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need suggestions

hkeatinghkeating member
10 Comments
in DC
I know there are a thousand discussions on venues and I'm just adding to the collection -- sorry! I posted this on the Bmore board but no one responded so I'm hoping I'll get something on here :)

So here's the deal I need a venue for the reception only that's within 30 minutes max of Bowie, MD. My budget is on the small side. The max for a wedding package is $10k (catering, cake, centerpieces, linens, tableware, tips, wait staff, etc included). If it isn't a package the max for catering is $4200 (everything included) and for the site $2000-3000. We are expecting about 130 people to come and are having it in Oct. 2011. We only are willing to have it on a Saturday. We would really REALLY have to love the place to be willing to the reception during the day, def prefer a reception starting around 5pm or so. 

Here's the places I've checked out...
Knights of Columbus Halls (Bowie, Severna Park, etc.)

The Villa (love it but way outta my budget) in Calverton

Lake Presidential (again love it but can't afford it)

Holy Family Social Hall in Davidsonville  (within budget but would need lots of decor, kinda plain looking and the FI doesn't like the idea of having the ceremony at one church then heading to a diff church for the reception)

Michaels 8th Avenue package is within my price range and has everything for a lil under $10k but I don't like that there could be up to 4 weddings going on at once and the decor is not nice. I would have to get drapery around the ballroom to cover it up and get it more to my liking

Patuxent Greens Golf Club is also within budget but I wasn't all that 
impressed with the layout of the rooms. The dance floor being in a separate room from the dining, doesn't interest me much.

I really am not a mansion type of girl and the only mansion I did like, Oxon Hill Manor, is booked for Saturdays in Oct. 2011. 

I have an appt to see the Sheraton of Annapolis next week since they are within my budget. 


Are there any other places, either just reception sites or wedding packages, that you can think of I should check out?

Thanks!

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Re: need suggestions

  • mybooboosmybooboos member
    Sixth Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Sorry, I only looked at places along the water, which automatically puts it out of the $10K limit, especially for 130ppl.

    I'm sure there's somewhere out there (maybe a restaurant?), but I just don't know where to direct you.
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  • hkeatinghkeating member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks, anyhow....I appreciate the response!
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  • mfrancis05mfrancis05
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I don't know much about the Baltimore/Bowie area, but check out weddingwire.com if you haven't already.  That site has been helpful to me (I'm getting married in NoVa) and you may find a specific site or vendor or at least an idea.

    If you're looking at hotels, ask about a room separate from the main ballroom (like meeting rooms).  These are typically unused on a Saturday and you can probably negotiate a good rate for it.  Go with some heavy hors'deourves, just beer and wine (if you're having alcohol) and you may find great budget-helpers.  Main ballrooms sometimes require a minimum $10,000 food/beverage bill for a Saturday night.  Also, hotels are going to be much easier to find a package deal.

    I hope this helps.  Good luck!
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  • cabannerscabanners
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hey there! You're not too far from my neck of the woods (Charles County). We are getting married at the brand new Hilton Garden Inn in Waldorf, MD. We are having a budget-friendly, small wedding too ($10k, 80 people). The hotel just opened earlier this year and is very clean with a contemporary feel. The prices are very reasonable ($800-$1400 for the room rental, which includes a lot of extras, and starting at $25/pp for the meal). My only complaint is the director of sales there is pretty slow in responding to e-mails. She's best reached by phone. All you have to do is go to Hilton's website and fill out a proposal request!

    Good luck!
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  • houghchoughc member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    I've mainly looked at waterfront venues and they can be kind of pricey. I'm seriously considering the Maryland Yacht Club. Venue fees are $1650 and they include center pieces, linens, and just about everything. Buffet plans start at $35 and bar plans start at $14.

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  • CandyapplekcCandyapplekc member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    What about Tantallion Country Club in Fort Washington or Colony South in Clinton. If I had your budget I could do a lot! I choose to head across the bridge into Alexandria and will have my reception at the Holiday Inn in Old Town they are provideing everything for around $4000 and has no site fee and Candyapple Cakes is making my wedding cake
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