Local Wedding Boards
Cat:Local Wedding Boards
December 2012 Wedding
Texas-Dallas and Ft. Worth
December 2012 Wedding
Hi Dallas-Fort Worth brides and grooms. Chat here about the best tips, Knottie GTGs, and wedding planning in your area.
Hi guys! I've been lurking on here for some time, but this is my first post! A little about me: I'm getting married Dec 22 (or sometime that weekend, the date is flexible), total budget is
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Texas-Dallas and Ft. Worth
December 2012 Wedding
Hi Dallas-Fort Worth brides and grooms. Chat here about the best tips, Knottie GTGs, and wedding planning in your area.
Hi guys! I've been lurking on here for some time, but this is my first post! A little about me: I'm getting married Dec 22 (or sometime that weekend, the date is flexible), total budget is
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Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102
Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:4b0385ca-b2f3-4562-95b1-27376718df26
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December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/9/2012 11:39 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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DALLAS-FORT WORTH 5172412466798874
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Last: 5/16/2012
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Hi guys! I've been lurking on here for some time, but this is my first post! A little about me: I'm getting married Dec 22 (or sometime that weekend, the date is flexible), total budget is $25k, 80-100 guests. I'm new to the DFW area and I'm a med student, which means I don't really have time to get out and explore and check out venues. I've been searching online for a while but am so incredibly overwhelmed at the sheer amount of choices! I know exactly what I want, which I think is making this even harder than it should be.
I'm going for a vintage/rustic wedding (think white twinkle lights, family style seating, silvers and greys, lace, mason jars, candles, cozy, homey...you get the idea). I definitely don't want to go the hotel route unless it has a boutique kind of B&B feel and I want lots of natural light/big windows. Ideally I'd love to have it in an old, restored house with a big porch and lots of trees. I can't seem to find anything that ties in with this theme and still has a great indoor option. It seems that most of these places have great outdoor courtyard areas, but I can't do that in December. I need to stay in DFW and not stray too far from civilization because I want my guests to be able to drink and have a good time and still get back to their hotel safely.
According to the knot's budget planner, I have about $9500 for the venue rental and food. Any suggestions or guidance that y'all have would be SO appreciated!! Thanks :)
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 6:16 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
12-18-2009
DALLAS-FORT WORTH 6237967728342154
Posts: 1890
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Welcome! I'm not much help on venues, as I knew where I wanted to get married as soon as he proposed and did absolutely no research on anywhere else. I went to a beautiful wedding just outside downtown McKinney in a venue that is similar to what you described. Is McKinney too far out? Where exactly are you wanting to get married?
The vendor sticky at the top of the threads is a great starting point as well.
Good luck!
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~7.14.12~
Scarrie becomes one.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 7:26 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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Welcome and congrats!
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 8:09 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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DALLAS-FORT WORTH 6542859654859037
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Denton has a couple places that might work for you. Not sure if that's too far north but The Milestone and The Wildwood Inn. The Bingham house is in McKinney.
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June 2013~ May Sig Challenge~My furbaby
Bella
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 8:19 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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Have you thought about hiring a planner? They might be a huge help for you especially with you being new to the area :) I know there are several great ones in the area... one being Jen Ashford with Altar Ego Weddings www.altaregoweddings.com/
Update: Kids off to school now I can type more! haha
Venue ideas: The Parsons Table Aledo, TX
These are just a few that come to mind at the moment...
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 8:26 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding:
Have you thought about hiring a planner? They might be a huge help for you especially with you being new to the area :) I know there are several great ones in the area... one being Jen Ashford with Altar Ego Weddings www. altaregoweddings .com/
Posted by prlmrg08
THIS! I'm using Jen and I love love love her! I'm only using her for day-of coordination but she is VERY professional and, man, that girl knows what she's doing. Plus, she's an old-school Knottie!
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~7.14.12~
Scarrie becomes one.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 8:41 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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DALLAS-FORT WORTH 5172412466798874
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Wow, thanks so much for the responses already! Y'all are awesome :) Yeah, McKinney has some nice looking places from what I've seen online, but it really is pretty far for me (I live on the west side of Fort Worth) and I'm concerned about logistically trying to plan something that's over an hour away since I have such a limited amount of free time. I would do it though if the perfect place was in McKinney, but I'd prefer not to go any further north than Dallas.
I've been thinking a lot recently about hiring a coordinator, but I'd really rather avoid it if I can. I'd rather put that money towards something for the wedding. $25K sounds like a lot, but as y'all know, it has to be stretched so thin! Thanks for the recommendations though, and please keep them coming (both for venues and planners). It's so nice to get help from other people!! :)
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 8:45 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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If you do decide to go with a planner, or day of coordinator, Jen's prices were right in the middle when I shopped around. Since my venue is VERY DIY, it was essential to get a coordinator. A lot of venues have a deducated coordinator though, so it may not be something you need.
