Howell Family Farms?

mlarchweds

Has anyone gotten pricing from them recently or...ever? I am really interested in looking at them as a venue but I've emailed twice and haven't gotten anything back. This should probably make me not want to use them.. but I really love the thought of having our wedding here.

fallbride1109

Here is an old review I found.  Not sure when this was though.

Venue-Howell Family Farms (Arlington)- A+++ This place….oh man! Tucked away off the main road a little, but SSOO STUNNING!! For $5000 they only provide tables & chairs (no linens, or anything else) BUT we had it to ourselves for 3 days. We were able to setup everything Thursday & Friday. We were able to get there as early as we wanted Saturday, and didn’t have to be out by any specific time. Their only rule is that an officer has to be present to direct traffic because there are railroad tracks that you have to cross that don’t have any arms. The staff was awesome & so quick to  fix any issues we found with the property & whatnot. There are longhorns that roam the back fenced-off portion of the property, and there’s a small baseball field where all the kids had a blast playing all night. Our guests really enjoyed themselves. We thought it was well worth the money to have such convenience. 

ejheart

This was the same pricing that I got back from them in 2011 ($5000 for Saturday/Sunday or $4000 for a weekday). However, don't think the "having it to yourself for 3 days" thing applies anymore, unless maybe no one else books for that weekend. She told me that that pricing was for an event time of about 4 hours, and setting up the morning of.

I had the same issue that you did with not hearing from them at first. After some persistance I was able to get the pricing info, but they were really difficult with scheduling a time for us to come and tour. They absolutely would not do weekend tours (at any time), or evening tours. When I told her that we work Mon-Fri, 8-5 she suggested that we come one morning (which would have just been a pain) and she never responded when I asked the latest that we could come on a weekday. So, I gave up. I decided if they were this difficult with just getting info, I would probably want to pull my hair out during the planning process. However, since it's such a DIY place, it might not be that big of a deal, as long as you go into it with that outlook. HTH.

cate876

Hey!

I was really interested in Howell Family Farms and it took over a week for them to respond. They gave me a price range from $5000 to $8500 which I thought was crazy! If you're looking for a country style wedding- check out Classic Oaks Ranch! I just booked with  them and they are gorgeous! They just opened last year in Mansfield, TX. Everything is brand new and the bridal suite is AMAZING!!!! They just finished it about a month ago. Hope this helps! I spent months looking for the perfect rustic barn wedding and I'm so excited with Classic Oaks Ranch! They also have a facebook page.

mlarchweds

Yes. $5000 for just a venue is crazy. I will definitely look at Classic Oaks so thank you!! 

kdrap22

This is the email I got from them:

Kelsey

Thank you for your interest in Howell Farms! I've included our general information for you to review below. Based on the fact that you haven't selected a specific date I can give you a range of $5,000 - $8,500. The specific amount can be determined once you've selected a date. Please let me know if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

Stefanie Miles
Howell Family Farms
info@howellfamilyfarms.com
214.951.9494


GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTACT:
Stefanie Miles
stefanie@howellfamilyfarms.com
(214) 951-9494

COST:
TBD
50% paid no later than 120 days from event date.
Balance due 30 days before event date. Payments made out to: Waples Platter Events, LLC

DEPOSIT:
$ 1000 due upfront to hold date.

Mail to:
Waples Platter Events, LLC
Attn: Stefanie Miles
3900 Willow St.
Dallas, TX  75226

CONTRACT & POLICIES:
Must be signed and returned within 14 days of receipt of Contract.

INCLUDES:
- Access to barn, cottage, softball field and grounds.
- 24 round tables (5’ diameter, seats up to 8 people)
- 200 folding chairs
- 13 rectangular tables (6’)
- Policies & Procedures are subject to change without notice. Please see our website for updates and details.
*We do not provide linens and dinnerware

DETAILS:
- Capacity for property is 350 people, parking area provided.
- Walkway lighting (torches) and parking lighting (2 towers) provided.
- A/C or heat in barn and cottage.
- Barn and cottage are cleaned and made event ready on day before event.
- Tables and chairs will be made ready for you to arrange.
- Set-up begins morning of event.
- One service person will be available during your event.

REQUIRED:
(Security): The Owner will provide (1) security officer for any event with greater than 50 people and less than 250. For events with greater than 250 people an additional security officer will be hired by the Owner for an additional cost to the Renter.

(Valet): Valet is required for all groups with 75 guests or more or more than 30 vehicles.

