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HELP Historic Rice Mill vs. Mills House Hotel

kballancekballance member
Second Anniversary 10 Comments
in South Carolina-Charleston

Hey everyone!

I need your help because I am absolutely torn and any opinions/advice would be great! I have gotten it down to 2 reception venues, but I can't seem to make the final call. If you have any info one way or the other for the Historic Rice Mill or the Mills House Hotel, please help! We are thinking it will be around 150 people for a Saturday evening reception. 

Rice Mill - This spot caught my eye from day one. I love this venue, but I hesitate because of things I hear and the pricey event minimum (15,000). I love that it is on the water and the venue is stand alone aka the building is for your wedding only when booked. I have heard great things about the catering. I am concerned about the tide going out and showing mud, not water, the cost of paying for everyone to park, the dance floor space and low ceilings (although I did not notice this much when visiting). 

Mills House Hotel - Specifically looking at the Barbadoes Room and Courtyard. I originally was not a fan of hotel venues, but this one is very historic and Charleston-like with a beautiful inside space and courtyard. It is not on the water, but is in a pretty area of downtown. I am concerned about the dancefloor space (seems small and hard to see) as well as the exiting rules (no sparklers allowed which was always my favorite idea). This space has a F&B minimum that is lower than the total event min at Rice Mill. 

Has anyone else compared the two? Or did you use one of these venues and absolutely love it? (or hate it)? 

Thanks for any help!!

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Re: HELP Historic Rice Mill vs. Mills House Hotel

  • luckylady0605luckylady0605 member
    First Comment
    I looked at both! I took a quick tour of the Rice Mill because online reviews were raving but didn't care for it at all--the ceilings were so low and that was probably my main issue. And that there are businesses above you and there was a funky smell when I walked in. It just didn't have that grand feeling I kind of want for it being Charleston. The Mills House I liked a lot (Barbados Room is beautiful), so I'm leaning towards that. Especially since out of town guests can stay there (rooms are being renovated) and it's walking distance to everything. Have not gone to contract, but met the catering manager at Mills, and she seems very nice so far! I hope that helps!
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  • luckylady0605luckylady0605 member
    First Comment
    edited January 2014

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  • algrimalgrim member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    I'm getting married at the Historic Rice Mill in August, and since it's off season the event minimum and venue rental go WAY down.  It's such a beautiful building and location you hardly need to decorate!  We're expecting about 120 guests, which I think is perfect for the venue size.  I definitely think 150 would be a little tight.  Also be aware that the Rice Mill only provides certain tables, so you're responsible for chairs and any extra tables (cost wise - they'll handle the rentals for you).  We're also getting draping (drapery?) on the outside covered porch because I don't like the look of the bare ceiling.

    We're also providing bus transportation for our guests since everyone is from out of town and we're having an open bar.  It came out to be about 2X what paying for parking would have probably been, but I think it's worth it if you can afford it.  I didn't notice the low ceiling in my 2 visits there, but we're pretty short families - although the hava nagila chair dance may be interesting!

    We've also blocked rooms at the Mills House for our guests to stay.  Their contract makes me a little nervous since you're responsible for all of the rooms, but I'm working on getting people to book early.  Definitely a perfect location and such a beautiful hotel, though.  

    Good luck!
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