Venue in DFW

ExcitedBride81409

My wedding is going to be April or May of 2012.

I wanted to do an outdoor wedding but I am not sure if it will be raining.. so I want to find a venue that will be safe for an outdoor but if it rains we can move it indoor!

I am on a tight budget.  5,000.

Can anyone please help me find a venue? I have looked at a lot of places and requested information from several places! 

bsn1752

Hello and welcome!

This sticky is a great place to start:

http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_attn-looking-particular-vendor-start-here-please-vendor-list-dfw-venue-list

Are you looking for Dallas or Fort Worth?  How many guests?  Is the budget for venue, photography, cakes, dress, tux, food... everything?

ExcitedBride81409

The budget is mainly the venue, food, and decoration and flowers.  I already have my dress.  Photography is already paid for. 

It will be about 120 people max.  

Thank you very much.  I am still learning how to navigate around this website.

angelsong21

Congrats and welcome!  I'm getting in married in May 2012.   Are you looking into Dallas, Ft. Worth, or both?

ExcitedBride81409

Either one.  I am very flexible.

KendallandAlbert

What kind of outdoor wedding? Garden? Rustic?

ExcitedBride81409

Preferrably, garden.  But I am open to any suggestions.

KendallandAlbert

Well then I will toss my venue into the hat.  We are getting married at the Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Prairie.  They have an outdoor garden with gazebo, 2 indoor ballrooms (220  and 250 capacity), an indoor 'living room" or fountain setting for rain outs, etc.  If you are getting married on a Saturday night, the venue alone is roughly 4000.  But if you do it during the day or on Friday/Sunday, I think it drops to like 2k for the garden and the ballroom.






This is the 2 ballrooms unseparated by an airwall (400+ capacity)

jmitchel

I am on a budget as well and we are holding our reception at Los Vaqueros Restaurant in the FW Stockyards. They have a beautiful outdoor garden that holds a large party and then a really cute indoor room that they never book at the same time so that you can move there if it rains. I've been really happy so far with the level of service, they are really willing to go above and beyond. We are spending max $2000 for the venue + food. We are doing cash bar with 60 pre paid tokens for our wedding party. It's a great deal - I really recommend checking it out!

TexanTreasure08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-dfw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:f93f9915-b9ca-4ece-9043-e006da05c65dPost:86f9b83d-c36b-4c3b-9fa7-bf7bb4882a8e">Re: Venue in DFW</a>:
[QUOTE]I am on a budget as well and we are holding our reception at Los Vaqueros Restaurant in the FW Stockyards. They have a beautiful outdoor garden that holds a large party and then a really cute indoor room that they never book at the same time so that you can move there if it rains. I've been really happy so far with the level of service, they are really willing to go above and beyond. We are spending max $2000 for the venue + food. We are doing cash bar with 60 pre paid tokens for our wedding party. It's a great deal - I really recommend checking it out!
Posted by jmitchel[/QUOTE]

Wait, you're doing a cash bar but paying for your wedding party? How is that ok?

courtski2004

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-dfw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:f93f9915-b9ca-4ece-9043-e006da05c65dPost:86f9b83d-c36b-4c3b-9fa7-bf7bb4882a8e">Re: Venue in DFW</a>:
[QUOTE] We are doing cash bar with 60 pre paid tokens for our wedding party.Posted by jmitchel[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't advertise that. All or nothing...if you're going to do something just for the wedding party, do it in the limo on the way to the reception or something when they aren't surrounded by other guests. I know people have very strong feelings one way or another, this is just my perspective, and it comes off as rude.

OP--I just had my reception at Addison Event Center, and if you had your reception on a Friday or Sunday, it could possibly work out to fit in your budget. Their pricing is available on their website if you're interested. I'm just not sure how you feel about the indoor 'chapel' setting.

