LMEC vs. Farmers Market

lettersforlovers

I'm having a vintage style wedding and have recently felll in LOVE with Lake Mary Events Center.. the only thing I don't like is that you have to use their preferred catering.. and that's kind of a make it/break it depending on what I find out with the caterers. 

Since seeing a few pictures online of the Farmers Market, I THINK it would be quite nice for the style & theme I'm going for. Any brides currently looking into/are having/have had their wedding there? Is there a place outside for the ceremoney as well?

I just have some general questions about pricing, catering, etc. 

kalina174

I am an October LMEC Bride and when we booked we also had reservations about the preferred cater's list.  We are foodies and my fiance loves to cook so a crappy caterer was not an option!  We booked the place with the idea that if we didn't find a caterer we liked we'd cancel and find another venue but luckily that did not happen.

We tried 2 caterers on the list, Arthur's and Big City, and decided to go with Arthurs.  We felt like we would get more for our money and the food was more original.  Lori is our event designer there and we fell in love with her at the first meeting.  She got our vision and made huge changes to give us what we want.  Basically we are getting 4 appetizers for cocktail hour, salad, potatoes, veggies, shrimp and grits, brisket, grilled fish and desert for around 6,000 for 100 ppl.  Big City was nice but they were move expensive for what we called typical "wedding food" but that was just our opinion but I can guarantee you that you will find someone you will love at the LMEC.  Good luck and let us know what you decide!

jamieandben2011

We just got married in April at the Farmers Market and it was WONDERFUL! The fact that we could use any caterer we wanted was a really good selling point! You can email me at jamieleighreid at gmail dot com if you have any questions:)

jackandjill2011

They're both really nice. Arthur's Catering at LMEC was SO good when I had it at a friend's wedding last fall!

ellebelley

I chose the LMEC because as mentioned.... it is GORGEOUS! we have met with Allison from Arthurs and Michael from John MIchael events and we love BOTH of them. Michael is definitely priced better. Some of the ladies said he wasn't as polite but whenever I contact him, he is amazing. Also, he has a tasting on June 26th if you are interested in trying his food. I went to a tasting for Arthurs and their food is top notch. Everything was absolutely delicious and the entire staff is beyond friendly. My quote for 130 guests was 7500 without taxt and gratuity for a buffet with 3 entrees and for John Michael is was 7400 for a seated dinner( everything included), with linens and a coffee bar and some cocktail tables and 4 entrees. ( Just so you have an idea of the price difference)

JamieLeigh88

Hi I'm getting married at LMEC next October and don't feel pressued because of the preferred catering list. It is a very big list and I have no doubt you will find a caterer to match your taste and price preferences. I have a friend who got married at the Farmer's Market within the last two months and she loved it! The only thing she mentioned was that if you plan to have more than 150 guests, it can get kinda tight. That's why she had more space than actual tables, she wanted a dance party! lol. PLEASE don't hesitate to contact me for any information! I'll be glad to help!

jleigh812@gmail.com

nlovesj22

We are having our reception at the Farmers Market in January of 2012.  So far, everything has been great!  It books up fast.. so dates depend on how long of an engagement you want.  I think it has a great rustic feel and is really a blank slate you can do anything with.  The fact that you can choose your own caterer and purchase your own alcohol is a HUGE budget saver!  You can email me if you have any questions.   - Nicole

nballard24@gmail.com