Christiana Hilton?

kmd0501 · February 2011

So I am in the very early stages of looking for a venue (both ceremony and reception) and would love your thoughts on the Wilmington/Christiana Hilton. I spoke with a wedding consultant at a bridal show a few weeks ago and apparently St. Patricks Day is considered a holiday and tends to book quickly so I am planning on booking my venue by the Fall.

Have any of you ladies had your wedding/attended a wedding there? Do they offer a space for the ceremony or is it reception only? Comments about food, service, decor.....anything? My aunt suggested it to me earlier today and I browsed the package but it didnt include any prices...did you feel it was reasonably priced? I am planning on contacting their coordinator in a few months after I am finished applying for schools but just wanted a preliminary idea. Thanks so much!

Ms.BriarRose · February 2011

HI! Welcome and congrats! I hope to see you around; feel free to do an intro post, so we can get to know you a bit better

I had a friend who did her wedding there (Donnalynn, a former Knottie). Here is what I know about it, from personal research and from her. Please keep in mind, I looked at this over 2 years ago, and her wedding was a year an a half ago, so these things may have changed:

-It is pricey. When I looked at it over 2 years ago, it was $120/pp. And I believe they have a minimum (meaning that even if you don't have enough people to reach, say, $20k, you still have to pay that amount).
-It's small. Her reception had 118 guests, and that was tight- really tight.
-They do have a separate courtyard for the ceremony, which is something many of the other hotels/banquet centers don't have. It's a very pretty space.
-Cocktail hour was a mob scene. Everyone wanted drinks, and because they closed down the bar for dinner, the line was forever long. And I believe there were issues with what kind of drinks were included, and guests didn't know, etc. Add in that it's a tight space, well, it was cramped standing in line.
-She said the coordinator was nice, but Donna also had a DOC who helped her out, so I don't know where the DOC took over.
-They do include things like the wedding night suite, which is something to think about.
-I believe they include the cake, but not colored linens (most places you have to pay for colored linens). I can't remember if centerpieces were included or not.
-I believe it's a 4 hour reception with a 3 hour open bar. Depending on where you look in DE, you will find one of 2 scenarios: 4 hour reception with a 3 hour open bar, or a 5 hour reception with a 4 hour (or longer) open bar.
-Everything is right there for your guests, especially your OOT guests, and getting ready in a room is easy.
-It is very pretty! Only downside to it is very few locations for "outside" photos, since the road is right there.

I think it all depends on what you are looking for. If you numbers are smaller and you have the money, it's an okay reception location. If you are planning on even 125 guests, you won't be able to do it.

You didn't tell us your budget, your guest list, etc. Those things are the biggest determinations when it comes to picking a reception location. Once you determine those things and have a list of what venues fit those two things, then you can go from there in terms of picking to fit your likes and preferences. There are also locations that have just ceremony space, so you can do a combo or All-in-one, etc.

Places in DE are expensive. Why, I can't figure out for the life of me. If you are willing to travel into Philly or MD, you may find something there as well (it at least expands your list of possibilities)- just remember you pay tax in those states. Also remember to budget in 20% gratutity on your final bill (some only do 18%, but it's better to overbudget trust me).

Let us know what you are looking for, and the girls here can help you create a list of places to look for. Trust me, they won't let you down!

Ms.BriarRose · February 2011

One more question:

I am a bit confused about St. Patrick's Day? Are you planning on having your wedding on March 17th? Or are you okay looking for a different day/time of year?

The only reason I ask is if you want St. Patrick's Day, you need to book ASAP. Like, NOW. Fall will be too late. Most venues around here book a year or more in advance.

For example, I got engaged Christmas Eve 2008. I went looking at venues Jan 2009, for an October 2010 wedding (almost two years in advance). When we found our venue and went to book it, the day we wanted, October 9th, was already booked and had been for some time. We ended up with October 2 (which was not a big deal at all).

Since you want a special day, you need to book even further in advance. Most brides who booked for 10/10/10, for example, booked more than two years in advance.

I don't want to scare you, just want to find out what you really want so we can get the ball rollin' on helping you find that venue fast!

uderin02 · February 2011

I dont' know much about the Hilton...but wanted I to second what MBR said....my cousin got engaged on Christmas this year and has already booked her church and venue for 3/17/12....we had to change our date to what our venue could accomodate....which is fine, but I agree, if you have your heart set, you may need to book soon. Happy planning!

huttonj · February 2011

I visited the Christiana Hilton last March - to book my June 2011 upcoming wedding. And even then the Saturdays in June they only had one left.

Things I did not like and why I didn't choose were:

-They hold more than 1 wedding in a day. I didn't like this at all - I think they have multiple wedding planners, but that just seems chaotic for one place (a busy hotel also) to hold more than 1 event in 1 day. The day I went there to see the venue they actually had 2 going on. One lunch and one dinner reception. (Only one was having the ceremony there).
-Prices were a little up there, but I guess that depends on where your budget is. The lowest I saw were around $90 a person. They do include a lot though which is nice.
-Their space is verrrry small. I'm having 200 people, and there was just no way that all of my guests would fit. No way! She assured me they would, but.. as MBR said, 120 is probably stretching it.

