Venues - $1000 rental, $20/plate?

alieandmicah

Hi fellow Wisconsin brides!

Looking to have a Friday wedding next August in or around Milwaukee.  Our budget is not too limited but I'm having a hard time finding venues and caterers within our price range!

We're looking for a venue rental of around $1000 to $1500, and someplace that can do food for $20 - $25 a plate.

It doesn't have to be super fancy - just somewhere pretty that can fit around 200 guests!

Can people recommend locations and/or caterers that can fit these restrictions?  In-house catering as fine, as long as it sticks within the budget!

Thanks so much for your help!

bullfrogmama

Are you looking for downtown? If not, try the Clarion Hotel by the airport. Their food (especially for a Friday wedding) would be right up your alley. I believe the minimum they gave us was $4k for a Friday night for no rental fee.

It's a really pretty space, too. It was a bit out of our price range but I would have used it if it weren't!

rungirl12

The Crystal Ridge ski lodge in Franklin rents out for $900 (I was told) plus something like $14/hour per bartender, so close to your $1000 range.  You bring in your own caterer.  I am using Bunzel's for my wedding and they have EXTREMELY reasonable prices!  It depends on your food selection, but ours came to about $10 person and all I hear is good things about them.  If you go this route, you may even be able to spend a bit more to rent out a bit pricier facility since you would save on food. 

Other thoughts: South Shore Pavillion through Milwaukee County Parks (they have other buildings, but that's the nicest), Polish Center in Franklin ($18 for one entree choice, $21 for two - not sure on rental fee).  Alverno College has meal selections within your price range and reasonable rental fees.  Wauwatosa Women's club also has reasonable rental rates and you hire a caterer.