New here and looking for some advice

ninaluv007

 I will be getting engaged in the next two months and have started looking at places to have the recpetion. Our budget is pretty tight (3,000-4,000 for the reception) and we expect about 120 people. We set the date for 7/23/2011 (hopefully), so I want to decide around this May since some places book early. I have seen places like Lakeside Reflections and Woodhaven Country club, but I want to make sure to consider different places and shop around before I make a decision, just wondering if you girls have any ideas?

ladylum

Sawyer Hayes Community Center is where I am having my reception. It's $1200 but it's really nice and very new.

ninaluv007

Thanks ladylum....I'll def look into that.

squirrly

I hate to be a party pooper, but I think that budget is going to be really tough for 120 people.  That's $33/person.  What does that $4000 have to cover?  Food, beverages, cake, location, tables, dishes, linens, service charges & tips, centerpieces would be minimum. 

How about invitations & "general" expenses like your dress, rings, bridal party flowers, tuxes, your officiant, honeymoon?  Are those all above and beyond the $4000, or included in it? 

ninaluv007

Squirrly I wish it could lol, no that's just what I would like to spend on the place and food.  My wedding gown, invitations etc.. are not included. The 3 to 4,000 is what I would like to spend for the place.

We are open to trimming the guest list, if I fell in love with a place and that was the only way I could have it. I have an idea of what I want, but nothing is set in stone. I'm looking for a place that either includes everything like Lakeside Reflections or a place that may include tables and chairs, but give you the freedom to bring in your own caterer.

tncomb00

I used Sawyer Hayes Community Center as well, and had my wedding there on 3/13.  It was a wonderful location and more affordable than most things I found!  They also let you bring in your own alcohol, which will save you tons of money!  Not to mention that Robin, the contact there, is absolutely wonderful!

faeriechyld

We are getting married at the Frazier International History Museum dowtown in August.  I also looked at the Melwood Arts and Entertainment Center (I forget if that's the exact name of it or not!) and Glassworks among others.  Those were my two other favorites.  Frazier is a little expensive - we're paying like $2600 for the site, but that's ceremony (on the roof) and reception.  My mom had her reception at Lakeside Reflections a few years ago and it was beautiful, but its a little bit of a drive.  My friends had their reception at the Grand Theater in downtown Jeffersonville, IN and I was highly impressed by the space.  I don't know what their prices are, but its a gorgeous renovated old theater.  

What kind of reception are you looking for?  What are your tastes?  It would help me suggest places based on what you like. I really liked the artsy, lofty exposed brick feeling of Melwood and the Frazier, but some people prefer old homes or other venues.  

ninaluv007

Well so far I like venues and Lofts, since I haven't seen many weddings it's hard to say. However I know I do not like "old homes", for a reception. I want my reception to have a personal feel to it but not that personal. I'm more modern compared to other brides and just want something that looks nice and tastefully within my budget. If I could have it my way, I would pick a place that looks nice and isn't a blank space. I have seen some places that are blank, which is good for a bride that wants to make it her own from the floor up, but that doesn't fit into our budget or planning (full-time student).

I have looked at Lakeside and am planning to take a tour in May along with Woodhaven Country club. Although I have some places I like, I am competely open at this point. Sooo whatever you suggest, based off of what I described will be helpful. I know so little about wedding stuff

squirrly

Look through the threads started by or for FKS on here too.  There are lots of good suggestions in there as well.

FKS

I second Sawyer Hayes as defintely worth looking into, especially considering the size of your guest list.  As other girls on here will tell you, it seems that the most cost effective venues are those that let you bring your own food and alcohol. 

If you need a good recommendation for a caterer - we met with Ladyfingers last week.  Their food was delicious and prices seemed very reasonable!

emilykatherine

I too am getting married at Sawyer-Hayes. Maybe some people will disagree with me, but I'd take a long hard look at your guest list if that is your budget. Things add up fast. Sawyer-Hayes does have an extra charge (i think 15%) on all food, plus there are caterer fees, rentals, beverages (and additional costs if you have alcohol). If you are set on that number and serving a certain type of food, you should probably look into less-expensive venues. Have you checked any of the metro park sites (http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/rentals/conferencecenters.htm). Although they have some of the historic homes, which I know is not what you're looking for, they also have conference center type spaces. Some of those prices are half of Sawyer-Hayes and similar venues.

bmerante

I'm not going to lie, but I looked at Woodhaven CC & Wildwood CC and they were both pretty blah. Woohaven costs 1,000 to rent and for my reception (300 people), it was going to cost about $16,000 for food since they don't allow outside caterers. Cut that in half and you will be spending around $8,000 and that doesn't include alcohol if you are having it. Wildwood was cheaper, but it just reminded me of a banquet hall. It was ok but not anything special. The staff was super friendly though. Woodhaven felt like a nursing home to me because all the carpet was really dark and ugly. They were even going to charge us $1.25 per coke that people ended up having. I can understand charging like $3.00 per person, but to charge by the glass? Some people can drink 10 glasses in a 4 hour span and people always put down there drinks and then forget which one is theirs and get a new one... it was just crazy let me tell you.

I really recommend checking out Standard CC. That is where we are having our reception, and the location is BEAUTIFUL. I am a modern bride as well and their ballroom is so gorgeous. They have beautiful hardwood floors and there are so many windows. we are having ours in July in the daytime so the sunshine (hopefully!) will definitely light up the room. They did not end up charging us the fee to rent, and for 300 people the cost for food is going to be about 12,000. Cut that in half for you and it will be around 6K. I'm not sure if your budget was just to rent or for food as well, but I think that Standard was SO much more classy and beautiful and affordable than the others. I can give you more info. if you need it. Sorry this was so long! Hope it helps though!

ninaluv007

Thank you guys for all of your suggestions... I will def be looking into Sawyer-Hayes and the Standard CC... Thanks bmerante... yeah I'd like to get some more info... I noticed the same thing about woodhaven... the carpet is ugly.. I saw that from the pics online. My bugget def cannot exceed 6 for the place.. Since I'm still in school I don't really want to spend a whole a lot. My parents are going to help but FI and I are paying for most of it. We've started saving but are def trying to cut corners as much as possible. The old medical center is def one of my top choices because of the price and you can bring your own caterer. I just hope what we save will be enough. I've considered putting it off until I get out of nursing school, but we've been together for 10 years and we both feel it is time. I found my dress at DB and we will cut the guest list to make it happened if necessary. I'm still looking for other possibities for the reception, but I'm getting the feeling this is as good as it gets for my price range.

kahkikae

This may be really delayed, but we looked at the Anchorage Ballroom and it was gorgeous.  It was also less than $900.  It was really, really beautiful.  I can try and find the link again and post it if anyone is interested.
The great thing too is that they already have tables with linens and chairs that are included in the price and since it's a ballroom you don't have to worry about renting a dance floor.

howard2010

Hi, I am interested in the Anchorage Ballroom.  I can't find it online.

squirrly

Here's the Anchorage Ballroom:

http://www.dancestudioky.com/private-events