Reception for 150 people

MaggieandJake

Anyone out there been able to find a reception venue for around 5K-6K including food/linens/set-up & take down/silverware/glassware in the TC and surrounding area?  I don't know if this is at all possible or if I just have to face the music and expect to pay more.  I thought about a Sunday wedding, but my fiance is not a fan of it.

I was looking at the Profile event center but they have a $7500 minimum for Sat which I just don't meet since I'll have only about 150 guests.

I did also check out the Eagan Community center, but they're already booked for June and I have very limited date options.

Thanks!

Bimbi284

What about a Friday wedding?

Sara191431

Check out The Landmark Center, but if it's this June they prob. have no Sat.'s available, even if it's 2011.  Unless there is a cancellation.  They have no minimums and you can use any licensed caterer you want.  Their rental fee is $2,000 for Fri. to Sun.  To have your ceremony there too it's $750 more.  The space is beautiful, vintage like, and doesn't require much decoration if you don't want.  Good luck!

esmurphy

It's possible. We are having ours at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Brooklyn Center.  The minimum is $5000 and we are looking at $5600 for 200 guests.  That doesn't include booze. The hotel covers all the place settings, linens, and they do the clean up of that stuff - we have to set up/clean up any addition decorations we bring. 

Izzygrim

Check out White Bear Country Inn in White Bear Lake. We are having our reception there on a Saturday, and the minimum is $5000. We are planning for the same number of guests as you, and after taxes and gratuities, the food/linens/glassware will be within your range. That doesn't include beverages though.
ETA: Are you inviting 150 or is that the number you expect to attend?

hkiesling

Try Summit Manor in St. Paul.

kkaew816

Some places I looked at that would be in your price range
-Washington County Historic Courthouse (place I chose-can choose your own caterer) http://www.co.washington.mn.us/info_for_residents/parks_division/historic_courthouse/
-Roseville Community Center (can bring your own caterer) http://www.ci.roseville.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=568
-RoseVine Hall http://www.rosevinehall.com/
-Elsie's (it also has a bowling ally, in NE but has a nice banquet facililty) http://www.elsies.com/banquetRoom.html
-Jax Cafe http://www.jaxcafe.com/banquets.php

Steph0871

Don't give up on PEC! We love them.  Granted, we're doing an off-season Sunday wedding, so our minimum is less than $3K, but still.  There's free parking, which is unheard of in Minneapolis, much less near campus.  Have you considered a Friday wedding or Sunday one?  It makes a huge difference!  

Just being off season and/or a Sunday has allowed us to talk down our other options too.  No one really "expects" wedding business on a Sunday or Friday really, so it's a good bargaining chip!

schmood

We're having ours at River Oaks in Cottage Grove.   We estimated our prices based on 150 ppl ....and this place would fall into your approximate price range. 

www.riveroaksweddings.com

MaggieandJake

Thanks for all of the advice!!!  I'm definitely going to check out the Landmark center and the courthouse. 

Izzy-I am estimating that we'll invite about 150 people-so I'm thinking even less will be in attendance.  My current (very rough draft) guest list is at 125.

Yes, I had considered a Sunday wedding, but the Fiance pooh-poohed it...I definitely am leaning more towards locations that allow off site catering, as my brother owns a brewery in St. Paul and has already offered to do wine/beer free of charge.

I REALLY REALLY want the PEC, but unless they're willing to throw in the house DJ and chair covers/sashes into the 7500 budget, I don't think I can justify "wasting" 2K on stuff I don't really need just to meet a minimum.

debbieupper

I would say you should check out the Little Log House in Hastings, but you said your bro will be bringing the beer. They do allow any caterer, but they do inhouse liquor. You might want to be sure you're clear with venues that you want to bring in your own liquor (not just caterer) and find out if they have any fees associated with that.

Steph0871

In Response to <a href="http://forums.weddings.com/Sites/Weddings/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_reception-150-people?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:a19d46b0-f28d-4fbf-8622-f59275a14b8bPost:6889329e-802e-4277-8bbd-c4b8f06357fd">Re: Reception for 150 people</a>:
[QUOTE]... my brother owns a brewery in St. Paul and has already offered to do wine/beer free of charge. :) I REALLY REALLY want the PEC, but unless they're willing to throw in the house DJ and chair covers/sashes into the 7500 budget, I don't think I can justify "wasting" 2K on stuff I don't really need just to meet a minimum.
Posted by MaggieandJake[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Ask Heather about the DJ and sashes!  It might actually count towards your minimum?  I'm not sure.  But they do allow you to bring in your own booze! (actually, you have to bring in your own at PEC.)  Is your brother interested in offering any knottie discounts? ;) We're still trying to figure out where to get our booze from right now.
</div>

izzyjenni

My minimum is $5000 for a Saturday at Mendakota Country Club.  It is gorgeous and may have availability.  You don't have to be a member either.

