The Whitney

DetroitGyrl

I think the Whitney is my new hoop dream wedding spot. If I could have my ceremony and reception in ONE place in the City of Detroit.. that would be it... I'm thinking it's outside of my budget unless the rents REALLY come through with some financial help.

Did anyone check it out when they were venue shopping?

sinnedambition

It's about 20K to rent the whole thing. Let me see if i still have their 09 package

LorraL14

Are you allowed to just have a ceremony there? Or do you have to have it in conjunction with a reception?

DetroitGyrl

That's a good question Lorra.. I didn't ask - because I only want the ceremony there if I can have the reception there.

Thanks Sinned - that's what I'm wondering.. what the whole day rental actually costs - because of course they don't tell you on the site.. they just give you the individual package prices.. and they always take a while to respond when I call them.

MeghanAshley00

I've been to the Whitney for events before and talked about having our wedding reception there. The one thing that made me not look into this was that the events were split up throughout different rooms. I dont think there was one room big enough to hold our entire party.

DetroitGyrl

Yes Meghan - you're right - that could be a con

DetroitGyrl

ooo- thanks for the info Erica! That's really helpful.. Of course they have yet to respond to me.. They called me back 2 days before my last event - saying that they "lost" my message because of the new system... we'll see I want to give them another chance.

ericatoms

The contact person over there for weddings is named Emily, their old Banquet Manager left somewhat recently and I didn't find out until I went there for a scheduled meeting and she wasn't there anymore. Perhaps your message may have got lost in the transition? I've personally found its much easier to reach them by e-mail as opposed to phone, hopefully that helps!

flamingtwig72

We're having our reception there. If you just rent the top floor, the prices are much more affordable than renting the entire mansion (obviously). There's a $3,000 food and beverage minimum instead of a seperate rental fee, and there are no fees to use their linens. There's also no cake cutting fee. Emily has been great to work with, and the Whitney is a wonderful venue.

Sue-n-Kevin

My fiance just took me there for Valentine's Day as a surprise, for dinner. We sat on the south side, near a window, facing the elevated deck that has lights overhead. We talked to our server a lot about parties there, in spite of the fact we already have a venue we are happy with. We walked through the entire garden area as well as the whole building, as I had never done that. The server said they usually can set up for 100 people outdoors, not sure if that is true, but it seems about right based on the size.

I see from your profile you are planning a June wedding. The outdoors would be perfect. Not sure what they set up for you. I agree splitting your party between the rooms would be difficult.

All I can say is go there and talk to them, walk around, etc. If you get the entire 2nd floor, (or 3rd floor, I can't remember) they can set up a buffet in one of the smaller rooms, and set up tables in the main hallway, where the bar is.

Anyway, it's a perfect location. Hopefully you can get the money to do it.

If the Whitney doesn't work for you, another alternative is the Scarab club, link below. Click on the gallery, it looks lovely:

http://www.scarabclub.org/html/weddings___events.html

Good luck.

Di_126

We are having our reception there.  It is be-a-utiful. (granted I may be a little biased)

We fell in love with it the second we saw it!  Definitely give it a look.  Like previous posters said, their prices are actually pretty comparable when you see what they include/will do for you.  And they have a few different options as far as prices/packages, which they'll give you a copy of when you go (or if you want to see them before I can email a copy to you).

KarenLee77

I did. I loved it and I still feel bad I didn't do it.  You should do it!!!!  lol

DetroitGyrl

Wow... You're making me want it MORE and MORE ladies!!! I hope they respond to my e-mail soon. I'd love to set up a meet with them and talk about the possibilities.. I abosolutely LOVE my city and I soooo want to get married in the heart of it!

katiektb

I love the Whitney, and if you can do it, you should!!

If it doesn't work out though and you're looking for an affordable Detroit location, I'm getting married at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle.
It's sooo pretty and historic.  Just like the Whitney!

nmgazdag

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_whitney-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:16dc92ab-35ae-4405-9baf-aa6cb0a86186Post:f7385817-ed77-4dbe-9df1-c7c3527cfb6f">Re: The Whitney</a>:
[QUOTE]We are having our reception there.  It is be-a-utiful. (granted I may be a little biased) We fell in love with it the second we saw it!  Definitely give it a look.  Like previous posters said, their prices are actually pretty comparable when you see what they include/will do for you.  And they have a few different options as far as prices/packages, which they'll give you a copy of when you go (or if you want to see them before I can email a copy to you).
Posted by Di_126[/QUOTE]

I am so glad I found this board, after scouring the internet trying to find more information on The Whitney!  I am very excited to hear that the prices seem quite reasonable, when comparing to similar places.  (I had my heart set on Meadowbrook, but good gracious, they are outrageous!!)

Di, if you're willing to share the info you have regarding packages/pricing, I'd really appreciate it!  I'm trying to be patient and wait for their email respons, but clearly, I am having a hard time doing so!  Anyhow, I probably shouldn't post my email address publicly; I'm new here, but I'm assuming there's a way to send a private message.  Just let me know if you're willing to share.  Thanks!

DetroitGyrl

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_whitney-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:16dc92ab-35ae-4405-9baf-aa6cb0a86186Post:32ca2a14-6ace-4626-b46b-3df7170cd784">Re: The Whitney</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: The Whitney : I am so glad I found this board, after scouring the internet trying to find more information on The Whitney!  I am very excited to hear that the prices seem quite reasonable, when comparing to similar places.  (I had my heart set on Meadowbrook, but good gracious, they are outrageous!!) Di, if you're willing to share the info you have regarding packages/pricing, I'd really appreciate it!  I'm trying to be patient and wait for their email respons, but clearly, I am having a hard time doing so!  Anyhow, I probably shouldn't post my email address publicly; I'm new here, but I'm assuming there's a way to send a private message.  Just let me know if you're willing to share.  Thanks!
Posted by nmgazdag[/QUOTE]

They most definitely take a few days to respond.  Good luck. They are high on my list too.