Venue help!

bwasek

I'm so confused... I've been looking at venues for well over 2 months now and I'm more confused than ever. I've looked at places where you bring in every thing and places which have cater and etc. I'm trying to do the food, bar (beer, wine, champagne), ceremony and venue rental for 10,000. Total budget is 18,000, would like less.

Hotels and golf clubs have quoted around 12,000-14,000 for ceremony, food and bar for 150 people. Occasions at stone river is about 10,000 for ceremony and food but they have very nice linens and chairs! Chairs are very important to me! I do not like places that have the banquet feel. I've also looked at Texas Discovery Gardens, Filter building, and a few more similar places which are around 3,000 to rent. I've talked to 5 caterers and the cheapest so far is 5,000 for a 2 entree buffet. If I went with the last places I would have to rent all table, chair, linens, which I think would cost near 1,500 add alcohol (2,000) and I'm at 11,500.

So why I'm confused is because I hear and read about saving money by getting a venue where you bring in your own cater, alcohol....but so far I don't see how that saves money. Its seems about the same and make for a longer to do list. Any advice suggestion would be much appreciated. I'm tired of looking and would love to sign a contract soon so I can move along on the planning process!

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:e9983d8f-98ec-474c-90a0-b91d2589e7b5">Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm so confused... I've been looking at venues for well over 2 months now and I'm more confused than ever. I've looked at places where you bring in every thing and places which have cater and etc. I'm trying to do the food, bar (beer, wine, champagne), ceremony and venue rental for 10,000. Total budget is 18,000, would like less. Hotels and golf clubs have quoted around 12,000-14,000 for ceremony, food and bar for 150 people. <strong>Occasions at stone river is about 10,000 for ceremony and food but they have very nice linens and chairs! Chairs are very important to me!</strong> I do not like places that have the banquet feel. I've also looked at Texas Discovery Gardens, Filter building, and a few more similar places which are around 3,000 to rent. I've talked to 5 caterers and the cheapest so far is 5,000 for a 2 entree buffet. If I went with the last places I would have to rent all table, chair, linens, which I think would cost near 1,500 add alcohol (2,000) and I'm at 11,500. So why I'm confused is because I hear and read about saving money by getting a venue where you bring in your own cater, alcohol....but so far I don't see how that saves money. Its seems about the same and make for a longer to do list. Any advice suggestion would be much appreciated. I'm tired of looking and would love to sign a contract soon so I can move along on the planning process!
Posted by bwasek[/QUOTE]

<div>Seriously, I LOVED this place. If it wasn't so far away for my family to drive I probably would have had it there. </div><div>
</div><div>You can save money by bringing your own alcohol because some places may give you a bulk discount. But from Occasions I think you can only have kegs and no liquor, right?</div>

bwasek

You can bring liquor I think but we only care about beer, wine and champagne.
It is my top right now, but it is far away! However, about 1/2 guest are coming from south so a bit closer for them.

I still think its expensive but you do get nice linens, chairs and lighting!

MarieSD

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:e9983d8f-98ec-474c-90a0-b91d2589e7b5">Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE] I've talked to 5 caterers and the cheapest so far is 5,000 for a 2 entree buffet. If I went with the last places I would have to rent all table, chair, linens, which I think would cost near 1,500 add alcohol (2,000) and I'm at 11,500. So why I'm confused is because I hear and read about saving money by getting a venue where you bring in your own cater, alcohol....but so far I don't see how that saves money.
Posted by bwasek[/QUOTE]

In the beginning, I looked at both DIY places and places that did the catering/alcohol in house. I ran the numbers on an Excel spreadsheet, and though I was looking at places in Ft W (not Dallas) the DIY places won every time after running the numbers.

I think the advantage is that you can find the least expensive of all vendors. For example, the caterer is quoting you about $33/pp for the food. That's not bad, but you can find less expensive options. There are restaurants that go as low as $10pp (Black Eyed Pea is the one I've heard great things about). I think $20pp is probably a more common price. Of course there is also tax, service charge/gratuity, but that will be extra for your in-house caterer as well.

For alcohol, a great benefit is yes, getting it in bulk and at a discount. Also, we bought 2k worth of alcohol (beer, wine, liquor, everything) and my DOC returned whatever was unopened -- we ended up getting $800 back! Plus, we got to keep what was opened (like a case of beer with a few bottles left, etc) so we're still stocked in beer for a while at our house :)

With the rentals, the venues I looked at all included the tables and chairs and they set those up for you at no cost. I did have to rent linens. While I chose expensive ones, I wish I hadn't (I couldn't have cared less about them and could have saved a ton of money by buying from linentablecloth.com or something like that).

I paid for a planner/DOC to arrange most of these things. She got the bartenders, alcohol, linens, and handled all the setup/drop off and most importantly, cleanup. They can be an extra cost -- figure $650-1500 average -- but it was worth every penny to me.

