Newly engaged, still lost, need help!

Rainbow17 · October 2010

Ok, so I've been engaged now 2.5 months and am still so lost... please help! So I have tried contacting venues, but I end up playing a lot of phone tag. I work 9-5, and not allowed to use my phone at work, which is why its very hard for me to get a hold of venues.

So this is what I want: A nice venue on South Beach (preferred) or Brickell. I am expecting 200-300 guests. This will be a reception only - I don't want my ceremony at a hotel. This is going to be for an Indian wedding reception. I need the venue to accept outside caterers. I plan on having an Indian style buffet catered from Woodlands. The venue (hotel) must have a nice view (at least during the cocktail hour part).

Any suggestions? Thanks!

smuslin · October 2010

I would try e-mail. I find that gives you the best results. I do not know much about South Beach or venues but I would definitly try e-mailing different venues.

Good Luck. Don't get overwhelmed with all the wedding stuff. Try using theknot's checklist system. It is really helping me out a lot.

rachelea · October 2010

Unfortunately I think if you are looking at a hotel for a venue they are going to be extremely picky against, and probably would say no altogether, with having an outside caterer. Are you open to a venue that isn't a hotel?

lgrn22 · October 2010

Rachel, Every time I see you post I get that Dave Matthews song stuck in my head!! But its ok I love it!!

Rainbow17 · October 2010

I am open to non-hotel sites for my venue. I've considered having my wedding at a Miami mansion, but those can only be booked 5 months in advanced (I was able to reach them) and they may not be avaiable if I book to soon because believe it or not some of these mansions are in foreclosure or just on sale.

I'm considering Deering Estate and Vizcaya. But I'd really like to stay within SoBe/Brickell.

andamu · October 2010

Hi Nina!

A couple of places I looked into when we were thinking of outside catering:

http://www.villa221.com - Villa 221

http://www.alfredidupontbuilding.com/ - the DuPont Building

http://www.thevillabybartong.com/ - The Villa by Barton G (ok, I just dreamed about this one)

http://www.karu-y.com/ - Karu & Y

That said, I know some of the major hotels in SoBe/Bal Harbour/etc. may do Indian weddings. Our chef (who designed a custom Indian menu for us at our venue in Broward) used to work at the Four Seasons in Miami, and he did Indian weddings there. If you Google Indian weddings + Miami, you can see a lot of posts from wedding photography blogs about Indian weddings at various hotels - the Biltmore, the Gansevoort, the Eden Roc, etc. I bet some of those cater Indian weddings. (That said, I totally understand if you want to stick with Woodlands. I think we're going to have them cater my mehndi ... mmmmmm.)

The blog at Suhaag Garden (http://www.suhaaggarden.com/blog/) might also give you some ideas.

Good luck, and PM me if you want to swap ideas about South Asian weddings in SoFL.

sadou02 · October 2010

Have you considered the Shane Center. MIABRIDENTAMPA had her wedding there and she could possibly be of some help.

By the way dont feel overwhelmed. It does all get easier and really breathing does help a lot when you feel flustered. You can try and contact the venues on the weekend since majority of them are usually there on Saturdays as well.

anaroo87 · October 2010

EMAIL! It's your best friend -- I'm in the same boat with not being able to call or do any research during work hours so I literally spend my nights doing wedding stuff and email vendors endlessly ..I always mention email is the best way to communicate with me. I know it's stressful and gets very annoying at times but eventually you get things worked out.

And I would stay away from hotels if you want your own caterer, I have yet to hear of one that allowed an outside caterer. For that many people, have you checked maybe museums, performing arts centers, etc.?

Good Luck!

dewreb · October 2010

I agree with PPs about email. Not only is email a way that you can contact them during their business hours, but that way you'll have everything in writing, so if they try to change something on the contract you'll be able to point out the email and date when you had discussed whatever the issue is.

I don't have much to offer as far as venues go though!

nilofurj · October 2010

Hi,
We are having ours at Eden Roc hotel (they allow only outside for indian or kosher foods)
Venue is beautiful & just underwent renovations, go check it out and ask for Brittnay or Mark.
Where is woodlands?? I think we are going with Madras Cafe- soooo delish and Soye was awesome.

Rainbow17 · October 2010

I can't do the eden roc, simply cuz I already know too many people who recently got married there. I want some place different. I know the National hotel allows outside caterers for Indian weddings, but they have limited capacity. Any other sugessions?

PS: I've left my email on voicemails, but haven't gotten an email back yet!

Newly engaged, still lost, need help!

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