Reception Venues

LittleSweetie · March 2010

Which reception sites did you tour before making your final decision? What do you like best about where your reception was/will be?

Bimbi284 · March 2010

I only toured 2...and while I love the site we chose, I would have liked to see other places too. We looked at Nicollet Island Pavilion and Windows on MN. We went with Windows for several reasons: 1) Package includes EVERYTHING, vs lots of separate fees at NIP, 2) The food RULES, 3) The people we met there are great (currently working with Sam B.), 4) Its super high-up, so you can see the cities all pretty at night...and BONUS-July 4th weekend fireworks! (note: FI and my dating anniversary is July 4th, his parents' wedding anniversary is July 3rd). 5) The Marquette Hotel, which I have always loved, is practically connected, easy room block decision! 6) Lots for OOT folks to do around there. 7) Easy for OOT folks to get to from the airport via light rail, 8) A good family friend is the general manager of the Marquette, so that's been nice.

hkiesling · March 2010

Rosevine
Metro State University
Como Conservatory
Some hotel in White Bear...forgot which one

We ended up with Summit Manor. I loved how great the owner was and how much pride he took in his building. The manor itself is beautiful, and we knew as soon as we walked in that we wanted it. We were like "Really, we can have our wedding HERE?!" There were a lot of things included in the rental price (linens, dishes, cake cutting, punch, flowers on the tables). All this meant virtually NO decorations were needed (just a few by the cake table and some vases for the BM bouquets). Very affordable.

kkaew816 · March 2010

Pracna on Main-Loved the location and it's a beautiful venue
Sweeney's Saloon-The decor and the fact that it had a pool table
Elsie's-Nothing really impressed me

The winner:

Washington County Historic Courthouse-Liked that we could have the ceremony & reception at the same place so it would be easy for all of our OOT guests, loved that it was so beautiful minimal decor needed, also liked that we could choose are own caterer and bring in our alcohol

LittleSweetie · March 2010

We toured:

- Eagan Community Center

- Royal Cliff

- Chef's Culinary Center in Burnsville (now closed)

- Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bloomington

ETA: - Landmark Center too!

We chose the ECC because

1) BEAUTIFUL space - floor to ceiling windows facing the patio/gardens/fountain

2) No food/bev minimums, flexibility on choosing a caterer

3) Space was good "as-is" - didn't have to do much decorating

4) Open, spacious, light, airy

kkaew816 · March 2010

Oh, I suppose I should read your question all the way....we were only supposed to list what we liked about what we chose! That's what happens when I multi task. We also toured Rose Vine like hkiesling.

Clare13 · March 2010

We toured:
Windows on the River
Wabasha Street Caves
Raddison in Roseville
Landmark Center
Paddleford River Boats
Royal Cliff
and talked to many more.

We loved Landmark Center but unfortunately it was booked when we finally settled on a date, then my FMIL added 200 people to the list so many of the choices were too small.

We decided on Royal Cliff. They were able to do a sit down dinner for up to 450. I was really impressed with the owner Brian and the wait staff. Plus, food and liquor prices were very reasonable. I've really enjoyed working with both Diane (hall coordinator) and Brian on many of the details.

beka0404 · March 2010

We actually only toured two places, but we've been to so many weddings that it was almost like touring. I also used the D'Amico virtual tours quite a bit. We toured a private farm near my hometown (if anyone is looking for a farm venue in Anoka/Isanti county, PM me!) and were **thisclose** to setting the date for June 2010. But then we had a change of heart - I was afraid the farm was going to be a logistical nightmare for a self-planner like me.

We were in the Varsity for all of 5 minutes before Dave said "this is it" - it is unique and relaxed and funky - we did not want a traditional ballroom-style reception. I liked the "Moulin Rouge-meets-Motley Crue" vibe of the Varsity. In hindsight, I wish I would have done a little more searching, as our budget has ballooned, but whatevs. It will be a cool reception and it fits our style.

Steph0871 · March 2010

Although we looked at (what feels like) thousands of options online and emailed quite a few, we toured:

A few outdoor places (originally considered Sept/Oct wedding)

Theodore Wirth Fireplace Room

Black Bear Crossings

Como Zoo Conservatory

Campus Club (at U of M)

aaand the winner:

Profile Event Center

Love PEC because Heather was by far the easiest person we talked to through the process, there's no rental fee with the minimum! You CAN rent everything through them, but you don't have to. We can bring in our own booze (yay Spotted Cow beer!) My favorite aspect, though, is that it's basically right on campus, where FI and I met and now both work

theophania · March 2010

We toured:
Eden Prairie Garden Room
Dahlgren Country Club
Minnesota Valley Country Club

We are going with Minnesota Valley Country Club in Bloomington, beacause the space is elegant and has huge windows looking out onto the green lawn. The food and beverage minimum is pretty low and we actually got the chef to whip up a few new menu options for us to try at the tasting - and they were really good! The communication has also been awesome! I swear the coordinator will respond to my emails within 10 minutes. She is just great. Finally, we love the location. It is close enough to downtown, but far enough that parking is no problem (free). It is very convenient for out of town guests due to proximity to the airport and the tons of hotels in the area.

kristigiles · March 2010

We actually didnt tour any. We knew our wedding would be at Royal Cliff because my mom works there! It just made sense and I know they will do a wonderful job.

izzyjenni · March 2010

We toured many Golf and Country Clubs including Oak Marsh, Highland, Minneapolis golf club, Highcrest, Rush Creek. Any other venues like Profile Event Center. We finally decided on Mendakota Country Club. We are excited to get married and have our reception at such a beautiful golf course because we are both golfers especially my FI. Good price, beautiful views, and lots of space.

cswaldon · March 2010

We toured:

-Mill City Museum

-Calhoun Beach Club

-Solera

-Minikahda Club

We decided not to use a D'amico venue because we weren't happy with the way D'amico nickle and dimes you. We didn't want to have to pay extra for glassware instead of plastic, or pay all the associated fees. The venues were both gorgeous but we were partial to the CBC because of the setting and outdoor space for the cocktail hour.

I had really high hopes for Solera. We loved the DT location and the outdoor space for the cocktail hour. The price was really reasonable and the food has gotten great reviews. However, both of the reception spaces were decorated in a way that didn't reflect the feeling of our wedding. The colors in the larger space were very bold and bright and the smaller space had waaaay too many pillars. It really felt like a box!

We DID choose the Minikahda Club for two reasons - the beautiful decor and look of the clubhouse and the location. It fit the feel of our wedding perfectly - it's bright, light, open, and has clean lines and vintage type decor.

abohlke · March 2010

We looked at one, and went with it. Our reception will be at the Varsity Theater. The caterer is Loring Pasta Bar (same owners) and the space is so beautiful that we really aren't decorating it at all! We're having a band play so the built in sound system was a plus for us. They have been super nice so far and so reasonably priced! I can't wait!

maputz · March 2010

How did the cost come out for you there? I'm definately interested in keeping costs down.

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