Picking a venue (long)

mookow86

We looked at venues last weekend and found two that we really like. We're having a hard time deciding between the two: one is an art gallery (<<clicky) a few blocks from the church, which has a unique, modern feel. The other is a traditional banquet center (<< clicky) 15 minutes from the church.

We've considered all the things we'd need to rent if we went with the art gallery (tables, linens, dance floor, etc) and found a catering company we'd probably go with, and the total price for an event at each venue is pretty comparable (less than 1k difference).

The problem is that the banquet center is already booking up for the timeframe in which we want to get married (spring 2012), and we have to make a decision quickly. Ideally we'd like to taste the food at the banquet center because the food is one of our top priorities, but we live a four hour drive away and going home twice within two weeks is not really practical.

We're considering sending our parents, all of whom live close to both of these places, to do tastings at the catering company and the banquet center.

Does anyone have any other ideas of what to do in this situation? Any other important things to think about when picking a venue?

[Deleted User]

I love the idea of an art gallery! It's so different from the typical reception, and it will give your guests something to do (look at the surrounding art) while they are awaiting your arrival. With the gallery, I would think you would have MORE food options since there is no in-house caterer that you would have to use. This would give you more time to research that aspect without rushing into a decision.

Personally I think the gallery would be a memorable experience for you and your guests. I don't think you can go wrong with either venue, but if you're feeling rushed and the food is important to you I'd go with the gallery.

calindi

I'm a big fan of non-traditional venues, especially as you have more control over your vendors.  You don't always save money with outside catering, but it's definitely more flexible.  So I vote for the art gallery!

Unless you're a really hands-off kind of person who wants everything in one package, it's not that crazy to juggle a few vendors for a location like your art gallery.  We've got a similar situation (rented the space, but have to book all otuside vendors), and we're just going to have a Day-of-Coordinator to make sure they all are doing what they're supposed to on the wedding day!

If food is one of your biggest priorities, and you can't taste the food before you book, what's drawing you to the banquet center in the first place?  In your OP, you mention the great things about the art gallery (unique, modern feel, few blocks frmo church) and sort of 'blah' about the banquet center (traditional, 15 minutes away).  Might just be my interpretation, but it sounds like you really want the art gallery but are nervous about booking all your own vendors.  If that's the case, don't fear, you can do it!!!  If you're truly deciding between the two, then definitely have your parents go do the tasting for you.

mookow86

I definitely like the art gallery more, but FI is torn between the two. I think it's more our parents who are pushing us to choose the banquet center, partially because it would be less 'work'. Cate, thanks for the encouragement that picking your own vendors can be done.

AudgiePodge

Flip a coin.  While it's in the air, you'll then know which one you really want.

mookow86

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_picking-venue-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:8c6b58b4-fb89-4e7e-a8eb-235484f2c09ePost:37e8efc2-e358-43e6-a6b4-55df30cfea2f">Re: Picking a venue (long)</a>:
[QUOTE]Flip a coin.  While it's in the air, you'll then know which one you really want.
Posted by AudgiePodge[/QUOTE]
Good idea, although I am more partial to the drawing the name out of a hat method.

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_picking-venue-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:8c6b58b4-fb89-4e7e-a8eb-235484f2c09ePost:37e8efc2-e358-43e6-a6b4-55df30cfea2f">Re: Picking a venue (long)</a>:
[QUOTE]Flip a coin.  While it's in the air, you'll then know which one you really want.
Posted by AudgiePodge[/QUOTE]

That is so true Audgie! BF and I do that with picking restaurants sometimes, and I always know which one i'm rooting for once the coin is tossed!!

calindi

You're the best judge of your own capabilities - are you the kind of person to go to an all-inclusive hotel that includes airport transportation so you don't have to deal with arranging all the details?  Or do you prefer to book your own flights, hotels, and rental car to tailor make your own trip?  Really, I think this is the closest analogy to the type of wedding you should have - which of those vacations sounds more appealing to you?  Assume both are equally nice and the same price.  The first - pick the banquet hall.  The second - pick the art gallery.  There's no shame in either, but do what will make you happiest!

Ember01

I'm traditional I like banquet halls. But, that is just my opinion.

We literally wrote out a list of negatives and positives for each venue we looked at. Afterwards, we each wrote down our top 3 choices. Our number one's matched. Decision made.

loves2shop4shoes

Audgie FTW.

marleylikeair

Mookow, I'm digging the art gallery idea. Much more unique. If you want to consider the other place, sounds to me like you're going to have to trek out there and sample the food, though, IMO. I'd never want to leave food approval up to someone else--it's so subjective!

Do you have pics you can post for us?

bourgehm

Ooo, an art gallery sounds wondeful! However, I really hate needing to get everything together. I'd much rather have the traditional one and have everything just 'done' for me.  But, that's me.

jemmini6

I agree with making a list of your priorities/pros & cons of each venue.  FI and I did that when we had it narrowed down to our top 2 (we didn't actually write a list, but discussed it in the same format) and it really helped us choose.

mookow86

Thanks for the input, ladies!

marley, there's links to the venues' websites in my OP but I'll post the pics I took on our visits when I get home.

calindi

Pretty pictures!

My concerns would be:

Art gallery - what sort of decorations are allowed?  What restrictions are there regarding the art work?  Would you be held liable for a guest damaging a piece of art work?  That could get complicated.

Banquet hall - I just don't like that carpet.  At all.  That would be a deal breaker for me, as I feel it would be hard to decorate so as not to clash with the ugly carpet.

marleylikeair

Oops, I missed the links! Sorry. Nice pics! I would most definitely opt for the art gallery myself, especially if you can add your own decor.

Elle1036

I really like the art gallery, but, just judging by the pictures, it looks like the room is broken up kinda weird with those pillars and walls sticking out at weird angles.  I would be concerned that it would make the room feel small or that the positioning of the tables would make it awkward for some of the guests.

The banquet hall is nice, but I agree with Cate that the carpet is the first thing I notice and it will be hard to decorate around it.  If the food is good, though, that'll make up for it.