HopefulBride42

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_howell-family-farms?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:21efdd92-d3bd-4f80-b4a0-18beddd0680aPost:4f75bdab-6b72-49df-864d-c8c29bf29b33">Re: Howell Family Farms?</a>:
[QUOTE]Hey! I was really interested in Howell Family Farms and it took over a week for them to respond. They gave me a price range from $5000 to $8500 which I thought was crazy! If you're looking for a country style wedding- check out Classic Oaks Ranch! I just booked with  them and they are gorgeous! They just opened last year in Mansfield, TX. Everything is brand new and the bridal suite is AMAZING!!!! They just finished it about a month ago. Hope this helps! I spent months looking for the perfect rustic barn wedding and I'm so excited with Classic Oaks Ranch! They also have a facebook page. :)
Posted by cate876[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>Sorry I was going through boards today to find ANYONE to mention Classic Oaks Ranch, I emailed them a few days ago but haven't heard back yet. Do you by chance know what their prices are?  </div>

KathyEE67

In Response to <a href="http://arlingtontx.weddings.com/Sites/weddings/Pages/main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_howell-family-farms?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:21efdd92-d3bd-4f80-b4a0-18beddd0680aPost:d0e2a572-9adf-41d2-9cfe-e4c610c0bb0b">Re: Howell Family Farms?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Howell Family Farms? : Sorry I was going through boards today to find ANYONE to mention Classic Oaks Ranch, I emailed them a few days ago but haven't heard back yet. Do you by chance know what their prices are?  
Posted by HopefulBride42[/QUOTE]




I never received a response to my email to Classic Oaks Ranch. So, not impressed. I understand not receiving immediate responses. A response, though would be a business requirement. I have inquired with Howell Family Farms. Response was timely and included a heads up that next week would be unavailable to respond. That is also appreciated and understood because these are sole Ownership businesses. The quote was very fair for the type of event I am planning.

suprstr1001

Thanks for your inquiry. Classic Oaks Ranch offers wedding packages that begin at $ 6500 including both ceremony and reception! 2013 - 2014 Up to 200 guests @ $ 6500 201 - 300 guests @ $ 7500 301 - 400 guests @ $ 8500 We provide excellent catering and planning services to help make your special day one you will always remember. Some of our amenities include: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations Both ceremony and reception included Grand staircase descending from bridal suite - great for pics! Romantic floor to ceiling stone fireplace Luxurious bridal salon for all that pampering you deserve Bridal suite available for wedding night Bridesmaids’ lounge - relax while you get ready for an amazing day Groom’s lounge with flat screen tv and bar Rustic chic decor Wi-fi enabled Brand new air conditioning and heating system Catering kitchen with ice machine Bridal pics or engagement pics included - 1 hour by apt Rehearsal time included - 1 hour by apt On-site event coordinator Planning services available Exceptional on-site catering provided to meet any budget 3 DJ and lighting packages or custom design available Texas Style Please call to schedule your private ranch tour.

suprstr1001

The above posted was quickly sent by email and was very helpful. The grounds are beautiful. As for Howell it took multiple emails and a phone call to finally get a response on price. The upstairs not having wheelchair access was a deal breaker for me as my grandfather is completely unable to walk up stairs. Classic Oaks Ranch http://vimeo.com/m/55458070 http://tracyautem.com/2012/12/classic-oaks-ranch-an-amazing-rustic-wedding-and-reception-venue/ I am also looking for an amazing outdoor barn venue. Thistle Springs Ranch in Cleburne is also a top contender but it is also pricey. Why do all of the country/rustic venues have to be so outrageous? Any other suggestions?

HowellFarms

In Response to Howell Family Farms?:
[QUOTE]Has anyone gotten pricing from them recently or...ever? I am really interested in looking at them as a venue but I've emailed twice and haven't gotten anything back. This should probably make me not want to use them.. but I really love the thought of having our wedding here.
Posted by mlarchweds[/QUOTE]

I am very sorry you had trouble reaching us.  This is usually not the case.  Our policy is to respond within 48 hours.  Please email stefanie@howellfamilyfarms.com should you decide to inquire in the future or need any other information.  

                                                                             Thanks

          

HowellFarms

In Response to Re: Howell Family Farms?:
[QUOTE]This was the same pricing that I got back from them in 2011 ($5000 for Saturday/Sunday or $4000 for a weekday). However, don't think the "having it to yourself for 3 days" thing applies anymore, unless maybe no one else books for that weekend. She told me that that pricing was for an event time of about 4 hours, and setting up the morning of. I had the same issue that you did with not hearing from them at first. After some persistance I was able to get the pricing info, but they were really difficult with scheduling a time for us to come and tour. They absolutely would not do weekend tours (at any time), or evening tours. When I told her that we work Mon-Fri, 8-5 she suggested that we come one morning (which would have just been a pain) and she never responded when I asked the latest that we could come on a weekday. So, I gave up. I decided if they were this difficult with just getting info, I would probably want to pull my hair out during the planning process. However, since it's such a DIY place, it might not be that big of a deal, as long as you go into it with that outlook. HTH.
Posted by ejheart[/QUOTE]

We appreciate the feedback. Because we usually have events on weekends, we used to limit weekend access but we are working now to provide tours on a more flexible basis while still respecting the privacy of our guests. Thank you.