What venues did you rule out?

fallbride1109 · February 2013

I thought Brooke's post in the Chandler's Garden thread was so informative. She listed why she ruled it out and listed both the pros and cons of it, stuff we would never know if she hadn't told us.

I only toured one venue so I'm no help with this--but I am always so interested to hear other bride's experiences.

So...did any of you tour a venue that you really loved but had to rule out? If so, why and what did you choose instead?

MrsKWH2B · February 2013

We had to rule out Lantana Lodge. The cost was the only factor...they wanted $4600 for ceremony and reception, before considering any cost for food.

We are going with Myers Park & Event Center instead for half of the cost. It still has a gazeebo and the rustic feel we wanted but for less than half the cost.

efrancis25 · February 2013

We looked at 5 different venues before picking Bella Donna and the Grand Hotel... my two favorites of them though were Piazza in the Village and Aristide. Piazza was just too expensive... even on a Sunday night. Just for food and rental was $19,000

The Aristide was absoluteuly gorgeous, but I had my heart set on a chapel and they didn't have that. They had a beautiful outside area to get married, but since I'm getting married in August it was just unrealistic. It also was over an hour and a half drive there from where I live - and didn't want to do that to anyone...

I also looked at the Ana Villa Chapel they're builiding in The Colony... it looks like it's going to be absoluteuly gorgeous, but since it won't be built until July - I just couldn't risk it. I'm so happy with my decision though!

monbrown1988 · February 2013

We looked at about 10 venuesit was between event 1013 and coyote ridge golf club. Coyote was gorgeous and the coordinator was great but for Saturday it was a bit over our budget so we would have had to do a Friday and since we have so many OOT we didn't wanna do that. Plus the cost for alcohol wasn't what we wanted for how much we had to pay. Gorgeous setting but just didn't make the cut. We ended up going with event 1013 because it was only a few hundred difference between a fri and sat night. The venue felt right and I loved the raw garden and the party atmosphere plus the fact we could buy all the booze for a fraction of the cost at an all inclusive. We made the right choice for us we always said we want a party vibe for our wedding as want to provide good food, drinks and entertainment for our guests and 1013 totally fit that vibe.

winechic25 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_what-venues-did-you-rule-out?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:c652bca1-0f57-4c55-8203-21ad444702f6Post:37bf686c-b38d-4848-a59d-768134fbcca5">Re: What venues did you rule out?</a>:
[QUOTE] The Aristide was absoluteuly gorgeous, but I had my heart set on a chapel and they didn't have that. They had a beautiful outside area to get married, but since I'm getting married in August it was just unrealistic.!
Posted by efrancis25[/QUOTE]

Ohh! I had my bridals done at The Aristide, I love that place, so gorgeous!!

nextrightthing · February 2013

Having a long engagement means we have considered a lot of venues!

I looked at Belltower Chapel and Gardens in FTW - I ruled it out because I thought the neighborhood was an eyesore

I also preferred Dallas.

Also looked at the Orchard in Azle, which is beautiful, but we ruled it out because it seemed just too far out for us. Also, since it is DIY, the costs would really start to add up.

We ruled out Maple Manor because I didn't care for the way the dance floor and the dining area are completely separate. I also didn't care for the odor in the building.

We ruled out the Magnolia, even though it is beautiful and I thought the coordinator there was awesome. I felt like the venue would have been better for a rockin Saturday night party (we are having a brunch). I also felt like if we chose the Magnolia, we would have to tailor our style to that of the venue, which wasn't what I was picturing.

We finally settled on the Melrose because they offered us a great deal for a brunch and I think the hotel itself is stunning and fits our style. I also love the wedding coordinator and felt really comfortable working with her. We also love the neighborhood and that there is a great Methodist Church right across the street. After checking out every venue in DFW, we are so happy with our choice!

professorscience · February 2013

We ended up ruling out Winfrey Point MOSTLY because we would have had to change dates, but there were a few other factors:

Size. We had around 250 people attending our wedding, with about 350 invited. We could have made it work, but it would have been crowded, and people definitely would have been seated at least on the screened-in patio and possibly on the uncovered one. We really wanted everyone in the same room.

The DIY Aspect. I hired a coordinator so decorating wouldn't have been an issue, but all the walls are filled with nails and holes from past events, and we would have wanted it ALL covered. It probably would have ended up costing us thousands.

