Minnesota

Reception venue on a budget

Hello everyone!

I have started looking into reception venues and I am having a really hard time finding something that fits my needs. 

I am looking for a place with around $300 rental fee that includes tables and chairs for 150. We want to do a BBQ theme and we arent attached to any specific area of the cities.  

I have called many city parks to check on their pavilion rentals and they are well within my budget but they have very strict alcohol policy.  Most only allow beer in cans (some require 3-2 beer)

Am I realistic in my expectations?  Is there some different places that I need to research? 
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Re: Reception venue on a budget

  • Kayla*MarieKayla*Marie member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Try the Three Rivers Park district... ThreeRiversParks.org  
    They have a few different parks that have facilities capable of that many people, you can bring in your own caterers and you can have beer/wine/winecoolers/hard lemonades (no hard booze). I think they are absolutely gorgeous too!
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  • edited December 2011
    http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/weddings/index.html

    Here's one that starts at around $700. I was at a wedding there 2 weeks ago. and it was beautiful.
  • edited December 2011
    I think this one only fits about a 100, so if you can trim down your guest list this might work:

    http://www.breckenridgeikes.org/rentals.html
  • Jo&Lo83Jo&Lo83 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    You could try Maple Tavern in maple grove....they have a venue in the lower part of the restaurant - they had a very large variety of food, and  I know they have an excellent pulled pork.  I went when they were doing a deal in June where it was only 150 for the venue, otherwise I believe its 300,  but I dont think there is a minimum for food/beverage. Seats 200 I believe...
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  • edited December 2011
    In order to keep your costs for renting a wedding reception venue under $300, you may have to look into VFW type venues! In some cases that may seem tacky, however the VFW in Cottage Grove (also known as the Big Red Barn) is a great choice. We have had multiple Bride and Grooms choose that location. However, the cost to rent that venue is $600 instead of $300. Included in that price though is tables, chairs, staging, a bartender, and even an arch. The venue also has elegant white fabric draping with tealights on the walls and ceilings (something that typically costs thousands in the wedding industry!)

    The cost for hosting alcohol there is very inexpensive, as they only charge you for what you CHOOSE to order, or what you use. Unopened containers will not get charged to you. And you may bring in any outside catering you please :)

    Most VFW-type locations will offer these same services for slightly cheaper (usually under $300). The reason this location costs more is due to all the extra's they add in, and also the elegant decor on the inside! Good luck! :)
  • Raquel928Raquel928 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Bayview event center in excelsior has a very affordable rental charge of $400 if you rent it during the day till 3pm it includes china, seating, linens, bartenders, staff, placing of all escort cards, centerpieces and favors and a day of coordinator. They have a fb min of $2000 with their lunch menu starting at around $13 pp they will also customize anything you want for your menu and have a really yummy BBQ menu! Did I mention it's right on the lake!! You can opt to rent a cruise for your guest as well from 3-5 and have cake cutting and punch while you cruise around lake Minnetonka! This is what I am doing (can you tell I'm really excited about it ;) best of luck with your planning!!
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