Venue Help!

Ophelia0326

Hi everyone - my fiancee and I just got engaged on Saturday (woohoo!!), and the whirlwind has already started! What I really need help on is a venue. We don't really want a traditional golf club/country club atmosphere, but something with some history and story behind it. A big part of the problem we're having is that the places we like are either too small (200 guests) or out of our price range. I'd be happy to hear any and all ideas, no matter how off-the-wall! To give you an idea, here is a list of some places we've already looked at:

The Henry Ford Museum ($$$)
The Colony Club (already booked through 11/13!)
The Gem Theatre (in the running...)
Cranbrook
The Guardian Building (too small)

And so on! Would love to hear your ideas! TIA!

michgirl8

Hi there!  Congrats on your engagement!  I too am recently enegaged, so I've done a lot of searching around and I shared your desire for a more unique venue.  We ended up going more traditional (Lakeland Manor - it's very nice, has great food, and the price was excellent) but one place I found that I really wanted to look at was the Lafayette Grande in Pontiac - especially check out the Crystal Ballroom.  It looks awesome and the prices online make it sound like it will be more affordable than the ones you already checked out.  Plus, it is definitely a historic building.  Here's the website:  http://www.thelafayettegrande.com/ Both my FI and I still kind of regret we never made it out there to check it out, even though we love the venue we ultimately went with. 

You also might want to check out the Crofoot.  I don't think it has the historical background you want, but it definitely seems different from the normal country club venue. It looks like you can bring in your own venders, which could be awesome.  Here's their website:  http://www.thecrofoot.com/brides/

Another option would be Waldenwoods.  I LOVE this place, but you lose some of the awesomeness (is that even a word?) when you have a winter wedding there.  As a spring/summer/fall venue, it would be amazing.  www.waldenwoods.com

Oh, and then there's the T-Plex in Detroit.  you could not get more historic with a great story than the Piquette Model T factory:  http://www.tplex.org/. I went to a wedding there in February and it was an amazing venue.  Surrounded by old cars with the old factory feel.  Not sure what the capacity might be, but it might be worth checking into.  I believe this books up FAST so don't wait if you're interested.

Just when I thought I was done....also check out the Royal Oak Theaterhttp://www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20&Itemid=60

Okay, I'll stop now!  Have fun searching and don't feel too rushed to pick a venue!  Give yourself time to check places out.  Also, you didn't say when your wedding date will be, but if it is in the off-season, you can usually make a deal with most places.  Sometimes it's not very much, but every little bit counts. 

ermjdecember2015

Hello and welcome! I dont think Ill be of much help in this department. Due to our huge families, FI and I booked an ordinary, but of course nice, banquet center. So not as unique and you were hoping for but I wish you the best of luck finding something that fits you guys!

Ophelia0326

This is awesome, thank you!!

The Piquette Plant is also high on our list - I emailed their contact and haven't heard back yet, so I'm just being antsy, but I LOVE the look of the place. From my understanding, they don't do anything besides let you in the doors - which gives a lot of room for really making it your own, but also means we'd have to do all the work!

Will definitely check out the other places you mentioned!

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_venue-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:d9671ecc-7f7e-4b97-89ac-b73a904ac27aPost:057eb110-049b-4da8-a5f0-f21c50639f07">Re: Venue Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi there!  Congrats on your engagement!  I too am recently enegaged, so I've done a lot of searching around and I shared your desire for a more unique venue.  We ended up going more traditional (Lakeland Manor - it's very nice, has great food, and the price was excellent) but one place I found that I really wanted to look at was the Lafayette Grande in Pontiac - especially check out the Crystal Ballroom.  It looks awesome and the prices online make it sound like it will be more affordable than the ones you already checked out.  Plus, it is definitely a historic building.  Here's the website:  <a href="http://www.thelafayettegrande.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.thelafayettegrande.com/</a> Both my FI and I still kind of regret we never made it out there to check it out, even though we love the venue we ultimately went with.  You also might want to check out the Crofoot.  I don't think it has the historical background you want, but it definitely seems different from the normal country club venue. It looks like you can bring in your own venders, which could be awesome.  Here's their website:  <a href="http://www.thecrofoot.com/brides/" rel="nofollow">http://www.thecrofoot.com/brides/</a> Another option would be Waldenwoods.  I LOVE this place, but you lose some of the awesomeness (is that even a word?) when you have a winter wedding there.  As a spring/summer/fall venue, it would be amazing.  <a href="http://www.waldenwoods.com" rel="nofollow">www.waldenwoods.com</a> Oh, and then there's the T-Plex in Detroit.  you could not get more historic with a great story than the Piquette Model T factory:  <a href="http://www.tplex.org/." rel="nofollow">http://www.tplex.org/.</a> I went to a wedding there in February and it was an amazing venue.  Surrounded by old cars with the old factory feel.  Not sure what the capacity might be, but it might be worth checking into.  I believe this books up FAST so don't wait if you're interested. Just when I thought I was done....also check out the Royal Oak Theater <a href="http://www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20&Itemid=60" rel="nofollow">http://www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20&Itemid=60</a> Okay, I'll stop now!  Have fun searching and don't feel too rushed to pick a venue!  Give yourself time to check places out.  Also, you didn't say when your wedding date will be, but if it is in the off-season, you can usually make a deal with most places.  Sometimes it's not very much, but every little bit counts. 
Posted by michgirl8[/QUOTE]