I love the location and I've been to two gorgeous receptions there, but in the end we were really happy we went elsewhere.

ejmaier · February 2013

I was more picky with the venue than anything so I must have looked at 10 of them. It was a challenge because I wanted the ceremony and reception in the same place,

The Piazza was gorgeous and I probably would have had it there if there was a Saturday evening avialable within the next year but they book up fast and I was too eager and not willing to wait the 14-16 months it would have taken.

Fairy Tale Manor was cute but I don't remember there being many hotels nearby and it's pretty small. If you have more than 100 guests I could see it getting really cramped in there. Also, the venue backs up to a neighboor so a bunch of people could essentially stand in their backyards and watch your ceremony if they wanted. Kind of strange for me.

The Magnolia is a beautiful hotel in a nice area but there wasn't a great place to have the ceremony. They suggested either in the same room as the reception (which they'd have to spend an hour to flip while there's not an ideal place for guests to go for cocktail hour) or the valet parking area outside the front doors. No thank you.

Wish I wouild have looked at Aristide but after a couple of attempts to get a hold of someone there, my phone calls weren't returned so I gave up.

In the end I went with NOAH'S which is a semi-new place in Irving. It's really nice on the inside, lots of windows, separate atrium room for the ceremony and a killer grooms suite. You're welcome, FI.

kel50785 · February 2013

We only looked @ 3 venues but called a bunch of places.

We had The Milestone & Delaney Vineyards as our top 2. We went with the MIlestone.

I loved the look of Delaney Vineyards but when we sat down and talked $$ everything was an extra cost. There was the basic cost but for each addl item (linens, lights, cocktail tables) there was an upcharge. And the bridal suite to get ready was nothing compared to the Milestone.

cwaggoner07 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_what-venues-did-you-rule-out?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:c652bca1-0f57-4c55-8203-21ad444702f6Post:739daa25-ee03-4246-85bf-ae4ab6512cc8">Re:What venues did you rule out?</a>:
[QUOTE]We looked at about 10 venuesit was between event 1013 and coyote ridge golf club. Coyote was gorgeous and the coordinator was great but for Saturday it was a bit over our budget so we would have had to do a Friday and since we have so many OOT we didn't wanna do that. Plus the cost for alcohol wasn't what we wanted for how much we had to pay. Gorgeous setting but just didn't make the cut. We ended up going with event 1013 because it was only a few hundred difference between a fri and sat night. The venue felt right and I loved the raw garden and the party atmosphere plus the fact we could buy all the booze for a fraction of the cost at an all inclusive. We made the right choice for us we always said we want a party vibe for our wedding as want to provide good food, drinks and entertainment for our guests and 1013 totally fit that vibe.
Posted by monbrown1988[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I'm in a wedding there in May. I can't wait to check it out!</div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>I knew what venue I have wanted for a very long time. My parents were married at White Rock Lake, AND H's and I's first date was riding bikes at the lake, so it was a no-brainer to go with the lake, which there are three venues. We didn't even tour the two we didn't use.</div><div>
</div><div>Winfrey Point - Not nice enough for what we wanted, also a lot of DIY to cover what Professor talked about.</div><div>
</div><div>Arboretum - Beautiful, but simply too expensive for our guest list.</div><div>
</div><div>Filter Building - Perfect!</div>

cwaggoner07 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_what-venues-did-you-rule-out?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:c652bca1-0f57-4c55-8203-21ad444702f6Post:fb3a4be8-6e65-4d28-903e-53d20b85a9ca">Re: What venues did you rule out?</a>:
[QUOTE]We only looked @ 3 venues but called a bunch of places. We had The Milestone & Delaney Vineyards as our top 2. We went with the MIlestone. I loved the look of Delaney Vineyards but when we sat down and talked $$ everything was an extra cost. There was the basic cost but for each addl item (linens, lights, cocktail tables) there was an upcharge. And the bridal suite to get ready was nothing compared to the Milestone.
Posted by kel50785[/QUOTE]

<div>I'm going to a wedding there next month!</div>

shishigami26 · February 2013

FI and I loooked at two places - the Diamond Oaks Country Club and the Golf Club at Fossil Creek. I really, really loved the outdoor wedding area at Fossil Creek. But on the downside, their reception area and dance floor inside were pretty small. The furnishings in the reception area were of an outdated style (think mountain lodge back in the 70's or something). They also were not willing to work down the price to where it would fit in our idea of a budget.

