I considered it a "business" trip and it seems like all we did was plan meetings for wedding details but I am so glad we did!!!
Aria Chapel: I completely forgot how gorgeous this chapel is. Our WC answered so many little questions I had, including the big photography question. Yes, it is exclusively Cashman but you may have an alternative photographer in the chapel as well as long as they do not roam around during the ceremony. So, we plan on having our own family photographer sit right on the aisle seat and will give Cashman exclusive rules to stay in the back of the chapel after I walk down the aisle. Our WC said she has seen this done before ALOT which was a giant relief for us! And she said it was ok for our own photographer to take the family portraits after the ceremony.
Gold/Deuce Lounge: Gold is closing soon to remodel! It is gorgeous but keep in mind depending on what date, there is a $3000 BAR minimum for 30 guests for two hours plus food. Deuce is the 2nd best, simply because it is on the casino floor (but can be made private). And if something goes wrong with that location, there is the new Alibis bar that just opened 7 days ago. Keep in mind, this location is completely open to the casino even if a section is closed off for a party.
Social House: I love the bar and food options but the big negative is the fact that the reception would be held in their terrace area, completely exposed to the Crystals mall. Aria can help coordinate lighted trees rental around the whole open space but that seems like an excessive request for 20+ trees on top of decorations, etc. The management of the restaurant is GREAT. They are super responsive and attentive to any need a party may have. There is a private built in bar and space for a DJ. Think lounge furniture and small top tables- that's the type of reception atmosphere. The downside? It just seems....cold. The mall is very modern and lacks any warmth and personality. And I am super nervous that a potential reception may look like it is in a strip mall.
Wolfgang Puck: Also in Crystals, also very gorgeous. This is a private room enclosed by one curtain (hiding the general restaurant), one wall of wine bottles, one standard wall, and one wall of a mural that is sortof see through to the mall traffic. It is gorgeous and the food menu looks great. There is no option for a DJ but you can do a first dance with your own iPod. The space can be accommodated for a cocktail feel or sit down reception. However, we have to rent all the tables, chairs, linens, etc. that are needed for the space. It is modern and clean but again, a little cold in atmosphere.
Trevi: In Caesars. My biggest concern prior to this trip was that I was afraid my grandparents would have to walk a long way from either inside Caesar's or the outside of the forum mall to get to the space. But there is a valet attendant very close on the lower level, maybe 30 feet away so it is incredibly convenient. The upstairs space is gorgeous. It is very RED in color. The lighting is red, the chairs are red, the carpet is red. The event manager said it does photograph well. The space is circular with a giant sculpture/chandelier in the center. It is an open space- tables can come and go. Private events can have a DJ and there would be a bar set up upstairs. My FI loved it. One wall does look out to the Fountain of the Gods and the mall but the manager assured us we can't hear the mall upstairs. It is slightly 'mall-ish'. For my party of 30-40, I think the space may be too overwhelming and large.
Joes: In Caesars. This place is beautiful. It was the most traditional we had seen to this point. The F&B minimum was very high but it is just breathtaking. There is a private valet service so guests will never feel like they are in the mall and it is easily accessible to shuttles, etc. There is a private bar in the upstairs private space. It has been booked for our date so we had to move on!
Bouchon: In Venetian. The walk alone to the restaurant is breathtaking. The hotel is almost enough for me to walk into the WC of that hotel and contemplate switching venues. Bouchon has great food and beverage options for a wedding. We had breakfast there and the service and food was top notch incredible. The ONLY downside to their private space is that it is small for our guest count. We are getting married in the summer so using their outdoor space is not an option. With the service, I did think about renting 100s of fans but realistically, we knew we had to move on!
Maggianos: I will admit- as much as I see posts about the great receptions on this site, I prematurely felt like I just couldn't have my reception in a chain restaurant. The second I walked into that restaurant and saw the Calabria room, I knew this was our site. There is a private bar, space for 45 guests comfortably, great F&B minimums and menus, options for DJ or no DJ, and a beautiful view of Wynn and Encore. Yes, it is in Fashion Show Mall. But there is a private elevator access on Fashion Show Mall drive that leads directly into the restaurant so guests will never see the mall or even the rest of the restaurant!! There is no way of knowing this place is in a mall. I am so glad I was able to see it in person.
It was a productive trip!! We hoped to get to the Barrymore to check out the site but after Maggianos, there was no point.
I hope this helps someone who needs help with any ideas of space!