MaggieandJake

yeah did know that about the PEC and liquor which is one of the 1st things that drew me to it as a venue.  Unfortunately, my brother doesn't have a liquor license for selling beer-it's actually a brew on premise (vinepark.com) otherwise I'd definitely suggest it to him

I do plan on talking to Heather about it-I talked to her the other and she already agreed that she could add the cake into our catering price...so we'll see what else i might be able to muster out of her

Veittobe

You could also consider the Mermaid Event Center in Mounds View.  I think the food minimum there is $5K.  We are getting married on a Friday evening and there are some major savings to be found by doing that.  You should see if you can convince your FI to go that route.  It would save $$ and also probably open more options for a June wedding.

Good luck!  Let us know what you find!

MaggieandJake

Yeah, Fri is definitely out of the question for a date-too many people would have to take off 2 days of work then...so I know that just won't happen.  I thought Sunday would be an ok compromise b/c then people would take off Monday instead of Friday (for those traveling/attending the rehearsal dinner), but like I said the FI shot that down...maybe I can get enough ppl to help convince him that Sun is the way to go...

BTW, I should probably mention that although I'm from MPLS and having the wedding there, I (and my FI) live in IA as does his family and 99% of our friends-which is why we want to be conscientious of traveling for them.

Thanks again for all of the advice!! I really appreciate it

Liberty27

I am having a Saturday wedding in July at Afton Alps in Hastings and it is costing me under $5000 for 150 people.  No minnimums!  If you want contact information PM me.

kelcloe

We are doing our reception at Como Zoo, they have 2 different areas I believe Minimums for Saturday are $4000 or $4500

I also looked at the Science Museum in St. Paul and they had a really awesome room for under $5000 min on Saturday night.

CJU06ALS

Not sure if this is out of your way for the TC area but I am having my wedding in Shakopee at Stonebrooke Golf Club. It's beautiful there, our ceremony has waterfalls in the background and the indoor reception area has tons of windows. It's 800 to rent the space for a Sat night reception, 500 for a ceremony, and were making everyone (about 125 people) eat chicken chardonnay at 18.95 a plate, and paying 1 dollar/person for unlimited pop, plus 400 for a keg and some wine. Hope that little bit of rambling made sense! They don't have a food and beverage minimum and they're letting FI's grandma make and bring our cake. Anyway, I think our total will be about 5,000, and the 2,000 dollar deposit sucked but was nice in the end because then way less to pay closer to the wedding.

CJU06ALS

Also, just because I love this place so much. Deb, the coordinator is amazing to work with. They provide linens, glassware, and napkins in white, ivory, or black. And she will set up all your centerpieces and decorations for you if you bring them in the week before. And if you bring in your cake, they don't charge a cutting fee like most places.

lindseybrouwer

If you are willing to drive about 35 minutes South of the cities, The Grand in Northfield is VERY affordable.  Had my ceremony and reception there a month ago and you can for sure get plate between $12-16 a person.  No minimums.  No cake cutting fee.  No linen fee.  The rental fee was very low.  Easy to work with.  They seriously don't have any hidden fees.  They are also very willing to work with you if you have anything that you want or need.  I was very impressed with them overall and would recommend The Grand to anyone.  The only downfall is it is a little drive from teh cities but none of my guests complained. 

Very unique location.  Our guests kept talking about how unique it was.  If you want more info on it or to see pictures, let me know! 

Qston

Check out Old Arizona Theater in South Mpls. They might still have openings, and there are no minimums and you can bring in your own food caterer (they do the beer/wine). You have to be a little more involved, as far as renting on your own some tables/chairs/linens, etc.. (we are hoping we can work this to our advantage)

I think it was 2500 for a two day rental so  you get the whole day before to set up, or 1500 for one day?

Good Luck!

MaggieandJake

UPDATE: so after doing a little more research...There are now 2 venues in the lead

1. Radisson Hotel in Dinkytown Mpls there's no rental fee and only a $3500 minimum including all linens, a complimentary honeymoon suite, valet parking, etc...

2. Millenium Hotel, downtown Mpls.  No rental fee, but a minimum of $6800 which is a little more than we were wanting to spend, but not much more AND I'm very enticed by their glass "dome" room.

I'll let you know when we've made a solid decision.

Thanks again for all your suggestions ladies!!