Looking for Reception venue

insanityofamom

Sigh! I haven't had a moment these last two days to call reception venues like I had planned, so I am starting tomorrow. 

That being said, I need to find a venue where they don't require in-house catering or really, catering at all. I am kind of freaking out because I am not very familiar with this area, and have no idea where to look (and...uh, everythings so expensive!) Most budget/DIY reception areas are "in your backyard with the amazing outdoor kitchen"  That's not an option for me. 

I *just* found a beatiful property you can rent for 6-8 hours for $100. This would be an amazing venue if it works out. >.> But it's probably been booked since Spring and I won't know until the morning. 

Oyy. Majorly stressing out.

ericaandtom2012

*hugs* I hope you can find something soon!  Have you tried posting on your local board?  A lot of the women on here know all about what places are good to go to.  Are there any park districts or forest preserves that you could have your reception at? 

insanityofamom

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_october-2012-weddings_looking-for-reception-venue?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:56b9bcef-1e34-456e-81f5-cfaa107456b2Discussion:1e033a1a-4199-4b06-b151-607ed6ceb33fPost:522f8d5e-4a85-43f7-b5e4-3f7ab46da326">Re: Looking for Reception venue</a>:
[QUOTE]*hugs* I hope you can find something soon!  Have you tried posting on your local board?  A lot of the women on here know all about what places are good to go to.  Are there any park districts or forest preserves that you could have your reception at? 
Posted by ericaandtom2012[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I am kind of scared to post but I will try. </div><div>
</div><div>I checked a pavillion at a local state park but it seems their last weekend they take reservations is Oct 21st. :( 

</div>

Jessewell

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lulu4150

I read an article of a girl that rented a museum.  Because it was a NFP they only had one standard price whether it be a wedding, corporate event, whatever.  Some museums have really pretty atriums, big hall areas, etc because they do want corporate events there.  Try it out and good luick!

insanityofamom

How far is too far to drive for a reception? The biggest city with a museum like that is around an hour away. I don't want to inconvienence my guests since most will likely be driving rental cars. All of my family lives 6+ hours away. 

lulu4150

Ouch, that's a hike for a reception. 

insanityofamom

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_october-2012-weddings_looking-for-reception-venue?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:56b9bcef-1e34-456e-81f5-cfaa107456b2Discussion:1e033a1a-4199-4b06-b151-607ed6ceb33fPost:15358fa2-dc48-4684-b1a9-6a9a1d114f18">Re: Looking for Reception venue</a>:
[QUOTE]Ouch, that's a hike for a reception. 
Posted by lulu4150[/QUOTE]

<div>Yeah. I was able to find another closer museum, but I think they are in-house catering only. Time to start making phone calls! </div>

lulu4150

good luck!!

insanityofamom

Today....

- I called seven venues.

- 1 venue was a downright 'no' - she basically just said "we are swamped around then" and rushed me off the phone. 

- 1 venue is not available until the end of Novemeber. 

- Waiting for 3 venues to call me back

- Have an appointment on Friday to go see a reception space at a local museum. 

One of the venues I called was our local library- they have a couple of large meeting spaces. One area is the roof, which seems like in Oct it would not be a good idea, and they have a very large banquet hall in the basement that has an attached kitchen, private bathrooms, and a place for coats. The walls are an awkward color of Blue, and the tables in the room are computer tables (with the little circle cut out for wires) so that would be difficult to get around even with table cloths. She did mention the lack of storage at the library so she said they could try and move the tables out if we wanted to rent different ones, but I'd rather work with what they have if that's possible. 

Oh, and my friend has a catering license, so for places that allow "out of house" catering, I should be able to put down that he is "catering" the event. 

The one thing that my fiance and I are discussing is how many tables/chairs we need. As far as I know, right now, we are not serving dinner. Obviously, if we decide we are serving dinner then everyone needs a chair. 

What would be appropriate for "light fare/dessert"? I am thinking that everyone still needs a chair, but my fiance thinks we could get away with less.  

Up for tomorrow, five more venues to call and still researching options. How many venues did you look at before you found "the one"?

insanityofamom

Just got a call back from the venue that I posted about above in the first post that I absolutely love! They have ONE weekend still available in Oct, but the lady isn't available to show it for an entire week. I really am hoping this works out! 

lulu4150

Hope it works out for you!