New Venue Search

shano06

..so if yu remember, a few weeks ago I had the venue issue with our venue having a hidden 29 tax and gratuity..which jacked it up past my venue budget. Then we had the place that is 45mins away and I was worried about my family not wanting to drive that far. A few of them said its far. Jerks Anyways..now I'm having thee hardest time trying to find a venue. I like places that are inclusive. Includes anything..open bar, Tablecloths, tables, chairs, centerpieces, something. Not just a space to rent. It was easy to find my first expensive venue, but if I go with that one I'm gonna have to cut a lot of cost elsewhere. With taxes it ended up being about 7580 for the place for 100 ppl..without food..but with open bar, tables, Tablecloths, dinnerware, chair covers and sashes, four appetizers for cocktail hour, cake cutting, and champagne toast..am I overreacting on the price.?? Do you think its a lot..remember that's without food.

island07b2b

That sounds about right to me for the DC area.  I visited several spots some all inclusive, some not.  Just the rental fee alone averaged about $4,500.  When you start throwing in linens, chairs, open bar, etc. I can see it adding up to the amount you mentioned and above.  It's a lot but I think it is the area we live in especially if you are using one of the main stream venues. 

shano06

It was a hotel in Arlington, Va..I expected it to be high cause its a hotel. I just dnt know if I should keep looking or give up and pay the 7580..

island07b2b

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_new-venue-search?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:96f2c884-ce12-4780-8da6-f4d0e7a757efPost:c6d33e22-5012-426c-b05d-cb81e726033f">Re:New Venue Search</a>:
[QUOTE]It was a hotel in Arlington, Va..I expected it to be high cause its a hotel. I just dnt know if I should keep looking or give up and pay the 7580..
Posted by shano06[/QUOTE]

Keep looking.  You still have some time.  Are you set on a hotel?  You may be able to find better pricing at some of the mansions and event spaces.  However, if you really love your spot, then just go with it and make up for the cost in other areas. 

shano06

I was set on a hotel just for the all inclusive..but I'm learning that other places do that..its just really stressful..too early in the planning.

island07b2b

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_new-venue-search?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:96f2c884-ce12-4780-8da6-f4d0e7a757efPost:30354769-22c1-4150-9fdd-2e6ac67ff9a8">Re:New Venue Search</a>:
[QUOTE]I was set on a hotel just for the all inclusive..but I'm learning that other places do that..its just really stressful..too early in the planning.
Posted by shano06[/QUOTE]

LOL!. I completely understand you.  There are so many choices in DC to look at and the fact that they can book up fast is very stressful.  I went and looked at 7 venues over a period of 10 days.  My head was spinning but I just wanted to get it out of the way.  I got an email recently for the Cardinal Room in Bowie, MD. Have you heard of it before?  It's new to me.   Had I not already booked my venue, I would have at least looked at this spot. 
<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cardinalroom.com/" target="_blank">
http://www.cardinalroom.com/</a>

MissusD1116

I agree with island, it may just be for the area but you have time to look. My wedding is a little under 18 mos away and I have my venue booked already...at 11 mos out I'm gonna be hitting the ground running!! LOL! That's just because I am giving time for error...I figure, if I do things on a set time table, I will have less room for error. I'm kinda meticulous....mostly because I'm a military vet and a freaking nurse!!! So for me its never too early! Pray for me! LOL!

footballwife77

Can you cut out the open bar or only have it open for an hour or have a "signature drink" that's only "open bar". I don't know about you, but I come from a looooong line of alcoholics and foresee people taking advantage of that and then having that lead to potential problems.We've cut that out completely except for the wedding party. I think that could cut a lot of cost right there.

msbdumas

Girl....I would cry if I was to pay over 7k for a venue. My venue is 800 and that incl chairs, tables, linen, china, jars for my candy buffet, bar tender and dance floor. Food and bar service is separate. I say keep looking..unles you really gotta have that particular space ! Good luck on finding the space !

shano06

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_new-venue-search?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:96f2c884-ce12-4780-8da6-f4d0e7a757efPost:ff8e66f3-50c2-4bf6-bcfb-c5dbe2f5bf06">Re:New Venue Search</a>:
[QUOTE]Girl....I would cry if I was to pay over 7k for a venue. My venue is 800 and that incl chairs, tables, linen, china, jars for my candy buffet, bar tender and dance floor. Food and bar service is separate. I say keep looking..unles you really gotta have that particular space ! Good luck on finding the space !
Posted by msbdumas[/QUOTE]

OMG..that's great. I'm convinced its the area..DC would never have a place that cheap.! Most places I look at are cheaper in Jan-March..but I can't do the cold. We like May. I have found the cheapest so far to be $4000, all-inclusive. I will def keep looking, but the clock is ticking.!

shano06

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_new-venue-search?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:96f2c884-ce12-4780-8da6-f4d0e7a757efPost:c816f079-969f-4bd7-8f80-24d75fd8ab86">Re:New Venue Search</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:New Venue Search : LOL!. I completely understand you.  There are so many choices in DC to look at and the fact that they can book up fast is very stressful.  I went and looked at 7 venues over a period of 1o days.  My head was spinning but I just wanted to get it out of the way.  I got an email recently for the Cardinal Room in Bowie, MD. Have you heard of it before?  It's new to me.   Had I not already booked my venue, I would have at least looked at this spot.  <a href="http://www.cardinalroom.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.cardinalroom.com/</a>
Posted by island07b2b[/QUOTE]

I like their pictures. Its $4500 for a Saturday night rental. Definitely a possibility. Thanks.!

staten2012

for the DC area that price is not high for a hotel reception (on a "Saturday" as well, I presume) however, if it is maxing your budget then you may have to consider the further out options. nothing personal but so what if it's "too far"...people sure do sass these days when it's a wedding and reception they are NOT paying for. it's your day so try to find the best package for you and FI and if you want real food and not finger foods at your wedding that might have to be your next bet. but unfortunately, DC (my FAVORITE city on the planet btw ) is just more costly....you still have a good amount of time however, so try not to stress too much
OAN: ummm "hidden $29 gratuity and tax"....WOW! Unbelievable...smh

thedivav

thanks i was looking for a place in MD to have our party after the wedding