Bad news…our plans for a February 2015 reception at Auerole in Mandalay Bay have fallen through. They are renovating the space next year, likely to begin in January, and will not be contracting for events until it is finished. Additionally, the semi-private area we had been contracting for is going to be expanded, bringing with it a double-the-cost room minimum. So, we’re closed out due to the construction schedule; and, even if the reno winds up being completed before our date, $500+ pp (before taxes/gratuities) is more than we’re interested in for our small 50-60 person reception.
We’re looking into reception options at the sister property next door at the Four Seasons at Charlie Palmer’s steakhouse, but if that property is not available or doesn’t fit our needs, then we are back to square one, as we did not see other spaces we liked at Mandalay. I had originally looked at the Wynn and loved the space, but we went for MB because it was a little more cost effective for us and we thought it would be so for guests since Wynn has higher room costs than many other places. Right now, we’re only set to lose the ceremony deposit (as it is, we will need to change our wedding date to fit the reception options most likely), but it is still extremely frustrating to be back to the drawing board.
I’ve been out to do scouting trips twice (once with a friend, once with my fiancé) and it will be challenging to try to do another one – I’m on the east coast and my fiancé is on the west coast, and we both travel a lot for work. Also awaiting his military orders on where and when we’ll both relocate (we think we know where and we think it is in May, but aren’t yet sure – super un-helpful for figuring out things like where to live and whether I can transfer my civilian job, but I digress!).
Trying to stay positive….has anyone had experiences at Charlie Palmer’s at the Four Seasons? Should we say screw it and go back to looking at restaurants at Wynn?