steph13055

commandz

Hi! Thanks alot for your help! You said it was costly, but less stress I like that. Well, not $$$$. But what do you get for the money you spent there? Food I am assuming, table, chairs...drinks? I know it's rude to ask for the amount you spent so I won't ask. I think I read somewhere that it's like $3,500 am I close? I would take any info you can give on the place, I really liked it. I was hoping to get some rooms there for the night Thanks so much in advance!

stephl3055

We got the food, chairs, linens (3 basic colors to choose from), plates, flatware, dance floor, servers, a suite the night of the wedding, and a coordinator that works with you during the whole process.  She was there to help with the menu and tastings, how the room will be laid out, we gave her all the other vendor info so she could coordinate the deliveries, and we had a banquet captain the night of as well that was always hanging around in case we needed something.  Our food package included tea and coffee service, and our cockatail hour included punch, but alcohol is extra.  I'm not sure how much extra it will run you though.I have no idea if their prices have changed, but I booked them in the summer of '08 for my April '09 wedding and their food and beverage minimum for a Saturday evening reception (ceremony space not included) for 200 people was $12,000.  However, we booked them before the economy tanked, so their prices might be different.  I want to say that the Embassy Suites for 200 people was around $9,000 or $10,000 for their minimum, and the Westin Stonebriar was closer to $18,000 and that was for around 170 people (our eyes almost popped out of our heads on that one!).  But if you are still interested in this venue, I would suggest asking them what their prices are for Friday nights or Sunday afternoons.  A lot of venues will have significantly cheaper minimums on off-days.  Hope that helps!

commandz

Oh my gosh I am dying! I knew that a wedding is expensive but goodness! ack! I think I have my first sticker shock! We believe that we are going to pay for this ourselves but I don't know how now! Ok, thanks for the info. I'll have to let it soak in

maykious

*butting in* If you're willing to give up the hotel venue and change the formality a little, you can do that for less money. I'm getting married at a winery and am paying just under $5,000 for food, service, DOC, tables, linens, chairs, plates, centerpieces, minimal decor (not much is needed) and a lot of other things I can't remember for about 100 people. It's nice, comfortable, and beautiful. All that to say, my wedding will not be formal. It'll still be elegant and nice, but it will not have the formal atmosphere that a hotel can so easily provide. I'm also certain that we won't be getting several other perks that we might get with a hotel. It's just something to think about if you're not totally set on the idea of a formal wedding in a hotel. If you're willing to change your overall feel, then you might consider other types of venues. If you want a formal setting for sure, then IMHO, a hotel will definitely be your best bet. Also, welcome to the boards! Good luck with your planning! *butting out, but anyone, please correct me if I'm mistaken somewhere*

Donnaaries

**butting in**There are a couple of not as high end hotels that does very nice reception packages for cheaper.  I believe callieknot on here is doing hers at the Hilton Garden Inn somewhere off of George Bush and the prices are lower than that (can't remember exactly what but I think it being closer to $5000).  You might try to page her.

stephl3055

You might also try country clubs.  There were a couple we wanted to take a look at, but they were already booked for our day so I never got a quote from them.  But they provide similar services that hotels do, in that the tables, chairs, plates, etc. are already provided for you.

callie_knot

Also butting in! 200 may be too many for my venue - but I am using the Hilton Garden Inn in Plano/Richardson on GBT. It is really unique looking inside. Very interesting. It has a separate event entrance and an art gallery with a large sculpture at the entrance. What I love about it is that they do not charge for the event space - only the catering. For Sat. night  it is a 3500 minimum. I am really impressed with the manager Bernadette and the food. Plus the fact that there isn't a separate rental fee. They already have a lot of the things that other places make you bring in or pay extra for. I think all I have to rent is a dance floor and I am trying to squeeze a little out for some extra lighting.I don't know if 200 will fit though. I think it is better suited for a 150 person or less wedding. I know she said they have done some larger groups and let them spill out into the common/lobby area (which is at the venue portion entrance) and suggested putting the buffet tables out there to free up space for seating.I almost didn't go look because I thought Hilton Garden Inn - ugh - but it was really unusually wonderful. Felt more like a boutique hotel.

commandz

Thanks for "butting" in ladies. I will take all the help I could get. I'm not set on a hotel, I just thought that it would be helpful if the grandparents could do upstairs or his dad (is sick with cancer) if they needed to rest and no limo for us to leave in would be handy and it would be one less thing to pay for. What winery are you using? That sounds nice. When I was lurking, I think I saw that you mentioned the Hilton Garden Inn, I'll check it out. Thanks ladies, I know that weddings aren't cheap but it sure adds up huh!

commandz

Oh, and its going to be under 150 people!

maykious

Some hotels offer free (or inexpensive) shuttles to and from your venue if you're close and reserve a block of rooms for your guests.  I'm using Cross Timbers Winery in Grapevine..  Austin Ranch (also in Grapevine) includes a room at the DFW Lakes Hilton in their package and I think they're actually on the same property, so getting to and from a hotel room wouldn't be terribly difficult.  However, there are lots of others in the DFW area that offer similar prices and packages.

almoyo

Mariah got married at The Wildwood Inn, a B&B in Denton. She loved her venue, and they have several rooms that your guests can stay overnight in.