Recently Engaged - Need reception help

marieefleurs

Hi,
I recently became engaged, and am in desperate need of help selecting a reception site in Milwaukee.  We are looking for a place that is unique (no carpet and dropped ceilings), can seat 250, and has great food or allows for catering.  My FI is super picky and has already said no to The grain exchange, Cuvee, Turner Hall Ballroom, Joey Buenas and Lakefront Brewery.  The Eisner would be perfect if it was still around.  We are looking to stay under $12,000 for the reception.
Thanks! 

Jules08

Good luck in your search.  You've listed some of the most popular "unique" venues, what about those places does your FI not like, as in are you sure you two are on the same page with what you're looking for?  (Ours was at the Lakefront Brewery and was awesome.)

The Renaissance Place
Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center
Schlitz Audubon
War Memorial
Milwaukee Art Museum (by Santiago Calatrava)
Villa Terrace

(all are linky)

vitacosmopolita

PP is right. That about sums up "unique" locations that fit 250. 
Our unique location was the Milwaukee Public Market. My opinion is it is holds 150 comfortably. We had around 120.

I dont think the Eisner would have fit that many people either. We took a tour before they closed.

One suggestion, but I am not sure if it holds 250 is Discovery World museum.
Good luck! Your FI might need to get less picky

JoanneBL

We have chosen the humphrey scottish rite masonic center - i LOVE it. I think its unique and so gorgeous!

Danica

Pier Wisconsin
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Public Museum
The Iron Horse, but would have to be stations/mixed seating style
Chandelier Ballroom in Hartford
South Shore Pavilion - you need to have a vision to make it come to life
Miller Park
Country clubs in the area
Grand Geneva Resort

That's all I can think of that hasn't been mentioned above.

Jules08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_wisconsin_recently-engaged-need-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:118Discussion:3f317251-0f84-4e52-ae11-f99eb103ac79Post:5a7be1a7-15b1-4eb0-81ee-4cdef4b211d1">Re: Recently Engaged - Need reception help</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for all of the great ideas.  FI likes most of the places that I listed, but doesn't want to have our wedding where any of our friends have had their weddings.  I think you're right, he's going to have to get less picky :)
Posted by BrewerBride[/QUOTE]

Understandable!  Good Luck!

StarfishNJellybean

Congrats! (and welcome to the monkey house!)

We chose the Red Circle Inn, which is about 30 minutes outside Milwaukee, because it's gorgeous and the food is AH-mazing. And the prices are ridiculously good.

gundy21

We are having everything at the Elm Grove Woman's Club (www.egwc.org) - but they max out at 200.  There was another bride there with us the first time we looked at the place and was having issues finding a venue that fit 250 that she liked.  After seeing the EGWC space, she said was going to start cutting the list to make it fit there.  Ginger is so accomadating, the space is great, price is very reasonable, lots of stuff is included in the rental fee, free parking, and they are very flexible with the vendors you choose.

browneyedbride7

What about Tripoli Shrine?  They allow for you to bring in your own catering and they can hold a lot of guests.  A family friend of mine is getting married there next July and the bride's side guest list is around 200 itself...plus the groom's side. 

xraycuddy

we booked the Chandelier Ballroom in hartford. i know it may be a little farther northwest, but it can seat up to 5 or 6 hundred people if needed. we have a bigger guest list too (250-300 at least) and this place will fit everyone comfortably.

LISASUM

Hello,
  Why don't you try Harbor Lights Room in downtown Milwaukee. It overlooks the lakefront, but has carpet.
  Otherwise, try the Milwaukee Zoo Peck Center. It's huge and doesn't have complete carpeting (you can section off that area). They also have a preferred catering list, so you know you're getting the best.

Good Luck!