Things I did like were that the outside ceremony space is very nice! You're thinking March, correct? Not sure how warm or cold it would be in March, but the courtyard is nice.

The hotel itself is also nice and if you wanted to do your ceremony, reception all in one place, your guests could even just go up a few floors and crash for the night, so it's convenient.

I would suggest booking asap, like the other girls, I had to change my original date due to availability at the venue we chose.

Good luck!

MarinoRabeno · February 2011

We looked there last year for our June 2011 wedding. We didn't like that the cocktail hour space is practically open to the rest of the hotel. They told us the gift table would be there too, and I didn't feel safe about that. I didn't want random people being able to come in and pretending to be a guest! That was the major reason we said no. Also, it's right on the road.

ses291 · February 2011

MY fiance and I REALLY wanted to have our reception there because we met at a conference there. However, once we started looking we realized it really wasn't worth the money. We've been able to get many more options included for the same money or less at other places. The Hilton nicked and dimed on everything (for instance you'd have to pay for chair covers, which most places include).

The other problem we had is something other people have mentioned, the size. We're planning on about 160 for our wedding. They say their larger ballroom holds 180, but we saw it set up for a luncheon for only about 120 people and it looked full. I can't imagine them fitting that many people in with a nice sized dance floor and room to move.

We also didn't like how out in the open the cocktail hour would be. Guests staying in the hotel would just be walking by your cocktail hour, which seemed a little odd.

Bottom line for us was that even though the place holds extreme sentimental value for us, we decided we could get more for our money and more of what we wanted elsewhere.

kmd0501 · February 2011

Haha I actually did an intro post a few months back but then i disappeared so I will repost it. My wedding isnt until 2013 but there really isnt any compromise for that time of year. FI has his heart set. We wanted to do 2012 because the 17th actually falls on a saturday but financially we cant swing it. So March 16, 2013 is the day. You really think late summer/early fall will be too late to book for 2013?

So far, we would like to look at Concordville Inn, Mendenhall and Deerfield. My aunt suggested the Hilton because she remembered it being relatively inexpensive when she was planning my cousins wedding 2 summers ago. It seems like they include alot but being that mine and FIs families are drinkers, doesnt sounds like that cocktail situation will work out to well.

We are planning for around 160 so I'm guessing that space will be a bit tight. I havent gone to look yet, but we are planning to start in the next few months. Also, budget hasnt been discussed simply becuase there are so many hands in the pot and no one wants to talk actual numbers until the other people offer their $$ first (its been a touchy subject). I do know my father will be paying for the reception and he has said he didnt want to put any numbers out for me because he truthfully doesnt know what weddings cost and he doesnt want to short me so he said after we look at a few places he will let us know what hes comfortable with.

You ladies gave me alot of good points to think about. I had heard the space was an issue but this was froma friend who had almost 300 guests so i figured it was just for her particular situation. Any other places you ladies can recommend? I know FI really wants a place that has overnight accomodations attached and we live in North Wilmington literally on the PA border and want to keep it within 30 or so minutes (in either PA or DE) from our home.

Ms.BriarRose · February 2011

Unfortunately, not knowing your budget, that makes a HUGE difference. There are places around here, but they cover all different budget ranges. I can give you a couple of suggestions, though, not a problem! Also, do you want All-inclusive, or are you willing to do someplace where you have to bring in everything (catering, plus rent all the tables/chairs/china, etc)?

-Obviously, there is Hotel DuPont, but this is top of the line and you are going to pay upwards of $50k. Sigh, it was my dream wedding, but we just didn't have the money.

-The DoubleTree on 202. Really nice ballroom, and the hotel is onsight. I would not suggest the the DoubleTree in Wilmington, simply because of it's location in the city.

-One of the places I would highly suggest you check out is Clayton Hall at UD. One of my good friends had her reception there and it really does have that country club feel, without it being coutry club priced. Plus, you have the UD Marriott right there.

-RA is having hers at the Clarion Belle, and that is really pretty as well- reminds you of a Southern ballroom.

-an old Knottie, Meshly, had hers at the Marriott up North. Her pictures were really pretty.

A couple of other things, just to be aware of: Most of the hotels and country clubs are going to have minimums. I know Deerfield has a minimum of like, $20k, though some do change in the off-season (some consider March off season, some don't). Just be aware of that.

Most include the basics: Centerpieces, cake, ivory or white linens. Some places include things like Colored Linens, but most charge for that. Most places I looked into charged for things like chair covers, upgraded centerpieces, upgraded cakes (fondant instead of buttercream), etc. Also, be careful when it comes to extraneous fees, like was said above- things like a cakecutting fee, a coat check fee, etc etc.

I know your FI wants something with a hotel on it, but have you considered doing a shuttle for your guests (many brides actually do school busses, LOL)? It's honestly just as easy, and gives you more options.

