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Picking a venue (long)
We looked at venues last weekend and found two that we really like. We're having a hard time deciding between the two: one is an art gallery (<<clicky) a few blocks from the church, which has a unique, modern feel. The other is a traditional banquet center (<< clicky) 15 minutes from the church.
We've considered all the things we'd need to rent if we went with the art gallery (tables, linens, dance floor, etc) and found a catering company we'd probably go with, and the total price for an event at each venue is pretty comparable (less than 1k difference).
The problem is that the banquet center is already booking up for the timeframe in which we want to get married (spring 2012), and we have to make a decision quickly. Ideally we'd like to taste the food at the banquet center because the food is one of our top priorities, but we live a four hour drive away and going home twice within two weeks is not really practical.
We're considering sending our parents, all of whom live close to both of these places, to do tastings at the catering company and the banquet center.
Does anyone have any other ideas of what to do in this situation? Any other important things to think about when picking a venue?
We've considered all the things we'd need to rent if we went with the art gallery (tables, linens, dance floor, etc) and found a catering company we'd probably go with, and the total price for an event at each venue is pretty comparable (less than 1k difference).
The problem is that the banquet center is already booking up for the timeframe in which we want to get married (spring 2012), and we have to make a decision quickly. Ideally we'd like to taste the food at the banquet center because the food is one of our top priorities, but we live a four hour drive away and going home twice within two weeks is not really practical.
We're considering sending our parents, all of whom live close to both of these places, to do tastings at the catering company and the banquet center.
Does anyone have any other ideas of what to do in this situation? Any other important things to think about when picking a venue?
5/19/12
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Picking a venue (long)
Personally I think the gallery would be a memorable experience for you and your guests. I don't think you can go wrong with either venue, but if you're feeling rushed and the food is important to you I'd go with the gallery.
Unless you're a really hands-off kind of person who wants everything in one package, it's not that crazy to juggle a few vendors for a location like your art gallery. We've got a similar situation (rented the space, but have to book all otuside vendors), and we're just going to have a Day-of-Coordinator to make sure they all are doing what they're supposed to on the wedding day!
If food is one of your biggest priorities, and you can't taste the food before you book, what's drawing you to the banquet center in the first place? In your OP, you mention the great things about the art gallery (unique, modern feel, few blocks frmo church) and sort of 'blah' about the banquet center (traditional, 15 minutes away). Might just be my interpretation, but it sounds like you really want the art gallery but are nervous about booking all your own vendors. If that's the case, don't fear, you can do it!!! If you're truly deciding between the two, then definitely have your parents go do the tasting for you.
Married!
[QUOTE]Flip a coin. While it's in the air, you'll then know which one you really want.
Posted by AudgiePodge[/QUOTE]
Good idea, although I am more partial to the drawing the name out of a hat method.
Married!
[QUOTE]Flip a coin. While it's in the air, you'll then know which one you really want.
Posted by AudgiePodge[/QUOTE]
That is so true Audgie! BF and I do that with picking restaurants sometimes, and I always know which one i'm rooting for once the coin is tossed!!
We literally wrote out a list of negatives and positives for each venue we looked at. Afterwards, we each wrote down our top 3 choices. Our number one's matched. Decision made.
Do you have pics you can post for us?
Blog: A New Yorker in Duluth
Updated 8/8/11
marley, there's links to the venues' websites in my OP but I'll post the pics I took on our visits when I get home.
Married!
My concerns would be:
Art gallery - what sort of decorations are allowed? What restrictions are there regarding the art work? Would you be held liable for a guest damaging a piece of art work? That could get complicated.
Banquet hall - I just don't like that carpet. At all. That would be a deal breaker for me, as I feel it would be hard to decorate so as not to clash with the ugly carpet.
Blog: A New Yorker in Duluth
Updated 8/8/11
The banquet hall is nice, but I agree with Cate that the carpet is the first thing I notice and it will be hard to decorate around it. If the food is good, though, that'll make up for it.