KendallandAlbert

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-dfw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:f93f9915-b9ca-4ece-9043-e006da05c65dPost:86f9b83d-c36b-4c3b-9fa7-bf7bb4882a8e">Re: Venue in DFW</a>:
[QUOTE]We are doing cash bar with 60 pre paid tokens for our wedding party. It's a great deal - I really recommend checking it out!
Posted by jmitchel[/QUOTE]

So yeah, don't advertise this even on TK.  Many, including myself, view cash bars as tacky.  This is a party you are hosting for your guests.  When someone throws you a birthday party in your honor, wouldn't you be annoyed if you had to pay for part of it?  And the fact that you are only doing it for the WP?  Yeah, if I found and was a guest, I wouldn't show.  I would feel second class.

professorscience

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-dfw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:f93f9915-b9ca-4ece-9043-e006da05c65dPost:5406c8ec-073c-429d-bfc1-5da053e0d608">Re: Venue in DFW</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Venue in DFW : So yeah, don't advertise this even on TK.  Many, including myself, view cash bars as tacky.  This is a party you are hosting for your guests.  When someone throws you a birthday party in your honor, wouldn't you be annoyed if you had to pay for part of it?  And the fact that you are only doing it for the WP?  Yeah, if I found and was a guest, I wouldn't show.  <strong>I would feel second class.
</strong>Posted by KendallandAlbert[/QUOTE]

While I am not a fan of cash bars, I honestly would not care if the WP was paid for at a wedding I attended.  That seems like a wonderful thank-you for the hundreds of dollars some couples ask a WP to spend on things like attire and travel.

KendallandAlbert

Hey now, I may have to buy a new fancy dress and airfare too :P 

I get the sentiment of it being sort of like their WP gift.  But it could seriously rub etiquette-conscious folks the wrong way.   That might just be my hatred of cash bars speaking though :P

professorscience

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-dfw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:f93f9915-b9ca-4ece-9043-e006da05c65dPost:f815aead-ba97-4fc3-b778-7b20a6204980">Re: Venue in DFW</a>:
[QUOTE]Hey now, I may have to buy a new fancy dress and airfare too :P  I get the sentiment of it being sort of like their WP gift.  <strong>But it could seriously rub etiquette-conscious folks the wrong way.</strong>   That might just be my hatred of cash bars speaking though :P
Posted by KendallandAlbert[/QUOTE]

Oh, for sure.  One would be wise not to mention the words "cash" and "bar" (or even the individual letters that make up the two) in the same post over on the E board, but it is a nice gesture.  I would want to elevate my WP above other guests, I suppose.  It still doesn't make a cash bar awesome, but it is thoughtful.

Although "tokens" are for arcades.

Amanda667

I actually havent been to a wedding that WASNT cash bar. Maybe I'm in the minority but it didnt really bother me too much.

TexanTreasure08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-dfw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:f93f9915-b9ca-4ece-9043-e006da05c65dPost:248f8e40-30ab-460d-a812-670335c28780">Re: Venue in DFW</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Venue in DFW : Oh, for sure.  One would be wise not to mention the words "cash" and "bar" (or even the individual letters that make up the two) in the same post over on the E board, but it is a nice gesture.  I would want to elevate my WP above other guests, I suppose.  It still doesn't make a cash bar awesome, but it is thoughtful. Although "tokens" are for arcades.
Posted by professorscience[/QUOTE]
 
I think it's extremely rude. It's like saying "my friends are getting free drinks, but you have to pay." It does make it seem like they are second class.

jmitchel

I understand the whole "cash bar is tacky" concept but around here & in my circle / family it's perfectly acceptable. I've been to several cash bar weddings, and while of course open bars make things more enjoyable I understand that not everyone can afford it. We are only inviting close friends and family who understand we are on a budget and paying for everything ourselves and they don't mind paying for their own drinks. I'm obviously not going to advertise the tokens and make a big scene so that everyone knows about it. It will be a very subtle "thank you" to our wedding party and that is it. If we had a large budget and it was more of a formal wedding I would totally want an open bar it's just not an option, and while I know it's frowned upon, I have no doubt our guests will still be happy and have tons of fun.

jmitchel

Oh and the point of this post was to suggest great venues on a budget so let's get back on that topic.

TexanTreasure08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-dfw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:f93f9915-b9ca-4ece-9043-e006da05c65dPost:2fba2f31-89f7-49e4-bd9c-cc6c81aedf99">Re: Venue in DFW</a>:
[QUOTE]Oh and the point of this post was to suggest great venues on a budget so let's get back on that topic. :)
Posted by jmitchel[/QUOTE]

Unfortunately, you posted that on a public forum so we don't need your permission to comment on it. Just because you've seen people do it doesn't make it ok. Paying only for your wedding party to drink is extremely rude. If you don't believe me, go ask the Etiquette board about it.