entropicbeauty

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_venue-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:d9671ecc-7f7e-4b97-89ac-b73a904ac27aPost:62de88ba-d1bb-41e2-a504-a2757ac917da">Re: Venue Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]This is awesome, thank you!! The Piquette Plant is also high on our list - I emailed their contact and haven't heard back yet, so I'm just being antsy, but I LOVE the look of the place. From my understanding, they don't do anything besides let you in the doors - which gives a lot of room for really making it your own, but also means we'd have to do all the work! Will definitely check out the other places you mentioned! In Response to Re: Venue Help! :
Posted by Ophelia0326[/QUOTE]

<div>Pat - the contact - is a pretty big flake. If you're seriously interested, go down there in person or call. I actually am using the T-Plex for my sept. wedding and Pat will not respond to my e-mails at all. Chances are you'll have to do a bit of harrassment/hunting her down to get answers. (Just an FYI)</div>

Ophelia0326

Omg THANK YOU! I was wondering about that, but I didn't want to badger her! Can you just show up in person one day, or do you think I should call to set up an appointment?

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_venue-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:d9671ecc-7f7e-4b97-89ac-b73a904ac27aPost:adeaa752-9963-498a-ba3e-29c49a5acd68">Re: Venue Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Venue Help! : Pat - the contact - is a pretty big flake. If you're seriously interested, go down there in person or call. I actually am using the T-Plex for my sept. wedding and Pat will not respond to my e-mails at all. Chances are you'll have to do a bit of harrassment/hunting her down to get answers. (Just an FYI)
Posted by entropicbeauty[/QUOTE]

Meegles4

I know you said you're going for something that's not the traditional "club" atmosphere, but I highly recommend the Detroit Yacht Club. Their ballroom is just gorgeous and is in the same price range or cheaper than the Gem/Century & Colony Club (both of which we considered). It also has the same feel. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, terrace overlooking the river and skyline. And it has history and the beauty of Belle Isle on its side.

We got married at the DYC and got a TON of compliments on the venue, the food, and the atmosphere.

I've also heard the Detroit Golf Club is lovely, but you have to have a member refer/sponsor you I think.

KBLDC2012

Detroit yacht club was cheaper than colony club....but I would recommened the Masonic Temple of Detroit. It has a gorgeous ballroom, great prices, and beautiful building. Obviously it has lots of history ....

Sue-n-Kevin

Congrats & welcome to the board. The only other historic buildings I can think of are the Fisher Theater, I believe they set up receptions in their foyer, probably big enough. The other is the Book Cadillac downtown. It's been re-done, but does have a lot of history..............it's pricey though.  

I don't have any other recommendations, but just wanted to welcome you.

amandahugnkiss13

Grosse Pointe War Memorial has a grand ballroom with almost 360 degree view of the water and you do not have to be a resident. We arent and we got in and it was a magical spot to have our wedding. You do not have to go anywhere else to do photos because they have huge fountains, gardens, reflecting pools, etc all on the mansion grounds!

Ophelia0326

<div>I saw on their website that you or a parent either had to be a resident or a veteran...</div><div>
</div>In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_venue-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:d9671ecc-7f7e-4b97-89ac-b73a904ac27aPost:f2668a32-b31b-4751-bc8f-71461c97da1b">Re: Venue Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Grosse Pointe War Memorial has a grand ballroom with almost 360 degree view of the water and you do not have to be a resident. We arent and we got in and it was a magical spot to have our wedding. You do not have to go anywhere else to do photos because they have huge fountains, gardens, reflecting pools, etc all on the mansion grounds!
Posted by amandahugnkiss13[/QUOTE]

spartybride3

Our wedding is at St. John's in Plymouth. Beautiful venue, but will still kind of give you the typical wedding feel, unless you get the Atrium room. We are in the grand ballroom which holds about 300 people. There is also Meadowbrook Hall, but its like $5k just to rent it. I went to a wedding on one of the Odyssey yachts on the river and it was one of the funnest weddings I've been to. You can also look at the DAC and the library. I feel like awhile ago someone posted something about unique wedding venues in Detroit....maybe google that search term? Wait, i think this is it:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/13/detroit-wedding-locations-michigan-wedding-venues_n_1271560.html