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~7.14.12~
Scarrie becomes one.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 9:00 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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You should also look at the YWCA in Downtown Ft Worth.... also not a house but very pretty and vintage feel is the T&P Train Station...
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 9:16 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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Check out Howell Family Farms (in Arlington). http://www.howellfamilyfarms.com/
I'm not sure how you feel about a barn wedding, but believe me, it's a very chic yet rustic looking barn. They also have a cottage with a wrap-around porch. Their pricing for a Saturday (when I checked a while back) was $5000. I will warn you though that they weren't very flexible on showing times. When he basically told me he wouldn't do weekend showings or weekday evenings (he said they "try to avoid those") I was flustered and moved on to the next option...but that's also because they were above our budget.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 9:30 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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I was actually also going to suggest hiring a planner. I got married in November with your budget for around 250 guests (okay, I'm fairly certain we went over, but you have half my guest count, so it should be no problem). My coordinator really helped me stretch those dollars (and she got me some great deals)! I'm not "new" to Dallas, so much, but I really had no idea where to start looking. It's a great help, even if you just do month-of coordinating with a few consultations. Most coordinators will give you unlimited email communication and suggestions in their packages, even if you don't hire them for full-service.
I used Meredith Commender with Significant Events of Texas.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 11:02 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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DALLAS-FORT WORTH 5172412466798874
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Last: 5/16/2012
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In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding:
Have you thought about hiring a planner? They might be a huge help for you especially with you being new to the area :) I know there are several great ones in the area... one being Jen Ashford with Altar Ego Weddings www. altaregoweddings .com/ Update: Kids off to school now I can type more! haha Venue ideas: The Parsons Table Aledo, TX http://www.thevictorianhouse.net/ http://www.surreyhs.com/ http://www.binghamhouse.com/ http://www.aldredgehouse.net/ http://www.1899farmhouse.com/ These are just a few that come to mind at the moment... Posted by prlmrg08
Thanks! Aldredge House is DEFINITELY on my list of places to look at. It looks so gorgeous, so I really hope that they have good indoor space options. Also, thanks for the Howell Farms suggestion. I'm not crazy about the look of the outside of the barn, but the inside is gorgeous, and I love the cottage. Arlington is definitely doable for me.
Thanks so much y'all. I'll go ahead and call those two planners you suggested and see if it sounds like a good fit for me.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 11:17 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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Aldredge House was also my first thought. Or the Belo Mansion--but that may be too expensive.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 11:37 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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BOSTON 9821295699032367
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My budget ended up being around $25K and I did without a coordinator. You're right the money goes fast even when you are careful. I had my wedding at La Buena Vida in Grapevine, but since it's outdoors that might not work for December.
Also in Grapevine is Delaney Vineyards, which has a big open indoor spot for wedding receptions -- very pretty. I remember it was out of my budget, but it might be cheaper in December especially if you do it on a Friday or Sunday. You should definetely check it out.
Other non-hotel places in Dallas::
Hickory Street Annex
Texas Discovery Gardens
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 11:49 AM EST
on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding:
My budget ended up being around $25K and I did without a coordinator. You're right the money goes fast even when you are careful. I had my wedding at La Buena Vida in Grapevine, but since it's outdoors that might not work for December. Also in Grapevine is Delaney Vineyards, which has a big open indoor spot for wedding receptions -- very pretty. I remember it was out of my budget, but it might be cheaper in December especially if you do it on a Friday or Sunday. You should definetely check it out. Other non-hotel places in Dallas:: Hickory Street Annex Texas Discovery Gardens
Posted by Jen6862
I wouldn't count on it. Many businesses still throw Christmas parties and that space starts filling up quickly. Many restaurants will allow those groups to book a year ahead.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 12:05 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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Good catch! I didn't even think about Holiday parties. Duh!
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 12:07 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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And now I just realized this wedding is the weekend before Christmas. Is that a good idea? I'm thinking for family it's fine, but won't friends be traveling to visit their families and won't vendors be harder to find to work that weekend. Has anybody else been married around a Holiday?
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 12:18 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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I had a friend get married on NYE (I did not attend this wedding BTW), and he said it was a BLAST and everyone stayed until midnight, and then right after that the party was over. I would LOVE to attend a NYE wedding, and a lot of people are done traveling for the holidays at that point, and won't have to work the next day either.
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~7.14.12~
Scarrie becomes one.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 1:01 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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Yeah, I know the date isn't ideal, but we have to plan it around my breaks from school, which means either July 2013 or December 2012 and I don't want to wait a year and a half (we've already been together for 4 years!). Dec 22 is the only weekend that works because it gives me the week off before the wedding for last minute stuff and the week after for a decent honeymoon. If we did NYE we couldn't have a honeymoon, so Christmas weekend it is. I know it's going to limit our guest list, but honestly, the people who are most important to us will be there. And, this sounds really bad but...it's going to weed out some of the people who we have to invite but aren't really close to, which gives us more resources to make it a better party for the people who matter most to us.
