Greetings...a request to shoot it straight (please)

fiyahwata · December 2009

Greetings ladies!

My name is Mina and I'm a newcomer to the DE board. Although I live in Philly, my fiance and I are planning a January 2011 (1-1-11) wedding in Delaware. Wilmington seems to be a good midpoint for us, my parents in Dover, his in Baltimore, and the majority of our friends who live between D.C. and NYC.

We will be having a traditional Ghanaian (West African) wedding, and in that case, there won't be a church wedding. Though its something that "traditionally" takes place in the home of the bride's family, my parents house isn't big enough to comfortably fit 100 people! So I'm hoping to find a nice venue where we can have everything in one space.

Off the top of my head I was thinking a hotel. I've looked online at the Doubletree (Wilmington and 202) and Hotel DuPont; but I've since gotten my head stuck on Deerfield after persuing their website (for hours). But before I look any further and actually go visit and settle on a place, I need those of you who have already done the tiring and stressful venue search in the area to shoot it to me straight -- I'm talking about money. $$$$

We are going to be paying for most of the wedding ourselves. I'm 35 and he's 33 -- and thus my daddy's not trying to shell out a whole lot of money for his "princess" who's now a grown woman! That said, I'd like to have something nice and elegant yet on a budget. Everywhere I've looked at is advertising wedding packages starting at $99 pp all inclusive. Um yeah...that's a bit much for us. If money wasn't an issue, we'd invite over 300 people; but since it is, we're trying (hard) to get the list down to 100. At these rates, we're talking 10K just for food and drinks! Is it just me or is that A LOT of money?

Though I'm a budget bride, I'm not so much a do-it-yourselfer. I want to believe that I can have something nice and reasonable without pulling out my own baking pans! My best friend recently got married in New Orleans at a very nice venue that adverstised all inclusive packages starting at $125.00 pp. She went back and forth with them was able to customize her reception - for $45 pp with an open bar. Buffet style with mostly hors dourves size dishes and it was so soo nice. Do places like Deerfield or the hotels do that?

Is it realistic for me to find a nice place with good food for $50pp tops?! Anybody else on here a Budget Bride?

Tonysgurl020406 · December 2009

Hey Mina

Welcome to the DE board

I started shopping for venues Nov 2007 (I was married Sept 2009) and when I was looking, I didnt find anything anywhere near $50 a head, all inclusive. Im not saying it doesnt exsist, but I do not think Hotel Dupont, Double Tree, and Deer field will negotiate that much... As far as I know, they are more then double that amount.

I did look at Deerfield, and 2+ years ago they had a $18k revenue minimum (food + alcohol have to be $18k or more)... The space is beautiful and the food is wonderful, but thats alot of money when your on a budget.

GL

Ms.BriarRose · December 2009

Hey there! Welcome to the board

Unfortunately, most of the hotels in this area will not negotiate- most of them have minimums (Deerfield still has that 18k min, as does Dupont Country Club and Hotel DuPont, and I believe alot of the other hotels as well). I can vouch first hand they won't negotiate- FI's dad is still a member at DCC, and they refused to work with us.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't know if you will be able to get down to the $50pp price point in this area- it's very hard to do. You can, however, be close to that.

I am paying around 60pp at my venue. Executive Banquet and Conference Center, down off of 896. That price includes alot- my centerpieces, beer and wine (we nixed open bar and saved $8pp!), colored linens, 5 hour reception with 5 hour bar (alot in this area are 4 hours with 3 hour bar), and my cake. They have been wonderful to work with.

A couple others to check out are: The Crystal Center, Hockessin Fire Hall (not at all like a fire hall, many of our schools have their proms here it's that nice), The Farmhouse, and Clayton Hall at UD. Hopefully, that gives you a good starting list. If you have other questions about pricing for specific locations, make sure to ask the board- most of us could probably tell you if that's expensive or not.

A general rule in this area is that buffets tend to be more expensive than sit-downs. I am not sure why, but they are- at my venue, for a sitdown its 60, while a buffet is starting at 75. Also, if you want to cut costs more, do a Friday or a Sunday- most places will cut 10% or more off your final bill. And don't forget that all venues in this area add an 18% gratuity to your total bill.

Good luck on your search- if you have any more questions, feel free to holler!

Mattsbride10 · December 2009

I guess buffets are more because you get alot more food...and it kinda makes sense but in NY where I'm having my wedding sit downs are much more expensive.

miguelhilary2010 · December 2009

I know this isn't what you are looking/asking for, but there is a place in southern NJ that meets most of your criteria. Its the Tomasello Winery in Hammonton, NJ. Their pricing is around $50pp, includes wine (you can provide liquor if you want it), dinner, cake, linens and ceremony and reception space. They are very nice people to work with. I think their reception room holds up to 150 (in their opinion), but I wouldn't go over 120 because it gets crowded.

Ms.BriarRose · December 2009

Oh, if you are willing to go into PA, up in Lancaster (about an hour from Wilmington) is a place called Willow Valley that is very reasonably priced. I know two people from DE that have gone up to Willow Valley to save money- one got married a year ago, and one is getting married in June. If I remember correctly, the one who got married a year ago said they didn't pay over 50pp, with all the top notch items and trimmings.

MrsCross2B · December 2009

This may not be any help at all, but if you are willing to move your venue south a little, like Dover or the Beach Area, that may save you a little money as well. There are some very nice CC's in Dover that can accommodate all inclusive (Maple Dale and Wild Quail to name 2) and of course at the beach there are alot of options (hotels, yacht clubs, country clubs). And since you are having your wedding in January (off season) the hotel room rates are very reasonable.

redreviving6 · December 2009

I'd second Executive Banquet Center...I've worked with that family on several special events and they will work with you....especially if you are getting married during an off time (I kind of skimmed your email).

Moving further...there are fabulous venues in Lancaster, PA (as well as amazing vendors) and you can get Eden Resort, Willow Valley, Cork Factory Hotel for around 60PP with a nice package!

Good Luck!

fiyahwata · December 2009

Thanks everyone for your feedback! We'd really like to make the venue convenient for our out of town guests as well as offer them a good time on NYE, which is the night before. Interestingly enough, I'm finding cheaper venues right on the harbor in Baltimore...so we might just be switching venues...will keep you posted!

rainsfallsoftly · December 2009

We're doing The Farmhouse in Wilmington, which is about 70-80 per person, which is more than you wanted to pay, but still much cheaper than Hotel Dupont, Deerfield, etc. Since it's in January, which is less popular, you might even be able to negotiate a deal.

Greetings...a request to shoot it straight (please)

Re: Greetings...a request to shoot it straight (please)

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