I feel like in the GM building downtown or whatever hotel that is you can get a room on one of the top floors & it overlooks the water, canada, etc. Theres also the Fox theater

amandahugnkiss13

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_venue-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:d9671ecc-7f7e-4b97-89ac-b73a904ac27aPost:46d16053-c251-45e4-9bcb-fb299cff10f3">Re: Venue Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]I saw on their website that you or a parent either had to be a resident or a veteran... In Response to Re: Venue Help! :
Posted by Ophelia0326[/QUOTE]

<div>if you have anyone ho has ever been in the military in your family, then that counts. even a cousin or deceased grandparent. we used my grandfathers info and it was sufficient.</div>

entropicbeauty

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_venue-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:d9671ecc-7f7e-4b97-89ac-b73a904ac27aPost:dd67ea4f-17ac-4257-86b8-1c0f25db90df">Re: Venue Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Omg THANK YOU! I was wondering about that, but I didn't want to badger her! Can you just show up in person one day, or do you think I should call to set up an appointment? In Response to Re: Venue Help! :
Posted by Ophelia0326[/QUOTE]

<div>Couldn't hurt to give a call first, but otherwise just try showing up? Her "office" is on the second floor of the building, but there should be a security guard near the door and you can ask him if Pat is around and let him know you're there in regards to potentially booking the venue for a wedding.</div>

Meegles4

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_venue-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:88Discussion:d9671ecc-7f7e-4b97-89ac-b73a904ac27aPost:ba7ca280-cc32-4748-bbea-1ba5d31a704f">Re: Venue Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Detroit yacht club was cheaper than colony club....but I would recommened the Masonic Temple of Detroit. It has a gorgeous ballroom, great prices, and beautiful building. Obviously it has lots of history ....
Posted by KBLDC2012[/QUOTE]

The Masonic is lovely, but my caution with that venue is the location. And I say that as a resident who lives about a half mile away. There are security concerns as far as guest parking and such. If the majority of your guest list is familiar and comfortable with Detroit, I think the Masonic is a great choice. It does have lots of history and I've heard it's got all kinds of great "corners" throughout the building; a great place to explore. However, if your guests aren't familiar with the area its location doesn't paint the best picture of Detroit, and some of them may have concerns about it when they arrive.

DYC can be cheaper than the Colony Club. Due to the upgrades and menu items that I chose, we likely spent about the same as we would have at the CC, perhaps slightly less. As I recall, the Colony Club has lots of "extras" in their base price such as premium liquor, late night snacks, standard chiavari chairs, etc., whereas the DYC only has a few and the rest are upgrades.

Ophelia0326

Ooh, good point about the Masonic. About half of our guest list will be out of towners and well...yeah. For now I think my top choice is the Gem, which has the same event team as CC. My fiancee really likes the idea of Belle Isle, but we can't figure out how to get in touch with anybody from the Casino or the conservatory. Does anyone have any leads?

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_venue-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:d9671ecc-7f7e-4b97-89ac-b73a904ac27aPost:0ae1ec6b-5927-48f5-9277-288ae8b34769">Re: Venue Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Venue Help! : The Masonic is lovely, but my caution with that venue is the location. And I say that as a resident who lives about a half mile away. There are security concerns as far as guest parking and such. If the majority of your guest list is familiar and comfortable with Detroit, I think the Masonic is a great choice. It does have lots of history and I've heard it's got all kinds of great "corners" throughout the building; a great place to explore. However, if your guests aren't familiar with the area its location doesn't paint the best picture of Detroit, and some of them may have concerns about it when they arrive. DYC can be cheaper than the Colony Club. Due to the upgrades and menu items that I chose, we likely spent about the same as we would have at the CC, perhaps slightly less. As I recall, the Colony Club has lots of "extras" in their base price such as premium liquor, late night snacks, standard chiavari chairs, etc., whereas the DYC only has a few and the rest are upgrades.
Posted by Meegles4[/QUOTE]

Meegles4

Both are overseen by the city. For the casino, call: (313) 628-2081, which I found on this website: http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/RecreationDepartment/BelleIsle.aspx

I love the Casino. I don't know if 200 guests would fit comfortably, though.

aemelvin

I'm getting married at Planterra in West Bloomfield. www.planterraevents.com. It is a beautiful conservatory with a ton of space. I'm having 200 guests maybe even 220. I dont recommend emailing the website contact, just call. David, the event coordiantor, is a wealth of knowledge and very nice to work with. If you want to swing by and check it out it is retail store during the week, you can stop by at any time and look around. However, if you want to get a feel for what the venue transforms into on the weekends for weddings there is a video on their website, or set up a time to meet with David and he has pictures to share. 

Best of Luck!