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Texas-Dallas and Ft. Worth
KCloth20
member
Venue Troubles
Alright I'm really frustrated at this point because we had decided on a venue- we loved it and were ready to sign the contract and I start reading it and first they require you use their caterers or you have to pay an additional fee (we already have a caterer at an amazing price and they're really good), but that was not too big of a deal so then I get to the complete deal breaker- they pretty much limit the decorations to what you can put on a table. No haninging anything. We want to drape fabric and hang paper lanterns- so I'm starting from square one and we want to be able to get married in February so I'm stressing out! Any suggestions would be appreciated! We were looking for a place under $2k with a vintage/rustic feel- but not country/hick in any way.
Thanks in advance 
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Re: Venue Troubles
How big is your wedding?
Cross Timbers Winery might work well too
I don't know of anything right off-hand that fits your theme at the price you are looking for. Hopefully some of the other ladies will chime in with their ideas as they are MUCH more familiar with venues than I am and will have some great suggestions for you. All the ones I'm thinking of though either have an outdoor ceremony space (way too cold for February) or they don't fit the vibe you are going for.
GL -- I'm sorry the venue you loved didn't work out.
I also like Times Ten Cellar -- I know their rental fee is affordable, they allow you to bring in your own caterer; you just have to serve their wine.
[QUOTE]My go-to suggestions for your size guest list are usually having it at a restaurant (you usually have little to no rental fee, little to no DIY/setup, but at most places you do pay a premium for alcohol) or a community center (you can bring in your own caterer but most do not allow you to bring in alcohol). <strong>I also like Times Ten Cellar -- I know their rental fee is affordable, they allow you to bring in your own caterer; you just have to serve their wine.
</strong>Posted by MarieSD[/QUOTE]
I can't remember what my ILs paid for our rehearsal dinner, but it was wonderful. And they give you a discount on the wine if you use one of their preferred caterers, but you can bring in anyone you like.
[QUOTE]My go-to suggestions for your size guest list are usually <strong>having it at a restaurant</strong> (you usually have little to no rental fee, little to no DIY/setup, but at most places you do pay a premium for alcohol) or a community center (you can bring in your own caterer but most do not allow you to bring in alcohol). I also like Times Ten Cellar -- I know their rental fee is affordable, they allow you to bring in your own caterer; you just have to serve their wine.
Posted by MarieSD[/QUOTE]
<div>I am having mine at the Downtown Dallas McKinney Street location of El Fenix- on their rooftop (separate from the actual restaurant). It is exactly this- no rental fee, no setup costs, ipod hookup included, tables/chairs/linens included. Food starts out at 11.95/person, and 10.95/person for 3 hours unlimited consumption of alcohol. Many people use this as a rehearsal dinner location, but if you have a smaller sized wedding, it will work. <a href="http://elfenix.com/library/pdf/El-Fenix-VIP-Fiesta-Room-Menu.pdf">http://elfenix.com/library/pdf/El-Fenix-VIP-Fiesta-Room-Menu.pdf</a>
I also second Cross Timbers Winery, La Buena Vida in Grapevine and Times Ten Cellars. </div><div>
</div><div>In the Dallas area, you might also try Matito's in Uptown or Iron Cactus (though when I tried reaching them- no one would get back to me- maybe it was just busy though?). If you're okay with Fort Worth- Joe T Garcia's and Reatta are two restaurants that come to mind. Also, I believe someoneon here had their reception at Maggiano's and loved it.</div>
Our Wedding Film. | For sale, yo.
Check out:
Heard natural Science Museum Science Resource Center- 1200$ rental full day Sat/ 1000$ Fri/Sun. Incl. Tables/Chairs/Kitchen/AV Hookups
Our Wedding Film. | For sale, yo.
With All the Trimmings
[QUOTE]Avanti at Fountain Place is also nice for a smaller wedding--although I have no idea what they charge or if you can bring in your own caterer. It might be worth a look though along with the other suggestions here. A Knottie some years ago got married at Ferrari's Italian Villa in Addison (although that wouldn't work since you have catering I guess).
Posted by stephiehall[/QUOTE]
Avanti Fountain Place is lovely! Unfortunately you do have to use their caterer though . :(
Our Wedding Film. | For sale, yo.
Our Wedding Film. | For sale, yo.
[QUOTE]The venue has an inside room (adjacent to the rooftop terrace) that fits 120 people. For rain, we have two options- 1. rent a tent large enough for the dancing outside (since my guest list is larger than yours) 2. keep everything inside the room. My thoughts are- in Texas it *usually* doesn't rain for hours on end. That being said, I probably just jinxed myself. I really want to utilize the outside space, so I think we will get a tent if it ends up raining. If you have a guest list that is smaller, as you said, 60-80 people, you would have enough room in the room for tables and a dance floor- the outside space could just be bonus space.
Posted by aeliza06[/QUOTE]
Do you listen to Kidd Kraddick? Did you hear them describing the torrential downpour that actually ended up flooding the only road to and from the venue they were at for a wedding? It was hysterical.
Our Wedding Film. | For sale, yo.
[QUOTE]just tell them that you don't like their vendors and see if you can use your own.
Posted by hthrlarson9[/QUOTE]
I'm going to just guess that this won't go over well and is bad advice.
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Venue Troubles : I'm going to just guess that this won't go over well and is bad advice.
Posted by professorscience[/QUOTE]
*thumbs up*
Our Wedding Film. | For sale, yo.
[QUOTE]@aeliza06 -- /> so want to have a party or find some reason now to use the rooftop of El Fenix after all this talk...total awesomeness!
Posted by winechic25[/QUOTE]
Haha- Cinco de Mayo? I know I talk about it ALL the time- I just searched for a venue high and low on a teeny tiny budget and this was really the best value I could find that wasn't in BFE.
Our Wedding Film. | For sale, yo.
Our Wedding Film. | For sale, yo.
[QUOTE]Thanks so much for your help! We're still trying to decide but I love getting new opinions- <strong>My BMs are so not into the wedding at all and have been no help or supportive in any way!</strong>
Posted by KCloth20[/QUOTE]
<div>So, I know this is going to sound bad, but <strong>you</strong> are the one getting married. My bridesmaids were super excited about my wedding, but they had their own lives to deal with. Try not to take their seemingly unexcited attitudes too personally. When the time comes, they will be 100% all about you. </div>