan 294 min read
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đ Engaged? Why a Boutique Wedding Might Be Your Best Decision (And Your Walletâs Favorite Choice)
Just engaged? Congrats! đ Before you book a massive hall, consider a Boutique Wedding at The Studio Downtown.
Why go small? 1ď¸âŁ Real Connection: Actually talk to your guests. 2ď¸âŁ Budget Wins: Spend on quality, not headcount. 3ď¸âŁ Total Freedom: No cookie-cutter packagesâbring your own vendors!
Not ready for the big day? We host Engagement Parties too! đĽ
Read on to see why an intimate wedding in Hastings might be your smartest planning move for 2026.
Wendi Shilts-Johnson
Dec 27, 20253 min read
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