My advice? Do what you're doing -- get the quotes and run the numbers. But don't overlook restaurants instead of catering companies for the food -- I found them to be less expensive (and the food was great). Don't forget to find out the tax and service charges and add in gratuities to your totals. Service charges are usually 20% and really add up. (Especially when they're on the 1200-1400 venue/food charge).

btweety04

You could check out my venue the Village Country Club. Don't know what feel you are going for, but we are doing everything as far as food, drinks, upgraded packages, and ceremony for around ~$5000. The inside and outside is very pretty and their chairs are very nice as well.


Any questions, feel free to ask!

angelsong21

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:1ccb00f8-185c-4639-bba0-d5d7b56db8fa">Re: Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]You could check out my venue the Village Country Club. Don't know what feel you are going for, but we are doing everything as far as food, drinks, upgraded packages, and ceremony for around ~$5000. The inside and outside is very pretty and their chairs are very nice as well. Any questions, feel free to ask!
Posted by btweety04[/QUOTE]

VCC is a great deal and they do weddings ALL time so they are experienced with them.  It was an option for us but we decided it might be kind of weird to be able to literally walk back to our apartment from our venue. :P

NathanandJordan

To give you perspective on restaurant catering, we are going with Carino's.  We are having a seated dinner complete with servers.  Food includes salad, bread, and three different entrees with two different sides.  We are paying (gratuity, service charge, etc included) right around $3,000.

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:b29e1dca-d3e3-409c-a3f7-d234250219bb">Re: Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>You can bring liquor </strong>I think but we only care about beer, wine and champagne. It is my top right now, but it is far away! However, about 1/2 guest are coming from south so a bit closer for them. I still think its expensive but you do get nice linens, chairs and lighting!
Posted by bwasek[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>When I asked her, she said they didn't have a liquor license. But they may have gotten one since then, and you don't care so it doesn't matter.</div><div>
</div><div>I think at Occasions you get a lot for what you pay for, and it's mostly customizable.</div>

K and C

We are getting Married at The Grand Hotel in McKinney, and we are paying $10k for the whole place, ceremony & reception, and F&B, Servers, coordinators, tax, etc. 

Your budget is so very doable, and bringing in an outside caterer doesn't always mean cheaper. Often when you book a venue that provides F&B for you, your rental costs are cheaper. Our rental fees are under $1500.

bwasek

Thanks for the tips! I've ran the numbers for 2 months now and they still come about the same. The amounts I listed include all taxes and fees already. I want the food to be the highlight and the reception so I'm nervous about looking into restaurants even though I know it will save lots of money! Maybe I'm just too picky!

Honestly, I don't think I want all the work of a DYI place :(

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:1060079a-797d-4e99-a118-b45f2303b691">Re: Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Venue help! : In the beginning, I looked at both DIY places and places that did the catering/alcohol in house. I ran the numbers on an Excel spreadsheet, and though I was looking at places in Ft W (not Dallas) the DIY places won every time after running the numbers. I think the advantage is that you can find the least expensive of all vendors. For example, the caterer is quoting you about $33/pp for the food. That's not bad, but you can find less expensive options. There are restaurants that go as low as $10pp (Black Eyed Pea is the one I've heard great things about). I think $20pp is probably a more common price. Of course there is also tax, service charge/gratuity, but that will be extra for your in-house caterer as well. For alcohol, a great benefit is yes, getting it in bulk and at a discount. Also, we bought 2k worth of alcohol (beer, wine, liquor, everything) and my DOC returned whatever was unopened -- we ended up getting $800 back! Plus, we got to keep what was opened (like a case of beer with a few bottles left, etc) so we're still stocked in beer for a while at our house :) With the rentals, the venues I looked at all included the tables and chairs and they set those up for you at no cost. I did have to rent linens. While I chose expensive ones, I wish I hadn't (I couldn't have cared less about them and could have saved a ton of money by buying from linentablecloth.com or something like that). I paid for a planner/DOC to arrange most of these things. She got the bartenders, alcohol, linens, and handled all the setup/drop off and most importantly, cleanup. They can be an extra cost -- figure $650-1500 average -- but it was worth every penny to me. My advice? Do what you're doing -- get the quotes and run the numbers. But don't overlook restaurants instead of catering companies for the food -- I found them to be less expensive (and the food was great). Don't forget to find out the tax and service charges and add in gratuities to your totals. Service charges are usually 20% and really add up. (Especially when they're on the 1200-1400 venue/food charge).
Posted by MarieSD[/QUOTE]

bwasek

I know I emailed them for pricing and if I recall they don't have space for 150+ guest... am I wrong?

