Inexpensive Reception

LauraJean317

Anyone have ideas for an inexpensive (but not cheap-looking) reception location? I am planning for an outdoor wedding next September (so I have time to get skinny!) but I don't know where to have a reception...it will be a very small wedding-around 50 guests, no wedding party (except our daughter). I just want to avoid having it at home, but at the same time not spend $2000 (or more!) renting a banquet hall. What have others done for small receptions?

ClintonBean

Check out The Knot's recommended venues (link below).  There are over 180 to look through, but you can sort by price on the left hand side!  GOOD LUCK!
http://www.theknot.com/Vendors/Minnesota-Wedding-Venues/Profiles/CAR/004

flower_lover

I would recommend checking restaurant banquet rooms, there are many nice places that can accomodate a group of 50, and that have lovely decor. Think of places where companies have their Christmas parties. Some that I know of that have very nice rooms are WA Frost in St. Paul, McCormick and Schmicks in Minneapolis, or Rojo restaurant in St. Louis Park. I'm sure other Knotties can think of others, as well!

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_inexpensive-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:5063afe0-e7a9-434f-9c20-b1e8b5c95020Post:0703c5a6-2d33-4d20-979e-98283657a785">Inexpensive Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]Anyone have ideas for an inexpensive (but not cheap-looking) reception location? I am planning for an outdoor wedding next September (so I have time to get skinny!) but I don't know where to have a reception...it will be a very small wedding-around 50 guests, no wedding party (except our daughter). I just want to avoid having it at home, but at the same time not spend $2000 (or more!) renting a banquet hall. What have others done for small receptions?
Posted by LauraJean317[/QUOTE]

RWS2011

Jax Cafe in Northeast Minneapolis does not charge a rental fee.  Tables, chairs,  and linens are all included.  They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet or plated options in the $15 to $20 per person range.  You can also buy beer by the keg, wine by the bottle (you get refunded for unopened bottles of wine).  You have the run of the whole 2nd floor and it is nice and retro looking! 

Click for a link to their website!  We almost went with them for our venue.  It was our 2nd choice.  

SSaltzman87

I'd look into nicer restaurants that have private areas like the few PPs have mentioned. Also there's Santorini in Eden Prairie, Jimmy's in Minnetonka, Stella's Fish Cafe in Uptown, maybe even Granite City?

kidlets2

We're doing an outdoor ceremony/reception this Saturday at a park in Stillwater for under $1500 for 55 guests. I wasn't concerned about the "formality" of a wedding and aren't have a WP either.

Park - $50 to rent for the entire day if you live in Stillwater (I had my FSIL put her name on the reservation otherwise it would have been $100)
Food - $400 -ish for sandwiches, 3 salads, fruit, relish trays
Dessert - $150 ish for ice cream truck
Flowers - $50 fake from Michaels for bouquets & centerpieces

Paper plates, plastic silverware

No favors, no fancy clothes. After the ceremony, my daughter & future step daughter will be changing out of dresses and getting into comfy clothes to play bocce ball, volleyball, kick ball, and ladder golf for the afternoon.

Hope this helps! PM me if you want more infor or pics!!