-I had my reception at Executive Banquet and Conference Center, down on 896 by route 40. We really loved it, they were so easy to work with, were not overpriced and they included a ton of extras.

-I know Dibs had her wedding at Talleyville Fire Company, and her reception was really pretty- totally did not look like a firehall.

-Harry's Savoy Ballroom is really pretty as well.

-You could always look into one of the museums- Natural History, Art, heck, even the Delaware Children's Museum! I know EiDuffy is having hers at a museum.

-Waterfall Banquet Center is up in Claymont; I would suggest looking at it, so you have something to compare it to.

I hope that gives you some ideas. Let us know more of what you are looking for after checking into some of these (just look online), and then we can go from there. Also, are you willing to go more into PA? There are some decent ones up in PA that I can suggest, as well as MD, but remember you pay 6% sales tax out of state.

Shanae214 · February 2011

there is actually a bridal show at the hilton on Feb 24th from 6-8 if you can wait until then. and you can win a free wedding on their website www.hiltonestate.com. you have to be at the show to be win but i went last year and it was really good with open bar. and its free.

Santorini2011 · February 2011

I went to a wedding years ago at Hilton and can't remember anything negative. However, I had some of the same thoughts at pp when considering it myself. I think Hilton is the least expensive from the ones you mentioned. I went with Mendenhall because we have ~200 people and wanted accommodations close by.

I am a holiday bride and really advise that you book everything now. Also, the prices will only go up each year. We booked Mendenhall in very early 2010 and all of the other places we looked were taken. Some were 2 years in advance for Saturday evening weddings. The photogs, DJs, etc also book quickly depending on the rep of course.

However, you have to factor in tax outside of DE. In PA, there are places that will let you bring in your own alcohol, which saves a ton.

kmd0501 · February 2011

Thanks ladies! Of course we are flexible on having the reception at a hotel or not. And my cousin was married at the Waterfall 3 years ago but I want to do something different. It was nice but the location was a little strange. I think my dad wants us to look there so I'm sure we will, but its just not one of me and FIs choices.

I do want an all-inclusive. I feel like renting everything could end up being a bigger hassle and more expensive. If I have my choice of too many things, it will literally drive me nuts.

I will definetely have to check out the bridal show on the 24th. I am going to one at the Concordville Inn next sunday so I'm hoping to get a good idea of some PA venues too. I am going to talk to my dad within the next few weeks to decide a round-about budget so i can have some idea what I need to start saving myself. I have no problem booking something now only because Im so impatient anyways lol. I just thought now was a little too early but even my aunt said my cousins had both of their weddings booked 18 months in advance (at the Chase Center on the Riverfront and the Rehoboth CC).

RecoveringActor · February 2011

Lke MBR said, I'm having mine at The Clarion Belle in New Castle... and I really like it there. They're all inclusive (food, open bar, centerpieces, linens, champagne toast, hotel room, etc) and I've found that their prices are a bit more reasonable. Their price pp depends on what the food choice, but it's pretty much anywhere between $65 and $110. The $65 choices are chicken and vegetarian.

They have their whole menu with prices at www.clarionbelle.com. I also have an extremely large family and a guest list that's pushing 200... so I was looking at all-inclusive places that were less than $120pp. Closer to $80. Clarion was a nice fit.

Also... don't forget to add an additional 21% for tax and gratuity!!

kmd0501 · February 2011

I did look into the Clarion Belle and my FI loves it (he lived in the south for a bit so it brought back some good memories). I think we are going to make an appointment to look there soon. How far in advance did you book?

MarinoRabeno · February 2011

We're doing it at Harry's Savoy Ballroom. It doesn't look like much from the street, but inside it's beautiful! And it includes so much! It includes the open bar, cocktails and 4 course dinner, cake, limo, centerpieces, linens, and Gloria is great to work with. Once we walked in we knew it would be there! Good luck!

ses291 · February 2011

We were set on on having our reception at a hotel because all my family and most of our friends are from out of town. I really didn't want to have to worry about people driving drunk or paying for shuttle buses to move people around, so we stuck exclusively to hotels. After we were a little disappointed in the Hilton we looked at a few other places including the Doubletree on 202 and the one in Downtown Wilmington. We actually decided on the one in Downtown Wilmington, much to the surprise of both of us. Their costs are comparable to the Hilton, but with a lot more inclusions. The one Downtown had a lot more menu choices, which we liked, and we were impressed with how removed from the rest of the hotel the banquet facilities are. I would definitely recommend looking at both of those places.

Good luck!

smilormarie · March 2011

Clarion Belle never wrote back to me, after 2 times trying! I had the best luck at Embassy Suites Newark. Joan is the absolute best to work with and they really accomodate your budget (not like other places when say they will customize any package but then gauke at any price below $80 pp). Also doing Sunday saves a lot, and removing frivolous things like extra hors d'hoevres, flower ceterpieces, and cake
(you can DIY and pick up sheet cake from costco). Good luck!

Christiana Hilton?

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