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:1ccb00f8-185c-4639-bba0-d5d7b56db8fa">Re: Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]You could check out my venue the Village Country Club. Don't know what feel you are going for, but we are doing everything as far as food, drinks, upgraded packages, and ceremony for around ~$5000. The inside and outside is very pretty and their chairs are very nice as well. Any questions, feel free to ask!
Posted by btweety04[/QUOTE]

bwasek

I do love Carinos!

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:7980911c-dae7-42cf-a90a-0c72e8289abe">Re: Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]To give you perspective on restaurant catering, we are going with Carino's.  We are having a seated dinner complete with servers.  Food includes salad, bread, and three different entrees with two different sides.  We are paying (gratuity, service charge, etc included) right around $3,000.
Posted by NathanandJordan[/QUOTE]

NathanandJordan

They are great to work with too!  We are having chicken primavera, baked cheese tortelinni, and chicken parmigiana with potatoes and green beens! YUM!

juliebug1997

Village Country Club was my second choice.  In fact, it was the only other place I really considered.  Have you called to see if they can fit 150?  Honestly, most of us have ended up A) not everyone coming and some no-shows. 

MarieSD

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:a2e20f78-2f07-4031-b478-92585f0eda87">Re: Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for the tips! I've ran the numbers for 2 months now and they still come about the same. The amounts I listed include all taxes and fees already. I want the food to be the highlight and the reception so I'm nervous about looking into restaurants even though I know it will save lots of money! Maybe I'm just too picky! Honestly, I don't think I want all the work of a DYI place :( In Response to Re: Venue help! :
Posted by bwasek[/QUOTE]

It sounds like you've done the homework and run the numbers, which is the most important thing. I definitely do think there are all-inclusive places that rival DIY places -- I should've made that more clear in my post. I wish I'd run into one in my planning -- it would've made my budgeting a lot easier! :)

I hope you feel comfortable signing a contract soon!

fallbride1109

Don't feel bad--choosing a venue can be very overwhelming and often leads to sticker shock.  Just remember that food, alcohol and the venue will be your biggest costs and there are ways to save in other areas.  I never considered a DIY venue because it was worth it to me to pay a little more for an elegant venue where someone would do it all for me.  I personally did not want the stress of having to rent linens and chairs and luckily found a venue that had linens that I liked.  (Things like chairs were important to me also.)  But only you can decide which way is best for you and your budget.

bwasek

Well our guest list is 300 so 150 is what we are hoping the number drops to. If I recall the Village couldn't do 150

fallbride1109

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:940e6aab-4c8d-4bbf-9a45-e5fc6373d67f">Re: Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Well our guest list is 300 so 150 is what we are hoping the number drops to. If I recall the Village couldn't do 150 :(
Posted by bwasek[/QUOTE]

Their website says 160 max.  With a guest list of potentially 300, I wouldn't risk it personally.

Tiffany got married at the El Dorado country club in McKinney and she said it was very reasonable.  Their website says they hold 350 but also have smaller rooms also.

professorscience

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:f9d347c0-8830-4d4a-abd5-b41ba938d662">Re: Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Venue help! : Their website says 160 max. <strong> With a guest list of potentially 300, I wouldn't risk it personally</strong>. Tiffany got married at the El Dorado country club in McKinney and she said it was very reasonable.  Their website says they hold 350 but also have smaller rooms also.
Posted by stephiehall[/QUOTE]

This, this, this, this.  I hope "what we hope it gets down to" means you intend to cut people before you send out invitations.  If you are inviting 300 people who all live out of state, then it's probably safe to say that they will not come, but you never know. 

pattc

Old Red on a Sunday night would be a reasonable ceremony and reception venue.  The building was recently renovated and is beautiful and needs very little in the way of decoration, saving money there.  www.oldred.org

Tell any caterer what your budget is and they will work with you.  Old Red includes tables and chairs and chairsfor the ceremony.  A caterer will get you a good price on linens. 

Flowers can be pricey so maybe you should have flowers for the wedding party and something else on the tables like lanterns.

TexanTreasure08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-7?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:113281a6-9baf-46e6-ab82-1485107038bfPost:9e7a4d04-648e-42f3-967d-002d34234f62">Re: Venue help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Old Red on a Sunday night would be a reasonable ceremony and reception venue.  The building was recently renovated and is beautiful and needs very little in the way of decoration, saving money there.  <a href="http://www.oldred.org" rel='nofollow'>www.oldred.org</a> Tell any caterer what your budget is and they will work with you.  Old Red includes tables and chairs and chairsfor the ceremony. <strong> A caterer will get you a good price on linens.</strong>  Flowers can be pricey so maybe you should have flowers for the wedding party and something else on the tables like lanterns.
Posted by pattc[/QUOTE]

Actually, most caterers I looked at just get them from rental places like TLC or Ducky Bob's and just pass the same cost to you. Most caterers cannot get you better prices on linens.