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After-party venue

js1128js1128
First Comment
in DC
My fiance and I just got engaged and are planning our wedding for mid-August. There are a lot of details to take care of - very overwhelming, as I'm sure you're all familiar with!

We are having a huge (400-guest) wedding ceremony and reception at my parents' church in Silver Spring. The reception has to be dry (no alcohol), and so we want to host an after-party for the up to 130 or so folks who would be interested, but we're stumped as to potential venues that wouldn't break the bank.

We've been considering a couple of different options:
(1) a large bar or club where we could work out some sort of open bar deal for our group; or
(2) a ballroom-type deal where we could bring in our own alcohol.

Either way, we'd like the location to be Metro-accessible and/or near the "official" wedding hotel. The neighborhoods we've been considering are Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Arlington.

Any suggestions, help, advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! :o
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Re: After-party venue

  • CaraDonnaCaraDonna
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    You could try the Clarendon Ballroom (which is usually a bar) since they actually host weddings there they may be able to set something up for you.  If you have a favorite bar or club, I would just send them an email or give them a call and see what they have to offer.  A lot of places will cater to an-open bar becuase many host events frequently.  I'm not sure what type of atmosphere you're looking for, but I could have other suggestions...  Good luck!
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  • js1128js1128
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Clarendon Ballroom has been added to the "to research" list; thanks! I'm also looking into Union Jacks (locations in both Bethesda and Arlington, I think).

    I think the vibe we're going for is relaxed and casual, without too much of what my friend calls the "frat-tastic" crowd. We want to just hang out with our friends and have a few drinks while we catch up with each other after the hoopla of the wedding itself. It would be nice to have DJ/music and maybe a small dance floor, but that would be a bonus more than a must.

    Thanks for the help/suggestions!
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  • CaraDonnaCaraDonna
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My FI works at the Union Jack's in Arlington part-time as a bartender.  Let me know if you need any info on there.  The Jack's in Ballston is really big.  They don't have any private rooms, but it is a huge bar!  The Jack's in Bethesda is much smaller so may get croweded on a Saturday.  I'd also look into Whitlow's on Wilson in Clarendon, they have many rooms and you may be able to rent one out.
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