HELP: Powel Crosley or Ringling Museum

M1ssJ

Hi Ladies,

I am having venue overwhelm and feel a bit lost about how to make my vision and budget get along.

I want a ceremony on the beach which is ultra important to me and an elegant reception. I love the idea of a terrace , courtyard , or mansion such as Powel Crosley or the Ringling museum in Sarasota but since I live in Tallahassee teach and go to school full time I can't keep running back and forth to check out places I like. We're inviting 320 and Im hoping about 250-275 will come. So cost of food is a big issue!

Has anyone had a reception at either Ringling or the Crosley?
How far are they from the nearest beach?
What caterer did you use? About how much per person did they charge?

I need much help and its really appreciated.

Thanks Ladies!

TimsGirl10

Although I haven't been to a wedding at either venue, my FI and I actually got engaged in the rose garden at the Ringling Museum!  If money was no option, we would totally go back and be married their, either in fron tof the Ca d'Zan mansion or in the courtyard of the Art Museum.  GORGEOUS venue!!  Good luck!

lisanunez73

I researched both venues so I know a bit about them. They both offer a gorgesus water view ceremony, the beach would be about 15 minutes away. For your number of guests the Ringling would be the best bet. However, are you aware that there is no rain plan for the Ringling. There is no indoor space at neither the mansion or the museum. As for the Crosley you can only fit 80 for an indoor seated meal. So you're looking at an outdoor reception. 

Redklein and Homecookin both used Catering By Design for their Crosley nuptials. I believe the Ringling has a stricter vendor list then Crosley, too. I'm using Catering By Design for my wedding and with labor and china I'm spending about $60 per person.

GL!

homecookin81

Ditto what Lisa said.  If you are having a large guest list, you would have to probably use a tent and have the reception outdoors.  I will say that you will at least get the Crosley ALL day. I believe you only have the Ringling for five hours.  I'm totally biased and say book the Crosley!!!

erinbc87

I had my reception at the Powel Crosley Estate after visiting several venues in the area including the Ringling.

Beach side was not a priority for me.

As Lisa said there is no rain plan for the Ringling although I really wanted it at the Ca d'Zan. You get it from 6 pm-11pm and there is a noise ordinance, etc. There are many rules with this historical venue and decorating it. No bridal room to get ready. Only the bride can pull a car around to drop her off. 

But the view is out of this world and your guests would be very impressed. You can rent certain museum sections for about $500 extra an hour. They have a list of approved caterers. You have to buy liquor through Ringling

If you are having your wedding at the Ringling with that many people, you will need a huge budget.

http://www.ringling.org/Rentals2.aspx?id=156&ekmensel=c580fa7b_28_0_156_1

The Crosley 

http://www.crosleymuseum.com/

is a little bit less expensive. You get the building from 11:00am-11:00pm. There are plenty of rooms to get ready in. The view and house is gorgeous!! Directly on the bay. The rules are not overly strict at all. You can decorate however you want. There is also an approved catering list. You also have to buy alcohol through the Crosley. No noise ordinance. We fit 125 people inside for the dinner! AND we did not utilize an entire room. I know you could fit more than that.

For catering for 250 people I received two quotes from two different companies that were approved by both the Crosley and the Ringling. Both of them were about $12,000.

M1ssJ

Thank you SOOOOO much ladies!!! You dont know how much that helped.

Do either venues have tables and chairs or do I have to rent all of that?

erinbc87

I can't totally remember if the venues have any, but if you use an approved caterer they will rent the chairs through a company for you.

IdeasOPlenty

My BFF had her wedding a the Crosley and it was AMAZING!  In addition to what the previous posters had said, the staff at the Crosley was very good to work with.  Also, if you are getting married in Sarasota, check out Nellie's catering.  Since they're local, they'll be much less expensive than Catering by Design, and have done numerous weddings at both venues, so they really know the layout. Plus, they give you a day of coordinator that does EVERYTHING!!!!

Angie.Lapkov

From what i've heard, Ringling doesn't provide anything, only space, and it's pricey.