But yes, it's a problem that I've been running into with some of the places I've called...they jack up their rates for that weekend :( Boo.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 1:32 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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do you know Sabrina Hastings? She was a KD at A&M .... totally random I know!
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 2:15 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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I knew a few KD's there from 03-07 (I was an AXO).
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~7.14.12~
Scarrie becomes one.
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 2:54 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding:
do you know Sabrina Hastings? She was a KD at A&M .... totally random I know!
Posted by prlmrg08
Yeah, I know Sabrina! She was a pledge class or two below me. I haven't talked to her in years though. Small world :)
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 3:33 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding:
In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding : Yeah, I know Sabrina! She was a pledge class or two below me. I haven't talked to her in years though. Small world :)
Posted by aggiekd05
I am helping her plan her wedding right now actually! She is getting married this month!!!
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/10/2012 7:48 PM EST
on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding:
In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding : I am helping her plan her wedding right now actually! She is getting married this month!!!
Posted by prlmrg08
Wow, how crazy! I thought I saw something on facebook about her getting married!
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/12/2012 10:54 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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Have you checked out Arlington Hall at Lee Park in Dallas or Marie Gabrielle? They both have gorgeous outdoor spaces. Also Belo Mansion and Hotel St. Germain. Let us know what you decide. I am getting married December 1st at the Stoneleigh Hotel. I loved the idea of a rustic outdoor wedding but wanted an all-in-one with overnight accomodations as most of my guest are out of towners. Good luck!!
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/13/2012 5:27 PM EST
on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding:
Have you checked out Arlington Hall at Lee Park in Dallas or Marie Gabrielle? They both have gorgeous outdoor spaces. Also Belo Mansion and Hotel St. Germain. Let us know what you decide. I am getting married December 1st at the Stoneleigh Hotel. I loved the idea of a rustic outdoor wedding but wanted an all-in-one with overnight accomodations as most of my guest are out of towners. Good luck!!
Posted by VintageGlamourBride
Love the Stoneleigh! It was on my short list but turned out to not be available on my date. My boss got married there October 2010 and it was bee-u-tiful!
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/15/2012 10:27 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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DALLAS-FORT WORTH 5172412466798874
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In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding:
Have you checked out Arlington Hall at Lee Park in Dallas or Marie Gabrielle? They both have gorgeous outdoor spaces. Also Belo Mansion and Hotel St. Germain. Let us know what you decide. I am getting married December 1st at the Stoneleigh Hotel. I loved the idea of a rustic outdoor wedding but wanted an all-in-one with overnight accomodations as most of my guest are out of towners. Good luck!!
Posted by VintageGlamourBride
Thanks for the suggestions! Arlington Hall and Belo Mansion are a bit too grand for what I'm looking for. I want more of a homey feel, and those are gorgeous, sweeping, huge places. Beautiful, but not for me. I LOVE Marie Gabrielle, but when I called I found out that the prices for that weekend are significantly higher than usual because of Christmas. I was really upset about that one.
I haven't looked into Hotel St. Germain or Stoneleigh recently, but I'll look again. I think I assumed that they were outside of my budget.
I'm going to go look at a few places next week, but I'm actually leaning toward Barr Mansion in Austin. Very random because we don't have any ties to Austin, but it's EXACTLY what I'm looking for, and the prices are lower for what you get than what I've found so far in DFW. I'm going to look at it next weekend, so I'll probably have a venue booked or know which direction I'm going VERY soon!! Exciting :)
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/15/2012 12:37 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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We are using the Terrace Ballroom for December 1st for $6500 food & bev minimum. They are letting us use the lobby for cocktail hour then heading back to the ballroom for reception. The penthouse is $12000 I believe and I think just the grand salon ballroom upstairs was either 6500 or 8500. It definitely helped saving on a rental fee. FYI
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/15/2012 8:29 PM EST
on theknot.com
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Joined on
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In Response to Re: December 2012 Wedding:
We are using the Terrace Ballroom for December 1st for $6500 food & bev minimum. They are letting us use the lobby for cocktail hour then heading back to the ballroom for reception. The penthouse is $12000 I believe and I think just the grand salon ballroom upstairs was either 6500 or 8500. It definitely helped saving on a rental fee. FYI
Posted by VintageGlamourBride
Oh wow, that's much more affordable than I thought it would be! Thanks so much for the info, I'll check it out :)
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Re: December 2012 Wedding
posted at 2/16/2012 12:24 AM EST
on theknot.com
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Good luck!!
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