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Need Venue Ideas/Help... GW Masonic Memorial?

HelloMitchellHelloMitchell
in DC
Hi!  I need help with ideas for reception venues in DC or Virigina.  I am trying to find a place with a reasonable rental fee where you can bring your own caterer and alcohol to keep the cost down. 

My mom really wants me to go the fire house, community center route to save $$, but I am hoping to find something a bit more interesting.  The only place I've found so far with a reasonable rental cost is the GW Masonic Memorial - does anyone have experience with the venue to offer?  The rental rate is $2250, which includes tables and chairs.. but better than pricer DC options (DAR, Eastern Market for over 5K).

I am hoping to find a space which can handle 150 guests.

Thanks for any ideas/suggestions!  I am really struggling.. I've been engaged for over 2 months and I was really hoping to have chosen a date by now.
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Re: Need Venue Ideas/Help... GW Masonic Memorial?

  • ecsmilesecsmiles
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I don't know if this helps, but a few weeks ago I did a tasting with our caterer (R&R) and they held it at the GW Masonic Memorial.  When they do tastings, they set it up to be like a reception, and it really looked gorgeous.  Plus there is a ton of parking available.  They had tables on a few different levels and stations set up throughout the room.  Good luck!
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  • DEETZELDEETZEL
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    one of my best friends had her reception there a few years ago.  they were on a pretty strict budget and it worked well for them.  they ended up with 196 people at the reception which i thought was a little much because the tables were close together and some people were positioned behind those huge pillars, but i think 150 would be perfect.  i know she used a husband/wife catering team who she knew beforehand, but that's all i really know as far as vendors go.   i can always find out more info if you'd like.  good luck!!
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  • Hulz2000Hulz2000 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    This isn't about the Masonic Memorial, but check out The Carlyle Club in Alexandria (very close to the Memorial).  I was originally looking at inexpensive venues that allowed outside caterers (Fairfax Old Town Hall, etc.), but once I got catering quotes and added that to the venue fees, I realized it was actually more expensive and I got totally bummed out.  Then I found the Carlyle Club and am so excited I did.  It it absolutely gorgeous inside and needs almost no decorations.  AND it's less expensive with everything included than it would have been for me to rent a venue and bring in a caterer.  Just something to consider....! 
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  • country_girl0118country_girl0118 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I don't have experience with it as a venue. But my grandfather was a Mason and he had an office at the building for a very long time. It's an absolutely beautiful building. It does sit on a very large hill though, which is a little hard to traverse if you are walking outside.
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  • PharmJenPharmJen
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I attended my friend's wedding there in Sept 2008 and thought it was a very cool space.  I know they were on a budget and had around 150-175 guests and it worked well in that space.  They also had a company do uplighting to give the main room a very nice feel.  I don't what their experience was working with the venue but as a guest we enjoyed it.  
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