The Rusty Pelican

elementalx · October 2009

My fiance and I toured this venue this morning and fell absolutely and madly in love with every bit of it...execpt the price. Its just out of our budget. Do any of you ladies have any ideas of places for the reception and possibly the ceremony that has a similar feel to this? I'm heartbroken just thinking about it...lol Thanks.

Amanda

nittanynelle · October 2009

Keep in mind that you do have other options with the venue. I just got married there in August and spent about half the amount most brides do there. If you really love it, like I did, try looking into weekend mornings, weekdays, as well as Tampa's off season (pretty much hurricane season). We saved big bucks by getting married in the off season, and I know others who have benefited from the other options. Also, don't think that you are bounded by the packages that they offer... you can totally build your own package (like we did). I hope this helps a little!

soxlovah · October 2009

I agree with pp, try off season and weekdays. I also like David Island Garden Club-- its beautiful. It is right on the water and has a nice gazebo.

NicoleEOle13 · October 2009

I knew I couldn't spend more than $8,000 on a wedding. On a Saturday at the RP that's pretty much almost impossible....but I changed my date for a Sunday and now I can totally afford it :DOff-season months are even better.

elementalx · October 2009

Our date it May 23, which is a Sunday and that saves us a little. Neither of us realized that is is Memorial Day weekend. So thats either going to help us of doom us. We loved the Rich textures inside with the wood paneling and the intimate setting it provided. Were going back tomorrow so our parents can see it. We are going to try and negotiate a price, but with it being a holiday, I think were going to have to go elsewhere. We can only hope... Keep the other vendor ideas comming, and thanks to those who have posted already.

Amanda

NicoleEOle13 · October 2009

Can I ask why you chose your date before booking a venue?

[Deleted User] · October 2009

Is it a sunday night? Ours is at the RP during the day on a Saturday and that cut the minimum in half and some vendors that we are using also cut their cost in half since it's during the day.

aallenba · October 2009

Nicole--how can you book a venue without having a date?

I would recommend looking into the Davis Island Garden Club..you can bring in your own vendors and alcohol which helps reduce the price dramatically.

sandyjb · October 2009

hey there! we are getting married in March at Little Harbor Resort in Ruskin.. go check it out

its beautiful! much more affordable that Rusty Pelican... www.staylittleharbor.com

*Mrs.CPH* · October 2009

From what I hear the Little Harbour is going bankrupt, so that might not be a good option

briezygator · October 2009

We had our wedding that the Rusty Pelican on a Sunday evening (it was a three-day weekend, thanks to it being Labor Day weekend) and it cut the minimum drastically! We were in the larger room and on a Saturday the minimum was like $12k and for a Sunday it dropped to I think $7,500, quite a difference! And like pp have said, having your wedding on an-off day (ie, any day but Saturday) will help you with your other vendor costs as well. I know our DJ and limo were siginificantly less, so that helped a lot too. HTH!

elementalx · October 2009

This guy must not have liked me... Aside from it being in May, everything should point to lowering costs, but its not. We tried negotiating a package with them and that was apparently out of the question. We are going to go look at other halls, and hopefully find something that we like. We only have around $7,000 for everything, and Im finding out thats its just not going to cut it. I applaud those of you who can do it for less. It looks like I'm doing it all wrong...lol Thanks again ladies.

sara76 · October 2009

That is a bummer, I'm sorry:( The Rusty Pelican was the very first place we looked at and for FI it was an adament "no". He had seen the RP in Miami and couldn't help but compare the 2 and wouldn't settle. We ended up at Embassy Suites downtown. The vibe is very different than RP though and is probably not what you are looking for but we both love it. We are doing a weekday wedding there so our minimum is only 3,000. Our dinner pkg is 79.99 pp (100 after service charge and tax) so that will be met with 37.5 guests - we are going to have 70. GL with your search!

hmcmanaw · October 2009

I was going to book The Rusty Pelican, my mom loved it and the price was right since we're getting married on a Sunday. I delt w/ a woman named Heather and called them for 2 weeks trying to get a hold of someone to take my deposit. When she finally took my credit card authorization over the phone, she said that she's going to email me the SECOND PART OF THE CONTRACT! Needless to say I wasn't happy about receiving another contract when I had already left a deposit. The contract stated that I would not be able to taste any appetizers and that we'd only get to try two proteins at the tasting. It also said that I'd only have 20 minutes to set the gazebo up, and I had 30 minutes to get all my pictures and have the gazebo decorations torn down. I was NOT PLEASED with this at all. When I called to talk to Heather about it, I was told that she was no longer working there, and was directed to talk to Don. I set up a meeting with Don to see if we could work this out. He was so rude to me, and told me that it was MY PROBLEM if I didn't hire a photographer that could take all the pictures in 30 mintues, and it was MY PROBLEM to find a florist to set up in 20 minutes and break down right afterward, and he didn't want to work with a bride that didn't want to work with him. I called the GM Justin Gralnick and got my deposit back. I left there crying and drove straight to The Hyatt Tampa Bay and booked my wedding there. Alexis is amazing, and we get to have the receiption in Armanis because it's a Sunday!

elementalx · October 2009

I delt with Don and know exactly what the PP was talking about. While teh location is beautiful after dealing with them once more I refuse to hold my reception there no matter how pretty it is. We chose to go the less expensive route with more customization and are booking with Ruth Eckard Hall. I hope no other brides have to go through the hassle with them... really put a damper of the whole planning thing. Best of luck though.

MrzSmith2be · October 2009

My fiance and I booked the RP for May 29 which is actually right on Memorial Day weekend and havent had any problems. As far as the specifics of the contract, Don provided all of that to us the day we came in to take a tour. The price list was provided as far as what all they had to offer, so I feel bad that you werent forewarned. I personally dont think they allow you to taste the coctail foods because depending on the package that could end up being like 7 or 8 different foods. Anyhow, I didnt realize how much difference in price the "off days" would be until after we had already booked, so for that I feel a little bummed. But all in all our experience has been good as well as a few other couples that I know of that have had thier wedding there recently.

stacybridefl · October 2009

When FI and I looked at RP we really liked it too, but Don seemed difficult to work with so we ended up going with another place (for other reasons too). After hearing all the feedback I'm so glad we went with another venue now.

sara76 · October 2009

That's great Amanda, I'm glad you found a place

hollybeth1225 · February 2011

I am getting married there on April 15th, which is a Friday. The minimum is significantly cheaper, so much so that i could afford it. Also, by doing it on a Friday night, many vendors have discounted prices, as well. I'm so excited to get married in my "dream" venue.

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