Marsha Shepley of Mahler Ballroom

Coffee Talk with Marsha Shepley of Mahler Ballroom

WC: The Mahler Ballroom has a very interesting history. Can you tell us more about it?

MS: Since 1907 the Magnificent Mahler Ballroom has hosted Functions of Distinction. The Mahler Ballroom was built specifically for ballroom dancing and cotillions by Austrian Jacob Mahler. Mr Mahler taught 38 V.P. queens ballroom dancing and the ballroom was the site of monthly fortnightlies which were dance parties for the young debutantes of the day. The ballroom continues to be used for dance instruction during the weekdays. Weekends at the Mahler Ballroom are primarily reserved for weddings, receptions and private parties.

WC: What are your favorite aspects of the Mahler Ballroom and how do you feel it is different from other venues in your area?

MS: The Mahler Ballroom's architecture and ornate balcony with six foot moldings surrounding the ballroom set it apart from other St. Louis venues. We only allow one event to take place per day at the ballroom. Brides love the ambiance of the building, the fact that they have their own dressing room and private bath off the stage area, and the fact they aren't competing with other bridal parties holding receptions in the same building on their special day.

WC: What type of services do you offer at the Mahler Ballroom for a planning bride?

MS: The Mahler Ballroom offers full service consultation for every aspect of wedding planning.

WC: What are the most common misconceptions that brides may have about planning their wedding reception?

MS: The most common misconception brides have in planning their wedding is not budgeting adequate time. Most brides come with a monetary budget, but they also need to budget time for all the details involved in wedding receptions today. Weddings are a big business... The best receptions are those in which the bride has budgeted not only money but also time for planning all the details to make her wedding reception perfect.

WC: What are some of your favorite ways that brides have utilized the Mahler Ballroom in the past?

MS: Although the Mahler Ballroom has a Victorian ambiance, we have had brides convert the space for theme weddings which are popular this year. We have had a 1904 World's Fair theme, a Hawaiian Luau theme, a boating Regatta theme, and a Country-Western wedding reception theme in 2008.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.