And to Amanda: We know things like disregarding etiquette don't bother you since you made a huge deal about kicking someone out of your bridal party. That again is very rude, I don't care how uninterested they seemed. You could have calmly asked them if they were willing to still be a bridesmaid and let them step down on their own. You are never suppose to kick out a bridesmaid unless they sleep with your FI, threaten to harm you, or anything else as equally serious. You can go ask Etiquette about that too.

And once again just to drive it home: just because you've seen other people do something <strong>doesn't</strong> make it ok. Period.Endofstory.

KendallandAlbert

Amanda/jmitchel -  So you know what the etiquette side of the issue is:

Your reception is supposed to be a party you host in honor of your guests to thank them for celebrating your wedding ceremony with you.  If you were throwing a suprise party for a friend, would you make that friend pay for it?  Obviously not.  The principle holds true for weddings.  You should never ask your guests to pay.  They are already paying to be with you that day whether it be in gas, airfare, lodging, gifts, etc. 

The whole "I have seen it done" thing is just another "If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you do it too" thing.

If an open bar isn't something you can afford, there are better options than subjecting guests to a cash bar:

1.) Don't serve alcohol (especially if you are having a day wedding)
2.) Offer a signature cocktail only.  Only using 1 or 2 liquors will save you a ton of money
3.) Only do a champagne toast
4.) If alcohol is important to you, make it a priority on your budget.  Scale back elsewhere so you can afford it.

bsn1752

I paid for my own wedding too.  I was also on a budget.  That doesn't make it okay etiquette wise to not host your guests properly.  Drinks should be an all or nothing thing. 

That excuse doesn't generally hold water, especially these days when the B&G typically pay for their own weddings.

To add:  everyone is on a budget.  Some sort of budget.  Budget is a relative term and doesn't mean cheap.

professorscience

Why would you bump a week-old thread to stir things up, then immediately try to revert back to the topic at hand.

Also, I thought Angela's comments were directed at me, and I was saaaaaaad.

And all of Kendall's suggestions sound better than asking guests to pay for things at my wedding.  They have already paid for travel, lodging, and perhaps a really expensive gift.  They do not also need to pay for any treat at my reception.  The reception, as Kendall said, is to thank them.

KendallandAlbert

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-dfw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:f93f9915-b9ca-4ece-9043-e006da05c65dPost:3c663ed0-1a5a-445b-82ca-204420b33fca">Re: Venue in DFW</a>:
[QUOTE] Also, I thought Angela's comments were directed at me, and I was saaaaaaad.
Posted by professorscience[/QUOTE]


I thought this at first too until I re-read.  I was like "Oh lord what did Amanda say?!"

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_venue-dfw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:f93f9915-b9ca-4ece-9043-e006da05c65dPost:3c663ed0-1a5a-445b-82ca-204420b33fca">Re: Venue in DFW</a>:
[QUOTE]Why would you bump a week-old thread to stir things up, then immediately try to revert back to the topic at hand. <strong>Also, I thought Angela's comments were directed at me, and I was saaaaaaad.</strong> And all of Kendall's suggestions sound better than asking guests to pay for things at my wedding.  They have already paid for travel, lodging, and perhaps a really expensive gift.  They do not also need to pay for any treat at my reception.  The reception, as Kendall said, is to thank them.
Posted by professorscience[/QUOTE]

Me too! Then I realized. lol

courtski2004

In Response to Re: Venue in DFW:
[QUOTEIt will be a very subtle "thank you" to our wedding party and that is it.Posted by jmitchel[/QUOTE]

Isn't that what personal gifts for your wedding party are all about? Give them a mini-bar bottle of Absolut and a flask. Hopefully soda is included in the catering cost. People will see the tokens and wonder what they are all about, and it might not be someone who is close enough to you to know the dollar amount of your budget.
You'd be surprised how cheaply you can host beer and wine. We paid $300 for 2 kegs and 3 cases of wine for 130 guests.

KendallandAlbert

And her wine was ah-may-zing.

TexanTreasure08

Oh I'm sorry Amanda (professorscience)!! I should have been more clear. Definitely not you!