The outdoor wedding area at Diamond Oaks is not as nice, although it would be very easy to decorate it and make it look pretty. Their ballroom for receptions is gorgeous, though. It overlooks the course, and it gets tons of natural light. Ultimately we decided it was better to save $1k and have a much more comfortable reception atmosphere, rather than a place where the ceremony would be beautiful for 15 minutes and then usher everyone into a night of cramped dancing/socializing.

mlarchweds · February 2013

I am super interested in the Filter Building! I plan to go look at it but its more of a DIY venue correct? Like tables/chairs aren't included?

cbatt · February 2013

I looked at a TON of venues. 8 in 3 days, to be specific. They are all pretty similar in style and there weren't any that I didn't like.

eM the Venue: Ruled out based on lack of small/private rooms and area of cocktail hour. Gorgeous place thoguh!

Ashton Gardens: Ruled out due to location (far from downtown dallas, which is where we want guests to stay)

The Room on Main: Ruled out due to lack of small/private rooms and we weren't happy with the doing ceremony, cocktail hour and reception in same space

AT&T Performing Arts Center: I was (and am) in love with the building, but they have never hosted a wedding which scared me, and they have the ability to cancel on you due to scheduling theatre rehearsals

Dallas Museum of Art: Love this space, but was out of our price range and we weren't 'wow-ed' enough to not think about the price.

Nasher Sculpture Garden: Amazing amazing, but the backup/inclement weather plan is really bad. We weren't willing to risk it.

Hope this helps!!

cb

fallbride1109 · February 2013

Cbatt, what did you end up going with?

Here is the info. on the Filter Building from our venue list.

Venue Name:  The Filter Building on White Rock Lake
Contact info or website: www.thefilterbuilding.com/">www.thefilterbuilding.com
Location:  Dallas (Lakewood/East Dallas)
Capacity: 200 max, 160 max with dance floor.
Outdoor ceremony option:  Yes
Price: $2500 for Saturday night
         $1700 for Friday or Sunday
         $1000 for Monday through Thursday
DIY: Other than chairs and tables which can be rented through the venue for very cheap, everything is DIY.
Exclusions: Requires security for event, and valet parking for events over 100 guests.

NatalieInAmore · February 2013

We're in Fort Worth and went with The Ashton Depot. We really focused on finding a venue in/near downtown FW, because that is where we met and fell in love. We looked at the YWCA, and probably would have gotten married there except we saw Ashton right after. Such a lovely, affordable space however we would have had to rent everything and I couldn't stand the huge curtains in the room where we would have had the ceremony.

Artspace 111- great outdoor area, and I loved the gallery setting. Again, we would have had to rent everything . The biggest issue was losing the outdoor space due to rain- it would have been cramped.

809 @ Vickery- I really fell in love with this space via the internet. I loved the outdoor ceremony area, but the girls who run it seemed flighty- but sweet! Again- we would have had to rent everything, plus the surrounding area didn't feel super safe. Also the set up of the space would have made it difficult for everyone to see everything.

Then we saw The Ashton Depot. We call it the easy button because they provide the food, drinks, linens, tables, chiavari chairs, etc. I could continue raving- easy button for reals.

cbatt · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_what-venues-did-you-rule-out?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:c652bca1-0f57-4c55-8203-21ad444702f6Post:5902d323-feb1-4c93-9bfb-179fa912c7f8">Re: What venues did you rule out?</a>:
[QUOTE]Cbatt, what did you end up going with? Here is the info. on the Filter Building from our venue list. Venue Name: The Filter Building on White Rock Lake Contact info or website: <a href="http://www.thefilterbuilding.com/" rel="nofollow">www.thefilterbuilding.com/</a> " /> <a href="http://www.thefilterbuilding.com" rel="nofollow">www.thefilterbuilding.com</a> Location: Dallas (Lakewood/East Dallas) Capacity: 200 max, 160 max with dance floor. Outdoor ceremony option: Yes Price: $2500 for Saturday night $1700 for Friday or Sunday $1000 for Monday through Thursday DIY: Other than chairs and tables which can be rented through the venue for very cheap, everything is DIY. Exclusions: Requires security for event, and valet parking for events over 100 guests.
Posted by stephiehall[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Sorry for the delay in my response! We are having the wedding at the new Perot Museum downtown! :)

</div>

Stitch10 · February 2013

The venues we visited were all over the map, style-wise. Ultimately, we chose Maple Manor.

