Wedding Reception Venue in Milwaukee-- trying not to freak!

penberme

Hi all!

  I have just under 300 days until I am married to the love of my life!  I'm so excited.  But, we don't have a reception venue yet.  We're getting married June 4, 2011, a popular time of the year, in downtown Milwaukee.  My buget is about $15,000 for the whole thing (not including my dress ).  I've already looked at the Veterans Memorial (booked) and a couple other places.  My FI and I are new to Milwaukee but would like Milwaukee influenced wedding (maybe something by the Lake Michigan or the Historic Third Ward).  I woul d appreciate any help!

jessgosz310

We're having ours at the Hampton Inn & Suites downtown. The ballroom is on the 6th floor, and there are large windows that overlook downtown. There was no food or beverage minimum, and I believe it can seat up to 200 people.

boxcar

We're at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts...I think the catering could definately work with your budget and it's a very cool space right downtown on the river.

elexanica

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

My name is Leslie and I am with Blissful Events, a wedding and event planning company.

I would love to be able to help you plan your wedding or even be your day of coordinator.

If you would like to get together to discuss your wedding and how we can help you to have a stress free day...Please email me for more information ! My email address is LStrickland@blissfuleventsllc.com Otherwise feel free to check us out on the web at www.blissfuleventsllc.com
 
 

SweetCharade

Leslie, 

Vendors are not allowed to post on the Knot.

Alyssa0421

How many guests will you be having? That would influence the venues that would fit within your budget. Can you be flexible with the date? You might find a venue you love that is not available on June 4th. We had a couple of weeks we were looking at and ended up moving our date up a week because the War Memorial was available.

hollylu28

tryy the iron horse hotel, its really gorgeous and they have different options depending on how big your guest list is

LittleKatie13

I took this off the Zilli's website (our caterer) just as a few suggestions.  also consider the Palms, Swig, Hinterland as a few 3rd Ward options.  www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=444">1451 Renaissance Place www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=574">Betty Brin Children's Museum www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=452">Cathedral St. John-Evangelist www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=458">Chandelier Ballroom www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=465">Charles Allis Art Museum* www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=577">The Cove of Lake Geneva www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=571">Cuvee www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=474">Lake Geneva Cruise Line Tours + Charters www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=530">Lake Geneva Riviera Ballroom www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=492">ZHG@Milwaukee Boat Line* www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=549">Milwaukee County War Memorial www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=496">Milwaukee County Zoo www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=506">ZHG@Milwaukee Public Museum* www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=501">ZHG@Mitchell Park Conservatory* (The Domes)   www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=528">Pabst Mansion www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=564">Props Unlimited www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=533">Schlitz Audubon Nature Center www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=537">Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=568">Schauer Arts + Activities Center www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=543">Villa Filomena www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=546">Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum* www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=580">Washington County Fair Park Pavilion www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=552">Waukesha County Exposition Center www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=468">William F. Eisner Museum www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=556">Wisconsin State Fair Park www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=478">Zilli's Grandview Inn* www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/site/?page_id=510">Zilli Lake & Gardens*

LittleKatie13

sorry that posted so ugly.  It didn't look like that before I posted.  Other options include Lakefront Brewery and Bacchus (depending on your group size)

ravj2001

Have you considered Pier Wisconsin....the Saturday minimum is kinda high, but sunday's minimum is 5k

carrieh82

Lakefront brewery is booked that day...for me we are date twins!  Just thougth I would let you know so you dont try somewhere that is already booked!

penberme

Thanks for the responses!  I think we're looking at between 100-120.  I'm still trying to get my lists together from my mom and FMIL.  Unfortunately the Marcus Center is booked...and the War Memorial...  My FI like the Lakefront Brewery but that's gone.  Thanks for the heads up carrieh82!  The date isn't flexible either because we already booked the church and it pretty much has to be a Saturday reception because almost everyone (95% of my guests) is comming from out of town.  I guess that's what I get for not living where my parents live/where I grew up or where my future in laws live.

varsity714

Have you tried Cuvee? It's in the Third Ward. I personally didn't like the Iron Horse Hotel. The outdoor space was on top of the parking lot, and the indoor space spelled and looked like a basement.

What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?

sstobbe

We are having our reception at the Rumble Room, above Motor, at the Harley Davidson Museum. There is a $6500 food & beverage minimum for that space. We're planning on inviting about 150 people & our estimated cost for food/beverages is $9000. Our budget is the same as yours, but I am doing the decorations/invites/savethedates...etc. myself which is why we were able to use 60% of our budget on the reception. Obviously you are planning on less people which would mean less food & less beverages & less money spent for the reception.

browneyedbride7

Have you tried the Hilton downtown?  They've got a couple of ballrooms that may still be open.  When I looked at them a couple of months ago they had some dates in June open...we're getting married June 18, 2011.  I honestly don't remember what prices were like - but I do remember no room rental rates, just food/drink minimum.

lizm336

I second the iron horse, as long as your guest list isn't too big.  It's very unique, and they have a great outdoor space. 

jackie5387

Try the Hyatt Regency Downtown. I just had my wedding there on July 30. I know the minimums are less on Sundays and Fridays. It's beautiful and they include a lot in the package! Talk with Misty King. She is amazing!

vitacosmopolita

Ours was at the Milwaukee Public Market (the upstairs gets cleared out).  The pricing has changed since we booked but I imagine it is still reasonable. 

Don't freak out yet!

LISASUM

If you really like downtown Milwaukee, why don't you check out Coast Restaurant. I've eaten and attended weddings there several times. I like the palce, because it faces the lake and you can walk outside. They have a garden (it is open to the public) that you can walk and take pictures. I don't know what the required amount is to book with them, but it doesn't hurt to ask them.
I hope this helps you!