Winfrey Point: Loved it, and the location, but we were worried about the time, money, and effort that would have to go into decor.

El Fenix: Great spot for a slightly more laid back wedding. We worried about the lack of a solid rain plan (we could have reserved a tent, though that would have made the venue much less budget-friendly). Looking back, I don't think it would have been large enough for our guest list either.

Belmont Hotel: The space looked really small, even though they said they could accommodate our numbers. There wasn't a good rain plan without a tent, and hotel just wasn't the vibe we were looking for in our wedding.

Magnolia Hotel: Really nice space, and reasonably priced. However, like nextrightthing said, it would have been difficult to have our wedding there without tailoring the style to fit the venue. Also, we went back to try the food and weren't very happy with it.

Belo Mansion: I absolutely loved this venue. The only reason we passed on it was because it wasn't really in our budget ($10,000 FB min for a Saturday evening for the Mansion; the Pavilion adds another $20,000 to the minimum). There were a lot of additional fees as well (eg, $10/car for guest parking).

Lakewood Country Club: After visiting all the venues, we were deciding between here and Maple Manor. The LCC is really nice, reasonably priced (though you have to find a member sponsor), and the food is phenomenal. We decided against it because we don't at all feel like country club or large ballroom people.

violeteightyfour · February 2013

My fiance and I decided to go with the Dallas Arboretum's Alex Camp House for our Sunday brunch wedding. Just for reference, we were looking for a place that was good for a smaller wedding (50ish guests). We also wanted an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, but it was important for the venue to have a decent indoor ceremony option in case of rain or excessive heat (we're getting married in August).

Here are the venues that we ruled out (including only places that we visited or my mom visited on my behalf):

Avanti Fountain Place

This place is perfect for a under-100 person wedding. It was my first-choice venue, but they refused to allow me to sign a contract for months and were very reluctant to tell me why (the reason turned out to be the possibility of construction in the ceremony space). They repeatedly said I could sign the contract "at the end of the week" or something similar, only to change their mind when the "end of the week" arrived. I finally gave up. They did eventually contact me to allow me to sign a contract, but I was so disappointed in the service that we decided to go elsewhere.

Magnolia Hotel

The reception options were great for a smaller wedding. They also quoted me a very reasonable F&B minimum for a Sunday brunch wedding. However, the only ceremony options were a conference room or a driveway (yuck), and we really wanted to have our ceremony and reception at the same place.

Hotel ZaZa

We were looking for a modern venue, but this place was TOO modern. The reception location featured unusual art, which they apparently change out periodically. They have an outdoor ceremony space near the pool, but it's only available in the winter. The F&B minimum was very reasonable, though.

Stonegate Mansion

I really liked this place. Their Terrace Room is perfect for a smaller wedding (they also have a large room for a larger event), and the staff was very helpful. They have a beautiful outdoor ceremony space and were also willing to do the ceremony inside if it rained or was too hot. We ultimately decided not to go with this place because it's a lot pricier than the Arboretum, which happens in part because you have to purchase alcohol through Stonegate. Also, just FYI, the house was the site of two murders in the 80s. This didn't bother me, but my fiance was concerned that people would be taking about the murders at our wedding, which he thought was a bit morbid.

fallbride1109 · February 2013

violet, I really hate to tell you this, but you are virtually guaranteed "excessive heat" in Texas in August! Even if you're getting married in the morning--it won't matter!

violeteightyfour · February 2013

I grew up in Ft. Worth and am well aware of the temperature in August. I looked up the average temperature for 10 a.m. (when our ceremony will start), and it's about 80 degrees, which isn't too terrible. If it's too hot, we'll just move it inside. Unfortunately my life-long desire to get married outside didn't mesh well with my family's schedules!

What venues did you rule out?

Re: What venues did you rule out?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards